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.
Get an Instant COVID-19 Test in Tampa, FL
Do you need an instant COVID-19 test for travel or peace of mind? If you are in the Tampa, Florida, area, you are welcome to come to South Tampa Immediate Care. We are pleased to offer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and rapid antigen testing to detect an active COVID-19 infection. During an in-person visit to our walk-in clinic or a remote telemedicine consultation, you can talk with an experienced physician who will be pleased to help you decide whether COVID-19 testing is right for you.
PCR Testing
At South Tampa Immediate Care, the COVID-19 testing process begins with a PCR test, the current gold standard for diagnosing an active coronavirus infection. After we collect a small sample of secretions from your nose and throat, your test will be analyzed in a lab for evidence of genetic material specific to SARS-CoV-2, the new and contagious virus that causes COVID-19. Typically, the results of this highly accurate COVID-19 test are available within 48 to 72 weekday business hours.
Rapid Antigen
After your physician consultation and PCR test, you may opt to receive a rapid antigen test on the same day. Like PCR testing, COVID-19 rapid antigen testing involves a relatively quick and simple nasal swab, which is analyzed for evidence of protein fragments unique to SARS-CoV-2. However, we can process this instant test on the spot and provide your results within approximately 15 minutes.
Of the two types of COVID-19 testing, the rapid antigen test provides the quickest results. However, there is a tradeoff in the form of lower accuracy. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), positive results from COVID-19 antigen testing are reasonably accurate, but false negatives are common. Therefore, a negative result does not conclusively rule out an infection.
Getting the Most Accurate Result
With that in mind, we recommend a PCR test for anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as persistent coughing, a low-grade fever, and shortness of breath. For a faster answer, many patients opt to follow up their PCR test with a rapid antigen test.
If you choose to do so, just keep in mind that while a positive result from this instant test is generally reliable, a negative result is not. Therefore, until you receive the results of your PCR test, you should act as though you are infected, which means you should self-isolate to avoid spreading the illness to others.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, are concerned about a possible exposure, or have another non-emergency health issue, contact South Tampa Immediate Care today. As always, we are committed to keeping our patients safe and healthy during these unprecedented times.
