COVID-19
COVID-19: Information for healthcare professionals
During the COVID-19 health crisis, fast action and trusted information matter more than ever. At Quest Diagnostics, we’re committed to serving our communities and connecting our customers to answers quickly and reliably every day. So stepping up to meet the ever-evolving demands of the pandemic is what we’re here for.
We work to empower the healthcare heroes like you on the front lines.
You’ve always trusted Quest labs to deliver the crucial insights you need to make the best decisions for your patients. And we know you’re relying on us to continue that same level of accuracy with an even greater sense of urgency today.
This page is updated frequently as new information becomes available and we continue increasing testing capacity to meet your needs.
Quest Diagnostics is receiving COVID-19 specimens and performing testing nationwide.
A molecular test (test code 39448) is available to test symptomatic patients for COVID-19. Through qualitative multi-target molecular diagnostics, this testing option helps to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
Quest processes four different molecular tests—the FDA Emergency Use Authorized Quest Diagnostics lab-developed test (LDT), the FDA Emergency Use Authorized Roche Diagnostics test, the FDA Emergency Use Authorized Hologic Panther Fusion test, and the FDA Emergency Use Authorized Hologic Panther Covid-19 molecular assay.
To simplify the test ordering process and further increase capacity, Quest has implemented a one code ordering system (test code 39448) that applies to all molecular tests.
GET MOLECULAR TEST DETAILS & RESOURCES
Asymptomatic patients may be given an IgG antibody serology test via blood draw. The IgG antibody serology test is one tool that may help identify people who may have been previously exposed to or overcome SARS-CoV-2. It may indicate prior infection which may be resolved, as well as potential protection against re-infection (“protective immunity”).*
Quest’s IgG antibody test may be especially useful for people without symptoms, including healthcare workers. Knowing IgG status helps give individuals and their healthcare providers insight for a more informed decision about returning to work and activity.
IgG antibody testing must be ordered by a physician. Patients may make an appointment at a Quest patient service center for this test.
GET ANTIBODY TEST DETAILS & RESOURCES
*While the role of antibodies in preventing COVID-19 disease has yet to be established, antibody testing for other respiratory illnesses (SARS, flu) provides insight into immunity to future diseases.
Quest Diagnostics patient service centers are not accepting patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and are not collecting respiratory specimens for COVID-19 molecular testing.
Blood specimens for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing can be collected by a hospital or health system or in any healthcare setting where a licensed phlebotomist can draw blood. Quest will be collecting serology specimens at patient service centers (PSCs) by appointment across the country, but not during the hours designated for the Peace of Mind program reserved for patients at greatest risk for COVID-19.
The personnel at our PSCs are trained in collecting a range of specimens, including blood and urine, for various medical health conditions, but not respiratory specimens for COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses such as influenza.
Quest recommends individuals who suspect they have COVID-19 contact their healthcare provider directly about COVID-19 testing. Quest laboratories are accepting and performing testing on COVID-19 specimens submitted by healthcare providers across the United States.
A national emergency doesn’t change the fact that your patients may need healthcare and lab services for issues not related to COVID-19. At Quest, we’re carefully enhancing services in our patient service centers (PSCs) to ensure standard patient care can continue.
Quest’s new Peace of Mind program gives your most vulnerable patients access to the non-COVID-19 lab testing they need in an environment with enhanced safety measures.
Send your patients who are 60 years of age or older, are pregnant, or have underlying medical conditions to their nearest Quest location during the first hour of each day for VIP care.
Find Your Closest Quest
The Peace of Mind Program
aims to give our most vulnerable patients access to the lab testing they need with VIP care.
Quest can conduct drug monitoring services for your patients in our PSCs to help maintain regular testing routines during the pandemic.
Contact your Quest representative to help put this system in place for your patients.
Your patients can always access their results directly through their secure MyQuest™ account.
The online portal is free to set up and can be used on any desktop, tablet, or smartphone device.
Testing statements
The antibody tests (sometimes known as the serology tests or IgG tests) are intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. Results are for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are generally detectable in blood several days after initial infection, although the duration of time antibodies are present post-infection is not well characterized. At this time, it is unknown for how long antibodies persist following infection and if the presence of antibodies confers protective immunity. Individuals may have detectable virus present for several weeks following seroconversion. Negative results do not preclude acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. If acute infection is suspected, molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 is necessary. The antibody test should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. False positive results for the antibody test may occur due to cross-reactivity from pre-existing antibodies or other possible causes.
- The antibody tests and the molecular tests (together “All tests”) have not been FDA cleared or approved;
- All tests have been authorized by FDA under EUAs for use by authorized laboratories;
- The antibody tests have been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens;
- The molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and,
- All tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of 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.