The COVID-19 PCR test is billed to your insurance by the outside lab and results are typically available in 2-4 days. There is a $39 collection charge for insured patients. Self-pay price is $139 to cover the lab fee.
A Quidel Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test (results in 15 minutes) is available for $100.
Fast & Accurate PCR & Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Testing in Tampa, FL
Are you concerned about a possible COVID-19 infection or exposure? If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea, come to South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, Florida. At our walk-in clinic, you can see a doctor and receive an accurate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test, with lab results available in 2-4 days.
After consulting with the doctor, you may also opt to receive a rapid antigen COVID-19 test. The results will be available in approximately 15 minutes.
How Do You Test for an Active COVID-19 Infection?
At South Tampa Immediate Care, PCR COVID-19 testing involves a nasopharyngeal culture, which is a relatively simple test used to diagnose many upper respiratory infections, including influenza A and B. A provider will collect a sample of secretions from the uppermost part of your throat, directly behind your nose, for evaluation in a lab. To do so, the provider will:
- Ask you to tilt your head slightly back
- Gently insert a long, flexible swab into one of your nostrils
- Twirl the swab several times and leave it in place for a few seconds to help ensure that an adequate secretion sample is collected
- Remove the swab and place it into a labeled vial
- Repeat the swabbing process in your other nostril
After your PCR test is complete, the sample will be sent to a lab, where it will be checked for evidence of the virus that causes COVID-19. Your provider can use your lab test results, which will be available within approximately 2-4 days, to confirm or rule out a COVID-19 diagnosis. During flu season, we test our patients for both COVID-19 and influenza.
Turn to Us With Confidence
Throughout these uncertain times, you can continue to turn to South Tampa Immediate Care with confidence. We are taking steps above and beyond our standard infection control protocols to protect our patients and staff from COVID-19. In addition to offering telemedicine services, we are continually sterilizing our facility throughout our daily hours of operation.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, are concerned about a possible COVID-19 exposure, or have another non-life-threatening health issue, contact South Tampa Immediate Care today. In addition to PCR testing and rapid antigen testing to detect an active COVID-19 infection, we offer antibody testing to detect a past COVID-19 infection. No appointment is necessary! We also continue to see patients for non-COVID-related reasons privately and safely.