COVID-19 Testing Information

CareFirst Urgent Care now offers four forms of COVID-19 testing at all locations: the PCR (nasopharyngeal swab) test, the Quidel QuickVue SARS Antigen (nasopharyngeal swab) test, the Serum Antibody IgG (blood) test, and the Rapid Antibody IgG (blood) test. Please read below for more information.

All tests are FDA EUA approved

We are currently seeing a 24-72 hour average turnaround time for the COVID-19 PCR results. Please check your patient portal to see your result status. CareFirst Urgent Care is CLIA accredited and our lab is CAP accredited.

What do these COVID-19 tests detect?

PCR (nasopharyngeal swab): This test will determine whether or not you are actively infected with COVID-19. Available at all locations

Serum Antibody IgG (blood): This test will detect if you’ve had prior exposure to COVID-19 and have the antibodies associated with the virus. For most viruses, a positive result means that you’ve had prior exposure to the virus and have some degree of immunity to a future infection. Because COVID-19 is a novel, or new, virus, it’s currently unclear whether or not a positive antibody result will provide immunity. Available at all locations.

Rapid Antibody IgG (blood): This test will detect if you’ve have prior exposure to COVID-19 and have the antibodies associated with the virus. For most viruses, a positive result means that you’ve had prior exposure to the virus and have some degree of immunity to a future infection. This test is FDA and EUA approved, with the results available 15 minutes after administered. Because COVID-19 is a novel, or new, virus, it’s currently unclear whether or not a positive antibody result will provide immunity. Our rapid testing is FDA and Emergency Use Authorization (EAU) approved, and available at all locations.

Do I need to make an appointment to receive these tests?

No, we do not accept appointments. COVID-19 testing at all CareFirst Urgent Care locations is walk-in only.

However, we do allow for the option to check-in online. This option allows for a shorter wait time when you arrive at a CareFirst Urgent Care location than if you were to solely walk-in. Information about checking-in online can be found here.

What criteria do I need to meet to receive one of these tests?

PCR (nasopharyngeal swab):  

If you are actively experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as…
You are a healthcare worker, first responder
If your employer requires a negative test to demonstrate you are not actively carrying the virus.

Serum Antibody IgG (antibody):  

If you are actively experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as…
You are a healthcare worker, first responder
If your employer requires a negative test to demonstrate you are not actively carrying the virus.
If you had tested positive for COVID-19 and want to see if you are no longer actively carrying the virus.
If you believe you have recently (within the past 14 days) come in contact with someone who has COVID-19.

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