COVID-19 Rapid Testing in New York

The NY Forward Rapid Test Program is a public-private collaboration designed to expand rapid testing sites across New York State with the goal of building consumer confidence. This new network of testing centers will provide New Yorkers with convenient access to low-cost COVID-19 rapid tests that will help to safely accelerate reopening of the state’s economy, including the cultural sector and event economy. For more information, click here.

This is an antigen test which checks the presence of a viral antigen (protein), which can help determine if someone has COVID-19 and may spread it to others.

Molecular tests, on the other hand, check for genetic material (viral RNA) produced by the virus to determine if someone is currently infected, and are generally better at detecting infections than antigen tests. It is important to note that antigen tests have a lower sensitivity than molecular tests, which may result in a higher false negative rate.

An antibody test checks to see if you’ve developed antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19, which occurs after being exposed to the virus. Antibody tests do not show whether a person is currently infected.

Because this testing solution is not for diagnosing a person that is suspected of being infected, then insurance probably will not pay for this testing solution. Other COVID-19 testing solutions are available for $0 out-of-pocket when billed to your health plan or the government. To learn more, visit QuestCOVID19.com or contact your healthcare provider.

If you’re a NY business that wants to work with Quest to offer COVID-19 testing, please email us at PopulationHealth@QuestDiagnostics.com.

If you're a small business with up to 1000 employees and are interested in pre-purchasing bulk testing, QuestDirect has a Small Employer Program that may be right for you. Reach out to questdirectbusinesssupport@questdiagnostics.com to get started.

There are no cancellation fees for this program. To receive a refund, you must cancel your appointment and your order at least one hour before your appointment by following these instructions. Most refunds will arrive in about 3-5 days.

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.