COVID-19
COVID-19: Find the right test for you
With three types of COVID-19 tests, you need the right information to determine which test is right for you today.
Test method
Nasal swab
Key Feature
In-person appointments or at-home collection kit available
WHAT & WHY
Checks for genetic material produced by the virus (viral RNA) to determine if someone is currently infected.
Get active infection testing to find out:
If you have a current COVID-19 infection.
To meet testing requirements for school, work, or travel. Schedule appointment with as much lead time as your activity allows.
How to get the test
See if you're eligible for $0 out-of-pocket testing.
Testing available for ages 2+, regardless of symptoms.
Get startedPurchase an at-home kit.
Buy Now
Test method
Nasal swab
Key Feature
Rapid results in just 15-30 minutes
WHAT & WHY
Checks if someone is currently infected by looking for viral proteins.
Get antigen testing to find out:
If you have a current COVID-19 infection.
To meet testing requirements for school, work, or travel.
How to get the test
See if you're eligible for $0 out-of-pocket testing.
Limited availability. Testing for ages 2+, regardless of symptoms.
Get Started
Test method
Blood test collected at a Quest location
Key Feature
Know your antibody status
WHAT & WHY
Checks for spike protein antibodies to detect a prior or recent infection, regardless of whether sypmptoms were present.
Get antibody testing to find out:
If you had a prior or recent COVID-19 infection and now have antibodies.*
Your antibody level over time by using the same test from the same lab.*
*Note: Positive results may occur after COVID-19 vaccination, but the clinical significance is not yet known. It is not yet known how effective this test is at detecting antibodies in those that have been vaccinated. Additionally, how long antibodies remain detectable after infection or vaccination and how long protection, if any, may last is also not known. The results of this test should not be interpreted as an indication of degree of immunity or protection.
How to get the test
Purchase the test for yourself.
Buy NowOr request an order from your doctor.
COVID-19 tests at a glance
See which COVID-19 test is right for your situation.
| Active infection molecular (eg, PCR) | Rapid antigen | Antibody | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why get tested | |||
| Why get tested | To see if you currently have a COVID-19 infection To meet testing requirements for school, work, or travel | To see if you currently have a COVID-19 infection To meet testing requirements for school, work, or travel | To see if you have COVID-19 antibodies To track antibody levels over time Not for determining a current infection |
| ACCURACY | |||
| ACCURACY | Better This test is highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated | Good This test has a lower accuracy than molecular (eg, PCR) tests† | Not applicable |
| Symptom status | |||
| Symptom status | Regardless of symptoms | Regardless of symptoms† | No symptoms If you have COVID-19 symptoms, consider an active infection or rapid antigen test instead |
| Typical Results turnaround | |||
| Typical Results turnaround | 1-3 days | 15-30 minutes | 1-2 days |
| Method | |||
| Method | Nasal swab | Nasal swab | Blood test |
| LEARN MORE | |||
| LEARN MORE | Active infection  | Rapid Antigen | Antibody |
| *Positive results with the antibody test may occur after COVID-19 vaccination, but the clinical significance is not yet known. How long antibodies remain detectable after infection or vaccination and how long protection, if any, may last is not yet known. The results of this test should not be interpreted as an indication of degree of immunity or protection. †Rapid antigen tests are less accurate than molecular tests, so your doctor may recommend a molecular test when your antigen test result does not make sense with your symptoms and exposure history. For example, when the antigen test says you are infected but you do not have symptoms (and have not been exposed recently). Another example is when your antigen test says you are not infected but you have symptoms. Rapid antigen tests have their best accuracy within 7 days of symptoms starting. Accuracy and the clinical significance of results beyond the 7 days is not known. COVID-19 testing statements
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Is it COVID-19 or the flu?
With a single test, Quest's COVID-19 + flu panel helps your doctor determine which illness is making you feel sick, so you can get the right treatment.
Get tested at Quest
We’re making it as easy and safe as possible for you to access routine lab services at Quest.
Check out the strengthened safety precautions in each of our more than 2,400 Patient Service Centers across the country.
COVID-19 prevention
Protect yourself from COVID-19 with simple prevention methods from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
News updates
Throughout the pandemic, Quest has led testing efforts by processing millions of COVID-19 tests. Review the latest statistics.
Choose the right test
When it comes to COVID-19 testing, there is a lot of important information to consider. Get the facts about each test option.
About the FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Status
This test has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This means that while Quest Diagnostics has validated the test and has the data to believe the test and the collection kit are accurate, this test has not been FDA-cleared or -approved; This test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories; this test has been authorized only for the detection of IgG Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and, this test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use on 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. Additional studies need to be conducted for this test and others like it to be FDA cleared or approved.
