How to Get a COVID-19 Test Result in Under 48 Hours
With over 300,000 deaths since February 2020, fast and accurate testing is crucial to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and end the pandemic. Rapid antigen tests and priority PCR tests can deliver results in as little as 15 minutes to 48 hours respectively.
Imagine being exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19. You wake up with a sore throat, feel fatigued or even lose your sense of taste or smell.. Following CDC guidelines, you do the right thing and arrange a test before waiting for your results.
Then… nothing.
Unfortunately, for millions of Americans, this isn’t a hypothetical experience -- but a frustrating reality. According to research conducted by Rutgers University, the average wait time to receive COVID-19 test results sits currently at 2.7 days - though this may be significantly higher in communities with increased demand for testing and overwhelmed lab facilities. It’s worth noting average wait times are down from an April high of 4 days, but remain inadequate to identify cases, trace contacts, and slow community transmission.
More than frustration, delays in testing allow the virus to spread and place everyday Americans at unnecessary risk. With overstretched testing programs a weak link in America’s COVID-19 response, Sameday Testing has committed to providing Americans with fast and reliable FDA-approved COVID-19 test results with the following turnaround times:
Rapid Antigen: 15 minutes
Priority PCR: < 48 hours
Standard PCR: < 72 hours
If you’re in need of a COVID-19 test, here’s how to secure your results in under 48 hours.
Rapid Antigen Test | 15 minutes
One of two FDA approved diagnostic tests, antigen tests are portable, scaleable and easy to use -- returning COVID-19 test results in as little as 15 minutes. Though not as accurate as PCR tests (considered the gold standard for diagnostic testing), rapid antigen tests are 95 percent accurate and don’t require specialist processing facilitiese. Major delays across American processing labs have led to ballooning wait times for PCR test results. In contrast, rapid antigen tests are used at the point of care and provide results on site.
How does a rapid antigen test work?
A typical rapid antigen test consists of the nose or throat swab you’re likely accustomed to by now. This sample is mixed with a solution designed to break the virus open and release specific viral proteins. Proteins are then added to a second strip containing an antibody that binds to viral proteins, if present. A glowing strip, or dark band, can confirm an infection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
What are the benefits of rapid antigen testing?
Rapid antigen results are available in as little as 15 minutes.
Available at scale, patients in communities where the virus is widespread can self-isolate rather than wait days for results. Though false-negative cases are not ideal, testing at scale -- which becomes possible through rapid antigen tests -- can result in a net increase of diagnosed COVID-19 cases.
Though fast, the speed of rapid antigen tests comes with reduced sensitivity. A standard PCR test is able to detect a single molecule of viral RNA in a microliter of solution. A rapid antigen test requires samples containing thousands of virus particles per microliter to return a positive result. This may result in false-negative results when a patient does, in fact, have coronavirus - resulting in possible reckless behavior instead of self-isolation.
“I want to book a Rapid Antigen Test”
Priority PCR Test | 48 hours
The second of two FDA-approved diagnostic tests, PCR tests are highly sensitive and deliver 99.9% accuracy in diagnosing current coronavirus infection. These tests typically require trained personnel and expensive machinery found in processing labs. Though results are not available on site, PCR tests offer unrivalled diagnostic accuracy.
How does a priority PCR test work?
Similar to rapid antigen tests, PCR tests are performed through the collection of mucus from your throat or nose. Each swab collects an RNA sample which carries the genetic information of coronavirus. Once your sample arrives at a lab, nucleic acid is extracted which holds the virus’ genome and is a reliable measure of current infection
What are the benefits of priority PCR testing?
PCR tests offer supreme diagnostic accuracy. However, repeat evidence has shown Americans waiting weeks for PCR test results, which has led some to avoid testing entirely. Delays in test results can lead to infected individuals failing to self-isolate, while those who don’t have the luxury of waiting up to a week for results may be spreading COVID-19 unknowingly.
Sameday Testing offers priority PCR tests delivering cutting-edge accuracy without wait times. With Sameday Testing locations in New York City, Los Angeles, Texas, Washington D.C and more, you can access fast and reliable PCR tests with results returned in under 72 hours - and as little as 36 hours.
“I want to book a Priority PCR test”
Book your COVID-19 test with Sameday Testing
Until widespread access to a vaccine ends the pandemic, testing viral spread and severity remains the most valuable weapon against COVID-19. But it's not enough to simply access testing facilities. The lag between collecting patient samples and returning results has created opportunities for the virus to grow.
PCR tests and rapid antigen tests provide accurate and fast methods of diagnosing coronavirus infection, and are the foundations for effective pandemic control. While choice was previously limited to ‘fast’ or ‘accurate’, Priority PCR tests are now available that combine speed and sensitivity. So, while we’re not at the end of the pandemic yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
To receive your COVID-19 test results in under 72 hours, book an appointment at your local testing facility today.
