- How Long Does It Take to Get COVID Results by Test Type?

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Clear19 uses a robotic lab that can process 90, specimens overnight, delivering test results to patients within 24 hours. That's why we can guarantee overnight results," said Sandy Walia, founder and director of Clear The company also offers same-day testing, which Walia called "the private jet of testing.

The price for a rush test result? Molecular tests are more sensitive than rapid antigen or lateral flow tests, meaning they detect the virus, including the Omicron variant , early and before an individual is contagious in some cases. They are gentle and non-invasive, meaning patients are no longer required to practically have their brains tickled with a long, thin nasal swab.

Walia expects that current strict testing requirements for travel, which vary by country, will eventually loosen, and demand for overnight and faster results will recede. But testing will remain crucial for preventing the global spread of new variants.

But if this thing is still around for a little while, testing will be the only way to prevent global spread," she said. Sameday Health, another testing outfit started during the pandemic, has also sought to expedite the turnaround time for COVID tests. Emad, who says the self-funded company is already profitable, thinks demand for PCR testing will hold steady as cases of the virus remain elevated.

It seems Omicron doesn't care if you're fully vaccinated or have the booster, we are still seeing breakthrough cases in people who have their triple shot, and we are here if we are needed," he said. Experts say U. Most insurance providers cover basic PCR testing services that deliver results in 48 hours, but that have proven inadequate for people who need their results faster than two days. Depending on the clinic and patient's insurance plan, a portion of the cost of the rush test may also be covered.

Earlier this month, as part of its winter plan to battle COVID, the White House said it would require insurers to reimburse Americans for the cost of over-the-counter at-home tests, in addition to those that are administered at the point of care. In New York, medical provider CityMD is advertising three- to five-day turnaround times for PCR tests, the costs of which are fully covered by most insurers, according to the drop-in health services provider.

A five-day old test result is useless for someone who is en route to Canada, for example, which requires proof of a negative PCR test administered within 72 hours of takeoff. One reason for the widespread delay in delivering results likely has to do with staffing challenges , experts said. Rapid antigen tests can be done completely at home. It's possible to get PCR test results in a few hours if you have direct access to a lab and there is no one else waiting.

However, as this scenario is unlikely, a rapid antigen test will almost always provide faster results. That said, the PCR test will still produce more accurate results.

If you get a positive COVID test result—no matter which test you use—you should stay home and isolate. Generally, you are contagious for about 10 days after you are infected with the virus.

Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about testing, quarantine, or treatment. You can help prevent the spread of COVID by getting tested if you have symptoms, staying home if you are sick, isolating yourself from others as you quarantine, practicing frequent handwashing, and wearing a face mask. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated November 23, Updated August 7, February ;n doi Hafer N.

Updated November 9, Updated April 21, Updated December 15, Infectious Diseases Society of America. Rapid testing. Updated October 25, When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests.

You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookie Settings. Infectious Diseases. Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. Learn about our editorial process. Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals.

These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. Ronald Lubelchek, MD. Medically reviewed by Ronald Lubelchek, MD. Learn about our Medical Expert Board. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. PCR Test.

Rapid Test. Choosing a Test. Frequently Asked Questions. When you get the kit or arrive at your testing center, you or a technician will insert a testing swab into your nose.

If you are doing the swabbing, you will be instructed how far to insert the swab into your nose and how many swipes to take inside each side of your nose. Usually, you will swab each nostril with the same swab for the best results. When the test is done, you will go home or send in your test kit and wait for the results. How long it takes will depend on the lab or service that you use and the demand in your area. It typically takes several days to receive results from a PCR test—or several hours at minimum.

Cons Can be too sensitive e. Rapid Antigen COVID Testing The first step in getting a rapid antigen test is to order your test kit online or pick it up from a store or healthcare office. When you open the kit, read the instructions carefully. Each manufacturer may have different instructions to follow. In most cases, the kit will include a liquid, a swab, and a container or holder to put the swab in while you wait for the test results.

For the next step, you will usually be instructed to wet the testing area with a liquid that comes with the kit. You will then use the enclosed swab to collect your sample. This typically involves circling the swab several times in each of your nostrils. Once you are done swabbing, you will place the swab onto or into the test kit as instructed.

     

- Why pcr takes time

  His lab can process 93 samples at a time and run a few cycles a day, up to about , he said. The tests are processed on a small device already installed in thousands of medical offices, ERs, urgent care clinics and other settings. Read this next. Antigen tests are generally quicker but have a higher chance of giving false-negative results. Other test kit makers and labs are also ramping up capacity. Some labs have larger staffs and more machines, so they can process more tests at a time than others.