COVID-19 PCR Testing
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are highly sensitive and highly accurate. A COVID-19 PCR test detects genetic material, called RNA, from the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). A specimen sample is collected from the nose or mouth and is then sent to a lab for processing. On average, test results are available within 24-72 hours.
Please use this page to find where you can acquire a COVID-19 PCR test near you.
Please note, these should be considered options and not a comprehensive list of all locations and businesses offering COVID-19 PCR tests.
For questions or assistance call our COVID-19 Hotline at (909) 387-3911, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Individuals younger than 18 years must have a parent or legal guardian present during the testing process.
Appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability and might experience longer wait times.
Find COVID-19 PCR Testing Sites
Or call (888) 634-1123 to make an appointment. Please do not call the venues about testing or appointments.
Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins are welcome up to 30 minutes before closing for COVID-19 testing and 1 hour before closing for Test to Treat services.
Please be aware, all OptumServe testing sites throughout California will be closing by February 25th, 2023 in alignment with the end of the State of Emergency.
OptumServe Testing Sites
State testing sites are hosted by OptumServe in partnership with the California Department of Public Health. All State testing sites are open to the general public. Testing is free for all individuals, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, undocumented, or homeless.
Please see all OptumServe testing sites in San Bernardino County below.
For any questions regarding the OptumServe sites please call the LHI Call Center at (866) 284-8788.
Test to Treat Program
To learn more about COVID-19 Treatments, Therapeutics & Test to Treat information, you may visit: sbcovid19.com/treatments-and-therapeutics-for-covid-19/
To find all providers of Test to Treat, please visit: covid-19-test-to-treat-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com
To find COVID-19 PCR testing near you, please select one of the following options:
- Tri-State Community Health Center
Address: 11888 Bartlett Ave., Adelanto 92301
Phone: (760) 530-9944
tristateclinics.org
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR
Cost: Free with Insurance or $140
- CVS
Address: 12058 Palmdale Rd., Adelanto 92301
Phone: (760) 246-2803
cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 21650 US Highway 18, Apple valley 92307
Phone: (760) 240 – 0866
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen Take Home Test
- Walgreens
Address: 12109 Apple Valley Rd., Apple Valley 92308
Phone: (760) 240-5896
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- CVS (Online order)
Address: 42136 Big bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake 92315
Phone: (909) 878 – 0060
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 42107 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake 92315
Phone: (909) 866 -1076
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- LHP
Address: 13721 Rosewell Ave., Chino 91710
Phone: (909) 631-6002
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, POC
- Chino Care Pharmacy
Address: 413085 Central Ave., Chino 91710
Phone: (909) 927-8323
Website: chinocarerx.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free or copay with Insurance or $119-$179.50
- Lani City Medical – Chino
Address: 4036 Grand Ave., Ste. A, Chino 91710
Phone: (909) 465-5000
Website: www.lanicitymed.com
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed on Sunday
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free or copay with Insurance or $119-$179.50
- TotalCare
Address: 13768 Roswell Ave., Chino 91710
Phone: (909) 591-8200
Type of test(s) Offered: POC Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab
Cost: Free with insurance or $80-$165
- Walgreens
Address: 12490 Central Ave., Chino 91710
Phone: (909) 464 – 9520
Website:
walgreens.com
PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Sav-on Pharmacy
Address: 3255 Grand Ave., Chino Hills 91709
Phone: (909) 590-8373
Website: www.albertsons.com/pharmacy.html
Type of test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Sav-on Pharmacy
Address: 15970 Los Serranos City Club Dr., Chino Hills 91709
Phone: (909) 606-8185
Website: www.albertsons.com/pharmacy.html
Type of test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Rite Aid
Address: 15890 Soquel Canyon Parkway, Chino Hills 91709
Phone: (909) 597 – 3950
Website: riteaid.com
Type of test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 3320 Chino Hills Parkway, Chino Hills 91709
Phone: (909) 393 – 9056
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Colton Urgent Care
Address: 1181 N. Mount Vernon Ave., Colton 92324
Phone: (909) 639-8800
Website: Coltonurgentcare.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen and PCR Lab
Cost: Free with Insurance or $100-$150
- Unicare
Address: 308 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton 92324
Phone: (909) 457-3603
Website: unicarechc.org
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free
- ARROWHEAD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (ARMC)
400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton
Monday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The COVID-19 community testing site is located in the Outpatient Clinic lobby. Reserved parking is located in Lot 15, across from the Outpatient Clinic entrance. Testing continues to be by appointment only.
To make an appointment, please call the ARMC Referral Center at 1(855) 422-8029.
Click here to learn more about COVID-19 testing at ARMC.
