COVID-19 concerns? Get answers.
KNOWING if you currently have COVID-19 or if have already been exposed to the virus may be key to moving forward. Learn more about your status with an active infection or antibody test.
Learn how Quest can help you.
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Have you been diagnosed as positive for COVID-19 with a swab test in the past 10 days?
Learn how Quest can help you.
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Do you have a fever of 99.5°F or greater?
Learn how Quest can help you.
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Have you had any COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath) in the last 3 days?
Learn how Quest can help you.
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Have you been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
Check your antibody status.
Based on your answers, a COVID-19 antibody test may be right for you.
With this blood test, Quest can detect antibodies that show if you had a prior infection and may possibly have a lower risk of reinfection—even if you never felt sick. Understanding your antibody status gives you and your doctor or healthcare provider added insight to make informed decisions about returning to work or activity.
Next steps: There are two ways to get antibody testing. Decide which option is easiest for you.
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Option 1: Purchase the test for yourself through QuestDirect without visiting your doctor or healthcare provider. Then make an appointment at your closest Quest location. (Walk-ins not available. Face masks are required.) The cost cannot be submitted to health insurance with this option.
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Option 2: Ask your doctor or healthcare provider for a COVID-19 antibody test order, then make an appointment at your nearby Quest location. (Walk-ins not available. Face masks are required.) The doctor or healthcare provider’s order is required for this option, and the cost can be submitted to your health insurance.
READ ON FOR TEST DETAILS
Check for current COVID-19 infection.
Based on your answers, you may have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 10 days and an active infection test may be right for you.
Next steps: There are three ways to get active infection testing.
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Option 1: Purchase the test for yourself through QuestDirect™. If you order with QuestDirect, you can have an at-home collection kit delivered to you, or make an appointment at a drive-thru collection site.
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Option 2: Contact your doctor or another authorized healthcare provider to discuss where in your community to get tested for an active infection. (Do not go to a Quest patient service center for this test.)
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Option 3: Find a testing location in your community. Quest’s national partnerships with Walmart and CVS Health provide drive-thru COVID-19 self-swab tests at select locations across the country. Or find local testing options through Google. (Do not go to a Quest patient service center for this test.)
Antibody vs active infection testing
Which one is right for you?
Antibody testing
This type of test detects antibodies that show if you have already recovered from a prior infection—even if you never showed signs of the illness. This means you may possibly have a lower risk of getting the virus again. Understanding your antibody status gives you and your doctor or healthcare provider added insight to assist in making an informed decision about returning to work or activity.
DETAILS:
- Need an order from your doctor or healthcare provider
- Also available to purchase yourself through QuestDirect without a doctor or healthcare provider visit
- Can get tested at a Quest location by appointment (if symptom-free for 10 days)
- Blood test
- For patients who have not experienced COVID-19 symptoms or have been symptom-free for 10 days
- Antibodies begin to become detectable 7 to 14 days after COVID-19 symptoms appear
- Get results through MyQuest
If this sounds like the best option for you, ask your doctor or healthcare provider for a COVID-19 antibody test order or order the test for yourself through QuestDirect. Then make an appointment at your nearby Quest location.
*The role of antibodies in preventing COVID-19 reinfection has yet to be established. Antibody testing for other respiratory illnesses (SARS-1, flu) also provides insight into possible future reinfection.
Active infection testing
This type of test helps to diagnose if you currently have an active COVID-19 infection. A diagnosis can guide you and your doctor or healthcare provider to make an informed decision about self-isolating to protect your family and friends.
DETAILS:
- You may purchase a test for yourself through QuestDirect™, without a doctor or healthcare provider visit (this option is available by ordering an at-home collection kit or by making an appointment at a drive-thru collection site)
- Or contact your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on where in your community to get tested for an active infection (We do not collect samples in Quest patient service center locations)
- You may also find a testing location through our national partners Walmart and CVS Health, or local testing options through Google.
- Test samples are sent to Quest laboratories for processing
- Nasal or throat swab test
- For patients who currently feel sick with COVID-19 symptoms or were exposed in the last 14 days
- Get results through MyQuest
If this sounds like the right option for you, contact your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment options. This test must be collected by your healthcare provider.
