COVID-19
Active infection swab test
This type of test helps to diagnose whether you currently have an active COVID-19 infection. A diagnosis can guide you and your doctor or healthcare provider to make an informed decision about self-isolating to protect your family and friends.
Who can get tested:
Active infection testing may be right for you if you are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or were exposed to the virus in the last 14 days. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
How the test works:
Your doctor or other healthcare provider will collect a sample through a nasal or throat swab. You can also opt to collect a sample yourself with an at-home kit from QuestDirect™. The sample is then sent to Quest laboratories for processing.
Where to get tested:
Purchase the test for yourself through QuestDirect. If you order with QuestDirect, you can get an at-home collection kit delivered to you or make an appointment at a drive-thru collection site. (The cost of the test through QuestDirect cannot be submitted to health insurance.)
Another option is to contact your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on where in your community to get tested for an active infection. You may also consider finding a testing location through national partnerships we have with Walmart® and CVS Health®, or find local testing options through Google®. (Do not go to a Quest patient service center for this test.)
Active infection test fact sheets
- Quest-developed test
- Roche-developed test
- Hologic-developed Panther Fusion test
- Hologic-developed Panther test
- At-Home Self-Collection Kit instructions
Learn more about COVID-19 active infection testing.
Getting test results through MyQuest
Confirm that the healthcare provider who collects your COVID-19 sample is sending it to Quest for processing. If so, your test results can be sent to you automatically through the secure MyQuest™ online portal. This is usually the quickest way to get results.
Don’t have MyQuest?
Sign up now to get your COVID-19 test results online.
COVID-19 testing statements
- 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, 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.