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.

When to Get Tested for COVID-19

Doctor taking a PCR test nasopharyngeal culture through a woman's nose with a cotton swab to check for coronavirus (COVID-19).

The current tests for COVID-19 include a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and a rapid antigen test, both of which involve a nasal swab. There is also an antibody test, which is a blood test that can determine whether you had an infection in the past.

So, with several coronavirus testing options now readily available, you might be wondering if and when you should get tested. For instance, what if you were recently exposed to someone who had COVID-19? Would it be best to wait until you have symptoms before you get tested? And would it be worthwhile to find out if you were infected in the past?

Reliable Answers From Trusted Medical Professionals

South Tampa Immediate Care offers fast and accurate COVID-19 testing in Tampa, Florida. Our experienced and friendly team will be pleased to help you decide which test(s) are right for you. In general, based on the latest guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we suggest that you get tested for an active COVID-19 infection as soon as possible if:

  • You have COVID-19 symptoms, such as a low-grade fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, or a new loss of taste or smell
  • You had close contact with an infected person, which means you were within a physical distance of 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or longer in a 24-hour period*
  • You recently participated in certain activities—such as traveling, attending a large gathering, or being in a crowded indoor setting—that increased your risk of contracting COVID-19 because you could not follow social distancing guidelines

If you have further questions or would like to get tested for COVID-19, contact South Tampa Immediate Care today. You can also confidently turn to us for non-emergency health care services that are unrelated to COVID-19.

*If you are fully vaccinated or you tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and have fully recovered, and you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, you do not need to get tested for COVID-19 after being exposed to an infected person.