Testing without a doctor or healthcare provider visit
Through QuestDirect, you can order your own test to check for an active infection or COVID-19 antibodies.
Drive-thru test to confirm active COVID-19 infection
Quest and Walmart are providing drive-thru COVID-19 self-swab tests at select locations across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 (formally known as 2019-nCoV) is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, loss of smell, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feeling weak or lethargic, chills, muscle pain, lightheadedness or dizziness, headache, vomiting or diarrhea, slurred speech, and/or seizures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers many resources on COVID-19, including symptoms.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus spreads primarily from close person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. COVID-19 can even spread by people who are not showing any symptoms.
How can I prevent COVID-19?
• Practice social distancing at least 6 feet apart
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
How do I know if I have COVID-19?
If you suspect you may have COVID-19, contact your doctor or an authorized healthcare provider immediately for guidance. Your doctor or healthcare provider can review your symptoms to determine what testing is appropriate. If COVID-19 diagnostic testing for active infection makes sense for you, your doctor or healthcare provider will direct you where to get tested. Diagnostic testing includes collecting your specimens (for example, nose or throat swab). Your respiratory specimens will be sent to Quest for advanced testing to determine if you are positive for COVID-19 or not.
Drive-thru testing events are also being hosted by Quest and Walmart in select locations. Visit MyQuestCOVIDTest.com for event locations and eligibility requirements.
How do I know if I’m recovered from COVID-19?
You are considered “recovered” from COVID-19 and no longer infectious if it has been at least 10 days from start of your first symptoms, and at least 24 hours without a fever, and all other symptoms have improved.
Additionally, an antibody test may be able to detect if you have previously had an infection and already recovered—even if you never experienced symptoms. This means you may be at decreased risk for reinfection. In fact, in the more than 9 million COVID-19 tests performed worldwide, there have been no confirmed cases of reinfection.* However, more research is needed because it is not yet known how long antibodies will last after infection, and whether antibodies offer short- and/or long-term protection against getting infected again.
How accurate are COVID-19 tests?
Lab test accuracy is measured in two ways—specificity and sensitivity. The antibody tests currently offered by Quest Diagnostics have specificity values of 99.6% to 100% which keeps false positive results to a minimum. The antibody test sensitivity values are approximately 90% to 100%.
Quest’s antibody tests have met robust validation standards and have been granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) by the FDA for public health and clinical use.
Additionally, Quest verifies the tests using strict criteria for precision, reproducibility, accuracy, method comparison, cross-reactivity, and clinical performance.
The active infection (molecular) tests currently performed by Quest have been validated for FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the current pandemic. However, no COVID-19 active infection tests have clinical sensitivity and specificity data at this time. Learn more about the analytical validation studies to earn FDA EUA designation.
Why should I get tested for COVID-19?
If you suspect you have COVID-19 or were recently in contact with someone who had it, a swab test can diagnose if you have an active infection. Knowing if you currently have COVID-19 gives you the information you need to self-isolate and protect everyone around you.
If you suspect that you previously had COVID-19, even if you never showed signs of being sick, you can take an antibody blood test to confirm prior infection. If the test detects antibodies, you may possibly have a lower risk of getting the virus again.
Understanding your antibody status also gives you and your healthcare provider the insight to make an informed decision about returning to activity. Other reasons why it’s beneficial to know if you are positive for COVID-19 antibodies include:
- Encouraging those you were in contact with to talk to their doctor about getting tested
- Minimizing the need to be monitored and retested for COVID-19 infection\
- Donating plasma for those who are seriously ill from COVID-19
Doing your part to slow the spread of the virus by being counted in global pandemic statistics.
How should I prepare for an antibody test appointment?
Follow these tips when preparing for your COVID-19 antibody test appointment at a Quest patient service center.
• Preregister when scheduling your appointment
• During check-in, request a text alert when it’s your turn, so you can wait in your car or outside in the fresh air
• Come by yourself or with just one person if you need help
• Required: Wear a face mask or covering (bandanas and homemade masks are acceptable)
Is COVID-19 testing covered by insurance?
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act require that health insurance providers cover both diagnostic active infection tests and antibody tests.