ARMC COVID-19 Test Results will ONLY be reported through the Patient Portal. Click here for instructions on how to access the Patient Portal.
- Rite Aid
Address: 9940 Sierra Ave., Fontana 92335
Phone: (909) 822 – 8122
Website: riteaid.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Rite Aid
Address: 15331 Baseline Ave., Fontana 92336
Phone: (909) 574 – 2831
Website: riteaid.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Rite Aid
Address: 11673 Cherry Ave., Fontana 92337
Phone: (909) 357 – 2031
Website: riteaid.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 16049 Baseline Ave., Fontana 92336
Phone: (909) 829 – 1206
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 9840 Sierra Ave., Fontana 92335
Phone: (909) 350 – 0284
Website:cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 16108 Foothill Blvd., Fontana 92335
Phone: (909) 357 – 6900
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Walgreens
Address: 11121 Sierra Ave., Fontana 92337
Phone: (909) 356 – 9715
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Walgreens
Address: 16145 Sierra Lakes Pkwy., Fontana 92336
Phone: (909) 356 – 9167
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Vons Pharmacy
Address: 12199 Hesperia Rd., Hesperia 92345
Phone: (760) 241-8384
Website: www.vons.com/pharmacy.html
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 16975 Bear Valley Rd., Hesperia 92345
Phone: (760) 947 – 7043
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 17383 Main St., Hesperia 92345
Phone: (760) 948 – 0481
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Walgreens
Address: 15480 Main St. Hesperia 92345
Phone: (760) 947 – 2283
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Walgreens
Address: 17051 Bear Valley Rd., Hesperia 92345
Phone: (760) 948 – 7901 Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- CVS
Address: 7241 Boulder Ave., Highland 92346
Phone: (909) 425 – 1298
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 27310 Baseline St., Highland 92346
Phone: (909) 862 – 4048
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 27951 Baseline St., Highland
Phone: (909) 864 – 5701
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Mountains Community Hospital Rural Health
Address: 29099 Hospital Rd., Lake Arrowhead 92352
Phone: (909) 336-9715
Website: www.mchcares.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free with Insurance or $100-$200
- Yucaipa Urgent Care Center
Address: 33494 Oak Glen., Oak Glen 92399
Phone: (909) 797-8900
Website: www.yucaipaurgentcare.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab and point-of-Care Antigen test
Cost: Accepts some Insurance or $100-$150
- COVID Clinic
Address: 2022 E. Airport Dr., Lot F, Ontario 91761
Phone: (877) 219-8378
Website: www.covidclinic.org/ont
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen, Rapid PCR Lab, Point of Care (POC)
Cost: Free with Insurance or $75-$150
- Unicare Community Health Center, INC.
Address: 437 N. Euclid Ave., Ontario 91762
Phone: (909) 457-3603
Website: unicarechc.org
*Drive Through only. Please call to make an appointment and to confirm procedure prior to arrival.
Type of test(s) Offered: Over-the-counter (OTC) Antigen, PCR Lab, POC Antigen
Cost: Free
- Lani Medical Urgent Care
Address: 11398 Kenyon Way, Ste. J, Rancho Cucamonga 91730
Phone: (909) 727-3911
Website: lanicitymed.com
Cost: PCR is insurance only, POC Antigen Test: $189.50
- West Point Medical Center
Address: 8520 Archibald Ave., Rancho Cucamonga 91730
Phone: (909) 481-3909
Website: westpointmedicalcenter.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free with insurance or $85
- Central Urgent Medical Care
Address: 9695 Baseline Rd., Rancho Cucamonga 91730
Phone: (909) 941-0920
*** Appointments Only
Type of Test(s) Offered: POC Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab.
