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 healthcare provider will collect a specimen through a nasal or throat swab. The specimen is then sent to Quest laboratories for processing using either our lab-developed test, a Roche-developed test, or a Hologic-developed test.
Where to get tested: Contact your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on where in your community to get tested for an active infection. (Do not go to a Quest patient service center for this test.) You may also consider finding a testing location through national partnerships we have with Walmart, CVS Health or find local testing options through Google.
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.
See FAQs
Getting test results through MyQuest
Confirm that the healthcare provider who collects your COVID-19 specimen 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.
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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.