However, those without insurance or those who don’t want to wait for a doctor or healthcare provider’s order, may purchase antibody testing for themselves through QuestDirect. Ordering the test online at QuestDirect does not require a doctor or healthcare provider’s order, and it is not submitted to insurance.
Is it safe to go to a Quest patient service center for testing services?
Quest has strong safety procedures in place at all times. These protect patients and employees from coming into contact with any infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 public health crisis, we have taken more precautions with our new Peace of Mind program that makes it easier and safer to access the testing you need from Quest.
Peace of Mind measures include:
• Requiring face masks for all patients and employees
• Providing gloves to patients to use touchscreen kiosks
• Disinfecting all surfaces more frequently
• Dedicating the first hour of each day to vulnerable patients who are 60 years of age or older, pregnant, or have underlying medical conditions
• Offering a text alert option that allows patients to wait for appointments outside
• Limiting the number of people in the waiting room
• Mandating enhanced COVID-19 safety training for employees
• Equipping employees with additional personal protective equipment
• Washing hands more frequently for at least 20 seconds
• Using a no-contact technique to check patients’ temperatures upon entry
Also, patients who suspect they have COVID-19 should not come to our patient service centers. They should contact their doctor or an authorized healthcare provider.
IgG antibody serology testing
The test is intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. Results are for the detection of SARS CoV-2 antibodies. IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are generally detectable in blood several days after initial infection, although the duration of time antibodies are present post-infection is not well characterized. At this time, it is unknown for how long antibodies persist following infection and if the presence of antibodies confers protective immunity. Individuals may have detectable virus present for several weeks following seroconversion. Negative results do not preclude acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. If acute infection is suspected, molecular testing for SARSCoV-2 is necessary. The test should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. False positive results for the test may occur due to cross-reactivity from pre-existing antibodies or other possible causes.
- This test has not been reviewed by the FDA.
- Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals.
- Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
- Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.
Molecular testing emergency use authorization (EUA)
The Quest Diagnostics, Roche, and Hologic tests have not been FDA cleared or approved;
These tests have been authorized by the FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories;
These tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and
These tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
COVID-19 immune response appointments
Do you have a doctor's order or did you purchase your test through QuestDirect?
NO — Ask your doctor for an order or purchase from QuestDirect.
REMINDER: Face masks or coverings are required in all Quest locations.
Important information about COVID-19 antibody testing
The test is designed to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibodies are proteins that the body produces in response to infections. The antibodies can be produced even if a person has few or no symptoms during the infection.
It generally takes some time after infection for antibodies to be produced and become detectable in blood (sometimes up to 3 weeks). It is important to remember that we do not yet know whether having antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 will prevent against getting the infection again or if you are totally free of the virus. Antibodies are generally detectable in the blood for a period of time after a person has recovered from the infection and after the virus that caused the infection is no longer detectable by laboratory methods.
Sometimes the antibodies developed in response to an infection protect us from getting that same infection again. But, it is important to know that we do not yet know whether this is true for COVID-19. Even if you have recovered and have antibodies, there is a chance that you still have the virus and you can infect others, it is still critical to keep taking measures to avoid getting infected again and/or spreading infection.
The antibody test is not meant for detecting an active infection. The swab test (sometimes also known as a molecular, RNA or PCR test) should be used to test for active infection.
A negative antibody test result means that antibodies were not detected in your blood sample. This can have several possible meanings. It could mean that:
- You have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2, or
- You have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, but your antibodies have not reached a sufficient level for the test to be able to detect them, or
- You have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, but there has not been enough time for antibodies to develop (it can take up to 1 to 3 weeks to develop antibodies after someone is infected, sometimes longer).
A positive antibody test result means that antibodies were detected in your blood sample. This can have a couple of possible meanings. It could mean that:
- You have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 at some point in the past, or
- Uncommonly, you may have developed antibodies from an earlier infection with a different virus related to SARS-CoV-2 and the laboratory test cannot distinguish between these other virus antibodies and those antibodies generated in response to SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19 testing statements
- The antibody tests and the molecular tests (together “All tests”) have not been FDA cleared or approved;
- All tests have been authorized by FDA under EUAs for use by authorized laboratories;
- The antibody tests have been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens;
- The molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses, pathogens; and,
- All tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.