Cost: Most insurance accepted or $125-150
- Rite Aid
Address: 7399 Miliken Ave., Rancho Cucamonga 91730
Phone: (909) 944-3543
Website: riteaid.com
- CVS (Inside target Online Order)
Address: 10576 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga 91730
Phone: (909) 941-7406
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 7911 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga 91730
Phone: (909) 581-1966
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 8956 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga 91730
Phone: (909) 466- 5032
Website: cvs.com
- CVS
Address: 11428 Kenyon Way, Rancho Cucamonga 91701
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 7170 Day Creek Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga 91739
Phone: (909) 463 – 7846
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 6701 Carnelian St., Rancho Cucamonga 91701
Phone: (909) 581 – 1157
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Walgreens
Address: 6400 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga 91737
Phone: (909) 941 – 3857
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- Life Source Treamtnet Center
Address: 614 Alabama St., Suite C, Redlands 92373
Phone: (951) 477-5473
Website: ivhydrationtherapyredlands.com
- Redlands Urgent Care Center
Address: 301 W. Redlands Blvd., Redlands 92373
Phone: (909) 335-1900
Website: www.redlandsurgentcare.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab, Point of Care (POC)
Cost: Free with Insurance or $150
- Sav-on Pharmacy
Address: 450 E. Cypress Ave., Redlands 92373
Phone: (909) 793-2218
Website: www.albertsons.com/pharmacy.html
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
Cost: Free with Insurance or $12
- CVS
Address: 101 Redlands Mall, Redlands 92373
Phone: (909) 792 9684
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 800 Tri City Ctr., Redlands 92374
Phone: (909) 798 – 1524
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS (Inside Target Online Order)
Address: 27320 W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands 92374
Phone: (909) 307 – 1810
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 1795 E. Lugonia Ave., Redlands 92374
Phone: (909) 794 – 1721
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 800 E. Lugonia Ave., Redlands 92374
Phone: (909) 307 – 6964
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- CVS
Address: 211 W. Base Line, Rialto 92376
Phone: (909) 874 – 8002
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 918 E. Foothill Blvd., Rialto 92376
Phone: (909) 746 – 0131
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home, POC
- University Urgent Care
Address: 941 Kendall Dr., Ste. C, San Bernardino 92407
Phone: (909) 726-3200
Website: premiumhealth.us/locations/san-bernardino-covid-19-testing-site/
Type of Test(s) Offered: POC Rapid Antigen, Rapid PCR Lab, Antibody
Cost: Free with Insurance or $125
- West Point Medical Center
Address: 1800 Medical Center Dr., San Bernardino 92411
Phone: (909) 521-8818
Website: www.westpointmedicalcenter.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free with Insurance or $85
- Highland Community Pharmacy
Address: 1470 E. Highland Ave., Ste. A, San Bernardino 9204
Phone: (909) 882-4127
Website: doineedacovid19test.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free with insurance or $125
- San Bernardino Clinic (FQHC)
Address: 1329 N. H St., San Bernardino 92405
Phone: (909) 381-0803
Website: www.cnhfclinics.org
Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
*Please call the health center to confirm testing availability and procedures prior to arrival.
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free with Insurance
- COVID-19 Rapid Antigen & PCR Testing San Bernardino
Address: 228 W. Hospitality Ln., F2, San Bernardino 92408
Phone: (657) 395-4292
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, POC
- Premium Health
Address: 275 W. Hospitality Ln., Ste. 319, 92408
Phone: (888) 700-0750
Website: premiumhealth.us/locations/san-bernardino-covid-19-testing-site
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, POC
- Totalcare-San Bernardino
Address: 1292 W. Mill St., #105, San Bernardino 92410
Phone: (909) 253-0841
Website: totalcarenow.com/covid
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, POC
- Premier Urgent Care Center of California – San Bernardino
Address: 284 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino 92404
Phone: (909) 883-1098
Website:
www.premierurgentcarecalifornia.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, POC
Cost: Most Insurance accepted or $150-175
- Walgreens
Address: 1236 N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino 92404
Phone: (909) 885 – 7146
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 1634 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino 92404
Phone: (909) 882 – 2836
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 4041 N. Sierra Way, San Bernardino
Phone: (909) 881- 1813
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Ken Pharmacy
Address: 583 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland 91786
Phone: (909) 579-0719
Website: kenpharmacy.wordpress.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab
Cost: Free with insurance or $16.99-$99
- Sav-on Pharmacy
Address: 1910 N. Campus Ave., Upland 91784
Phone: (909) 946-3340
Website: www.albertsons.com/pharmacy.html
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab, Over-the-counter (OTC) Antigen take home
Cost: Free with Insurance or $12
- Vons Pharmacy
Address: 81 W. Foothill Blvd., Upland 91786
Phone: (909) 981-1114
Website: www.vons.com/pharmacy.html
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab, Over-the-counter (OTC) Antigen take home
Cost: Free with Insurance or $12
- ADVANCED URGENT CARE CENTER
Address: 974 W. Foothill Blvd., Upland 91786
Phone: (909) 981-2273
Website: www.optumcare.com/ocnc/facilities/ca/upland/974-w-foothill-blvd
