How It Works:

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is highly contagious. Cases of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. Most people infected with this virus have mild symptoms. Some people who are infected don’t have any symptoms and don’t feel sick but can still transmit the virus to others. More severe cases of COVID-19 have been seen in older adults and those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health issues. However, serious illness can also occur in younger adults.

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) spreads easily from person-to-person, even when an infected person is not showing symptoms. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets containing the virus go into the air. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, exposing them to the virus. People may also be exposed to COVID-19 by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a surface with the virus on it. Although this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, researchers are still learning more about COVID-19.

Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (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.

The COVID-19 Active Infection PCR Test is an anterior nares (nasal) swab collection kit that can be used during an observed self-collection at a drive-through location.

• Drive-Thru Collection testing: Once you arrive at a drive-thru location at your selected appointment time for an observed self-collection of a nasal swab sample, remain in your car while a trained healthcare professional observes you swabbing your nose to ensure the sample is collected correctly. Afterward, drop the sealed sample into a container on your way out of the drive-thru location.
• Curbside Pick-up: Self-collection kits are available at some locations via curbside pick-up. A Walmart associate will bring the kit to your car. Upon completion, you will need to drop the kit off at a nearby FedEx Drop Box location. Nearby Drop Box locations will be provided to you upon receipt of your kit.

While you wait on your results, we suggest you continue to follow your federal, state, and local government guidance.

If your results are positive, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately, self-isolate, and monitor your symptoms.

If your results are negative, you were most likely not infected with COVID-19 at the time of sample collection. However, it is important to note that in some cases there is not enough SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the sample to detect the virus. This can happen in a certain percentage of cases during the stages of infection. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation, and to take protective measures to avoid infecting others.

This test may be helpful if you:

• Currently have symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and/or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms may include tiredness, body or muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and/or runny or stuffy nose.
• Live or work in a place where people reside, meet, or gather in close proximity (this can include healthcare settings, homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, group homes, prisons, detention centers, schools, and workplaces).
• Have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.
• Your employer, public health department, contact investigator, or healthcare provider has identified you as someone who should get tested.
• You are visiting a place that requires testing prior to arrival. This testing can also be used to identify individuals who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 or have no known exposure to SARS-CoV-2, but who are unknowingly infected.
• You are trying to determine if a prior infection with COVID-19 has resolved.

This test may not be helpful if you:

• Currently have severe symptoms that limit your daily activities. Seek medical attention right away if this is the case.
• Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months. When you test positive, you will not need to be tested again for 3 months, as long as you do not develop new symptoms. For some individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, parts of the virus may continue to be in their samples for up to 3 months, although they may not be contagious during this time.

Test results will confirm whether or not you are infected with COVID-19.

If your results are positive, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately, self-isolate, and monitor your symptoms.

If your results are negative, you were most likely not infected with COVID-19 at the time of sample collection. However, it is important to note that in some cases there is not enough SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the sample to detect the virus. This can happen in a certain percentage of cases during the stages of infection. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation, and to take protective measures to avoid infecting others.

You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test. Further instructions will be provided to you at the testing facility or in your test kit.

As testing conditions continue to evolve, stay up to date on estimated turnaround times.

You can get your QuestDirect results through MyQuest, our secure online patient portal. Results are delivered directly to MyQuest on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready.

PWNHealth is an independent healthcare provider network that provides oversight services to you in connection with the laboratory testing that you have requested. PWNHealth and its services are independent from the laboratory and company from whom you requested and registered for the test and their services.

If your test results are abnormal, PWNHealth’s Care Coordination Team may attempt to contact you to notify you of your results. You will also have an opportunity to schedule a telehealth consult with an independent licensed physician or other healthcare provider from PWNHealth, who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps.