COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing at the Pharmacy or Testing Location. Same Day Results.

About Rapid Antigen testing

Rapid antigen tests are good for testing people who are showing signs and symptoms of an active COVID infection. The most ideal time to get an accurate test result from a rapid antigen test is 5-7 days from the onset of symptoms.

What are the pros and cons of taking a rapid antigen test versus a PCR test?

Rapid antigen tests are not as sensitive as RT-PCR tests and are more likely to give a false negative result in people who have lower amounts of the virus in their nasal secretions. If you have symptoms AND your test result comes back negative, we recommend you get one of our PCR tests (either the at home kit or in pharmacy kit or rapid PCR test in the pharmacy). The benefit of a rapid antigen test is its speed; results are usually available in 10 to 15 minutes.

Does the antigen test use saliva or a nasal swab?

Most of the rapid antigen tests that are on the market right now use a nasal swab but some can be run with a saliva sample.

What do my results mean?

Your results are reported as either positive/detected, negative/not detected or indeterminate.
A positive result means that the SARS-2 COVID-19 viral RNA particles were detected in your sample.
A negative result means that the RNA particles were NOT detected in your sample.
An indeterminate result can be reported for a few reasons. Your testing provider will provide guidance if this occurs.

What if I get a positive test result?

If you are symptomatic and you receive a positive result, you should isolate yourself according to the CDC guidelines. If you receive a positive result and you are not displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, it is recommended you follow up with a PCR test (link back to the self administered kit) because antigen tests are not accurate in determining if you are an asymptomatic carrier of the SARS CoV-2 virus.

What if I test negative and I have symptoms that may be consistent with COVID-19?

If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, and your rapid antigen test is negative, it is recommended that you do a follow up test with a PCR test. There are many viruses or bacterial infections that can cause the same or many of the same symptoms as COVID-19 and it is possible to also be infected with more than one virus or bacterial infection at the same time. Despite this, it is best to get a follow up PCR test if your antigen test came back negative when you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Regardless, you should isolate yourself if you are sick.

Will I get a copy of my results?

If your pharmacy is offering rapid antigen testing through the AZOVA network, you will receive an email and SMS notification with a link to access your secure results through your AZOVA account. In addition, your results will automatically be added to your COVID Credentials on AZOVA. You can share your COVID Credentials with anyone you like. You can also track and share your COVID immunization information through your COVID Credentials.

How long does it take to get a result for a rapid antigen test?

A rapid antigen test usually gives you results in 10 to 15 minutes.

What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

Quarantine is the process of keeping someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive to COVID-19, please refer to the CDC guidelines for quarantine here. Isolation is the process for isolating someone who is sick or who tested positive for COVID-19 away from others. You can read more about CDC isolation guidelines here.

Will my test results be reported to my state?

Yes. By law, rapid antigen test results are reported to your state.

Is the test covered by insurance?

COVID testing through AZOVA is a self-pay service. AZOVA does not submit claims to any insurance company. We will provide you with a receipt in your email and in your AZOVA account that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. This is not a guarantee that your insurance will cover the cost of the test. Whether or not your insurance will cover the cost of the test is up to your insurance provider. You can use most HSA or FSA cards to purchase a COVID test, however reimbursement is up to your employer.