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab
Cost: $70-$150
- CVS
Address: 690 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland 91786
Phone: (909) 608 – 7419
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS
Address: 2121 W. Baseline Rd., Upland 91784
Phone: (909) 608 – 7833
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 1241 W. Foothill Blvd., Upland
Phone: (909) 985 – 2713
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Shima Hadidchi M.D. APC
Address: 1270 Hesperia Rd., Victorville 92395
Phone: (760) 999-0918
Website: shimahadidchimd.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab
Cost: Free with insurance or $50-$80 or $120 if uninsured
- Dr. Arash Milani MD
Address: 12740 Hesperia Rd., Ste. B, Victorville 92395
Phone: (760) 999-0918
Website: arashmilanimd.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, POC
- HealthRUs Urgent Care Walk-In
Address: 13622 Bear Valley Rd., Victorville 92392
Phone: (760) 261-4255
Website: healthrus.info
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab
Cost: Free with insurance or $100-$150
- Clinica Mi Pueblo
Address: 14960 Bear Valley Rd., Victorville 92395
Phone: (760) 955-9300
Website: clinicamipueblo.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: Rapid Antigen, PCR Lab, Over-the-counter (OTC) Antigen take home
Cost: $50-$100
- Vons Pharmacy
Address: 12199 Hesperia Rd., Victorville 92395
Phone: (760) 241-8384
Website: www.vons.com/pharmacy.html
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab, Over-the-counter (OTC) Antigen take home
Cost: Free with insurance or $12
- CVS
Address: 14426 Palmdale Rd., Victorville 92392
Phone: (760) 243 – 1771
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 15318 Roy Rogers Dr., Victorville 92394
Phone: (760) 952 -7555
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 13655 Bear Valley Rd., Victorville 92392
Phone: (760) 949 – 8930
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 12184 Palmdale Rd., Victorville 92392
Phone: (760) 561 – 7009
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Rite Aid
Address: 11352 Bryant St., Yucaipa 92399
Phone: (909) 790 – 4232
Website: riteaid.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- CVS (online order)
Address: 33499 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa 92399
Phone: (909) 797 – 3500
Website: cvs.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 34503 Yucaipa Blvd. Yucaipa 92399
Phone: (909) 790 – 7464
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Vons Pharmacy
Address: 57590 29-Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley 92284
Phone: (760) 365-0651
Website: https://www.vons.com/pharmacy.html
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR Lab, Over-the-counter (OTC) Antigen take home
Cost: Free with Insurance or $12
- Rite Aid
Address: 57701 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley 92284
Phone: (760) 365 – 2618
Website: riteaid.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
- Walgreens
Address: 58133 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley 92284
Phone: (760) 369 4615
Website: walgreens.com
Type of Test(s) Offered: PCR, OTC Antigen take home
CVS
Drive-Through Testing (Indoor Testing Available Where Noted) | Appointment Only
Select locations in Adelanto, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Hesperia, Highland, Grand Terrace, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland and Victorville.
Visit CVS COVID-19 Testing for hours of operation and appointment availability. COVID-19 testing is performed at no cost with or without insurance.
RITE-AID PHARMACIES
Drive-Through Testing (Indoor Testing Available Where Noted) | Appointment Only
Select locations in Apple Valley, Barstow, Fontana, Hesperia, Ontario, Phelan, Rancho Cucamonga, Twentynine Palms, Victorville, Yucaipa, and Yucca Valley
Hours vary by location.
All patients are required to provide government issued identification, be at least 18 years old and need to pre-register online at Rite Aid Covid-19 Testing in order to schedule a time slot for testing. Patients will be asked to provide health insurance information to schedule an appointment. Most health insurance plans will cover the full cost of testing, at no expense to the patient. If patient does not have insurance, there will be no charges for the services provided.
Walgreens
Drive-Up | Appointment only
Select locations in Apple Valley, Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino and Victorville.
Walgreens is offering free, contactless COVID-19 testing for patients age 3 and up at select locations, in partnership with the PWNHealth provider network. Patients will need to show: confirmation email, state ID or driver’s license, and insurance card or voucher. Learn more and schedule an appointment here.
FAQS
COVID-19 PCR tests are 95% accurate in detecting a COVID-19 infection.
Both types of COVID-19 tests detect current infections. In certain circumstances, one test type may be recommended over the other.
The PCR tests are typically the most reliable tests for people with or without symptoms.
However, the genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19 can stay in the body up to 90 days. After testing positive for COVID-19, you may continue to test positive on a PCR test during this time due to the sensitivity of the test.
Antigen tests are more convenient, but less accurate than the PCR tests, especially for those who do not have symptoms. COVID-19 antigen tests are typically 80% accurate in detecting infections, whereas PCR tests are typically 95% accurate in detecting infections. The FDA recommends that a person repeats testing (separated by 48 hours) when receiving a negative test result.
No. Although influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses. A COVID-19 PCR test specially detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Some PCR tests can differentiate between flu and COVID-19 at the same time.