All patients must see our physician before receiving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) PCR testing.
COVID-19-related visits include a physician evaluation and a PCR test, which is the most accurate test available. The PCR test is billed to your insurance by the outside lab and results are typically available in 2-4 days.
A Quidel Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test (results in 15 minutes) may be added on the same day as a physician visit for a cash-pay price of $75.
The Rapid Antigen cash-pay price for asymptomatic patients who are uninsured or need testing for travel or employment is $100.
There is a $25 cash-pay price for the blood draw for an Antibody Test. Check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the lab cost.
How Long Does It Take to Get COVID-19 Test Results?
While there is still no known cure for COVID-19, testing has become an important tool for understanding the virus and preventing its spread. South Tampa Immediate Care is a reliable source of coronavirus testing in Tampa, Florida.
The time it takes to test your sample and receive your results can vary based on the type of test you have. At South Tampa Immediate Care, we offer:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 Testing
The current gold standard in COVID-19 testing, a PCR test can detect genetic material that is specific to SARS-CoV-2, the new and highly contagious virus that causes COVID-19. PCR testing involves a relatively simple nasal swab sampling to collect a secretion sample from the nose and throat. The sample is then processed in a lab, with the results typically available within 48 to 72 weekday business hours.
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing
A COVID-19 rapid antigen test can detect protein fragments that are specific to SARS-CoV-2. Similar to PCR testing, rapid antigen testing involves a nasal swab. The sample can be processed immediately, with the results typically available within approximately 15 minutes. As compared to PCR testing, rapid antigen testing has a lower sensitivity—it requires a larger amount of the virus to be present—but provides a faster result.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
A COVID-19 antibody test can detect certain proteins produced by the body’s immune system in response to a coronavirus exposure. Antibody testing involves a blood draw. COVID-19 antibodies can take up to several weeks to develop and may remain in the blood after recovery. As such, COVID-19 antibody testing should be performed 14 days after an infection or a close-contact exposure. The sample is processed in a lab, with the results typically available within 48 to 72 weekday business hours.
What to Do After You Receive Your COVID-19 Test Results
A positive result from a PCR or antigen test indicates that you may have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to care for yourself and protect others, such as self-isolating and notifying everyone you had recently had close contact with. Also, while a negative result can be reassuring, keep in mind that a false negative is possible based on the timing of your exposure and your test. For instance, if you were tested immediately after exposure, you may have had a low viral load (the amount of the virus in your sample), which is common during the first few days after a COVID-19 infection.
A positive result from a COVID-19 antibody test does not conclusively indicate immunity. Scientists are still studying the effects of the antibodies detected by COVID-19 antibody testing and whether (and to what extent) they can prevent future infections. That means you should still take all necessary precautions, such as wearing a cloth face mask and practicing social distancing, to protect yourself and others.
If you have questions or would like to receive a COVID-19 test, contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, FL, today.
