COVID-19 Active Infection Test

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:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Coronavirus Disease 2019
• World Health Organization: Coronavirus

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 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.

After receiving results, you will have an opportunity to speak with a licensed physician who can answer any questions you may have and help determine next steps in care.

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.