COVID-19 Active Infection Test

What

This test detects active COVID-19 infection in children and adults whether or not you have symptoms.

Who

Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19, currently has symptoms, or needs to provide proof of a negative test. At this time, home collection kits are for self-use only.

How

Anterior nares (nasal) swab collection kit with in-person and at-home collection options.

Where

Find a location near you

In-person: a healthcare professional will observe while you complete the self-collection process yourself inside the location or in your vehicle.

Home collection: a home collection kit is sent to you.

About the Test

The COVID-19 active infection test detects SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

This COVID-19 test may be helpful for those who:

Currently have symptoms of COVID-19
Live or work in a place where people reside, meet, or gather in close proximity (this can include healthcare settings, homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, group homes, prisons, detention centers, schools, and workplaces)
Have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19
Have been identified as someone who should get tested by an employer, public health department, contact investigator, or healthcare provider
Are visiting a place that requires testing prior to arrival
Do not have symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19, but who are unknowingly infected

This COVID-19 test may not be helpful for those who:

Currently have severe symptoms that limit daily activities. Seek medical attention right away if this is the case
Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months. When you test positive, you will not need to be tested again for 3 months as long as you do not develop new symptoms
This test is not intended for individuals who are on blood thinners or have had a previous trauma to their nose. This test is not intended for children with chronic illnesses (eg, asthma, kidney disease, heart conditions, sickle cell disease, etc). If your child has an underlying medical condition or if your child’s condition changes before you are able to obtain the test or the test result, please follow-up with your child’s healthcare provider for additional information about testing.

The COVID-19 Active Infection Test detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, at the time of taking the test.

COVID-19 is highly contagious. Cases of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. Most people infected with this virus have mild symptoms. Some people who are infected don’t have any symptoms and don’t feel sick but can still transmit the virus to others. More severe cases of COVID-19 have been seen in older adults and those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health issues; however, serious illness can also occur in younger adults. While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, they can also be infected, and serious illness can occur.

For more information on COVID-19 and Quest COVID-19 testing, please visit our FAQs.

Other helpful resources include:

Most people who get COVID-19 will either have mild symptoms or be asymptomatic. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

However, some people will have more severe symptoms. If you experience any of these severe symptoms contact a healthcare professional right away:

Persistent fever (lasting longer than 48 hours) greater than 102 °F
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. There are many causes of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. COVID-19 is just one condition that may cause these symptoms. This test does not rule out the possibility of other illnesses and infections that may be present instead of or in addition to COVID-19.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test. If you choose our convenient home collection kit, your sample must be mailed back to us the same day you collect it. Detailed instructions will be included with each kit. If you are purchasing testing on behalf of a child, you as the parent or legal guardian must supervise and can help assist with the sample collection.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report. You will have the option to speak with an independent physician. During this consultation, based off your results, and other factors, you may be eligible to receive treatment.

If results are positive, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately, self-isolate, and monitor symptoms.

If your results are negative, you were most likely not infected with COVID-19 at the time of sample collection. In some cases, there is not enough SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the sample to detect the virus. If symptoms are present, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and to take protective measures to avoid infecting others.

How it works

In-person
At-home collection

1

Buy a lab test & schedule an appointment

No doctor visit required for purchase. Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Schedule an appointment

2

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

3

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available.

View results

4

Get physician support

Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

1

Buy a lab test & activate your kit

No doctor visit required for purchase. Once your kit is delivered, activate it.

2

Collect your sample
& return it to Quest

Follow instructions to collect your sample and ship it back to Quest.

3

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available.

View results

4

Get physician support

Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

FAQs

Is the COVID-19 Test Approved by the FDA?

This test has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This means that while Quest Diagnostics has validated the test and has the data to believe the test and the collection kit are accurate, this test has not been FDA-cleared or -approved; This test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories; this test has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and, this test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use on 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. Additional studies need to be conducted for this test and others like it to be FDA cleared or approved.

How do I collect a sample with my home collection kit?

Instructions are included in the kit, but you can also refer to our How To Guide for more information and to watch a video to learn how to collect your sample.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.