COVID-19 & Flu Test

Detect active SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B infections. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Nasal swab

Preparation:

You don't need to do anything to prepare for the test, such as fasting or not taking medications. Additional instructions will be provided during your appointment.

Test type: In Person

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$199.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

This test detects active infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus causing COVID-19) and the influenza A and B viruses.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Nasal swab

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

The COVID-19 and Flu test collection kit tests for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) and the influenza A and influenza B viruses.

About COVID-19
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.
About the flu
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza A and B viruses. It infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. There are 2 main types of influenza (flu) viruses: Types A and B. Some people, such as those who are 65 or older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, are at higher risk of serious flu complications.

This test may be helpful if:

You are experiencing symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, tiredness, body or muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and/or runny or stuffy nose
You 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)
You have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19
Your employer, public health department, contact investigator, or healthcare provider has identified you as someone who should get tested
You are trying to determine if a prior infection with COVID-19 has resolved

This test may not be helpful if you:

Currently have severe symptoms that limit your daily activities. Severe symptoms may include, but are not limited to, persistent fever (lasting longer than 48 hours) greater than 102 degrees or a persistent low-grade fever, severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, continuous pain or pressure in the chest, severe coughing spells or coughing up blood, abdominal (gut) pain, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, irregular heartbeat, confusion, blue lips or face, dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling too weak to stand, feeling very tired or lethargic, slurred speech or seizures, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or feeling not well enough to stay home. 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. For some individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, parts of the virus may continue to be in their samples for up to 3 months, although they may not be contagious during this time ¥ Do not have symptoms and none of the above statements apply to you

The COVID-19 and Flu Test detects RNA from 3 viruses (COVID-19, influenza A, and influenza B) with just 1 nasal swab. Because some of the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are similar but treated differently, testing helps identify which virus you may have. You can also be infected with both flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

Other helpful resources include:

Both COVID-19 and flu can have symptoms that range from none (asymptomatic) to severe. Symptoms that are common to both illnesses include:

Fever or feeling feverish/having chills
Cough
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Fatigue (tiredness)
Stuffy or runny nose
Sore throat
Muscle pain or body ache
Headache
Diarrhea and vomiting
Loss of or change in taste or smell (more frequent with COVID-19)

Not everyone with one of these infections will present all symptoms

IMPORTANT: Please seek immediate medical care if you have signs of a serious medical condition. These include, but are not limited to, persistent fever (lasting longer than 48 hours) greater than 102 °F or a persistent low-grade fever, severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, continuous pain or pressure in the chest, severe coughing spells or coughing up blood, irregular heartbeat, confusion, blue lips or face, dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling too weak to stand, feeling very tired or lethargic, slurred speech or seizures, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or feeling not well enough to stay home.

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

You don't need to do anything to prepare for the test, such as fasting or not taking medications. Additional instructions will be provided during your appointment.

If you are experiencing Flu like symptoms and would like to discuss your Flu treatment options with a licensed physician, you will be provided a contact number after purchasing this test via email. They can answer any question you may have about flu treatment and help determine next steps.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report. After receiving your results, you will have an opportunity to speak with a licensed physician, who can answer any questions you may have about your test results and help determine next steps in care. We highly recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider regarding your next steps as well. We suggest you continue to follow your federal, state and local government guidance around social distancing and COVID-19 safety precautions. Your results If your results are positive (detected), it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately, self-isolate, and monitor your symptoms.

If your results are negative (not detected), you were most likely not infected at the time of sample collection; however, it is important to note that in some cases there is not enough RNA in the sample to detect one or more of the viruses. This can happen in a percentage of cases during the different stages of infection. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation, and to take protective measures to avoid infecting others.

How Does it Work?

In-person

Drive-through

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

Over 2000+ locations focus on your safety, confidentiality and convenience.

Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

Browse tests

Enter your zip code to find a Quest Diagnostics location closest to you.

Find a location

We will email you when your confidential results are available.

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Drive Through tests happen at Quest Patient Service Centers.

Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

Book appointment

Enter your zip code to find a Quest center closest to you.

Find a location

We'll email you when your confidential results are available.

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Easy to buy & simple to schedule

After your purchase, schedule an appointment at a nearby Quest Diagnostics location and have your specimen sample collected by a trained healthcare professional.

Fast online results, with support

Access test results from your phone as soon as they’re available, with the option to discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your healthcare provider, family, or friends.

FAQs

What is the difference between COVID-19 and the Flu?

COVID-19 and the flu are both respiratory viruses, but COVID-19 is caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), and the flu is caused by the influenza virus. Both are very contagious, but symptoms usually appear much sooner with the flu.

Is the COVID-19 and Flu 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 and influenza A virus and influenza B virus, 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 is the test taken?

The COVID-19 and Flu Test is a molecular or nucleic acid test (for example “PCR” test), which checks for genetic material (viral RNA) produced by the virus. This test uses a nasal swab collection kit, which is authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and will be used to test for COVID-19, an illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, as well as influenza A and B. The test does not check for influenza C.

Where is the test taken?

Your appointment will be for observed self-collection of a nasal swab sample at a drive-thru location. You’ll swab your nose while in your vehicle, observed by a trained healthcare professional to ensure the sample is collected correctly. Then you’ll drop the sealed sample into a container on your way out of the drive-thru location. Appointments are required to complete your purchase. Drive-thru locations may be limited or unavailable in some areas, and collection hours may vary by location.

Our references

The IgG and IgM antibody 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 and IgM 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 SARSCoV-2 is necessary. The tests should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. False positive results for the test may occur due to cross-reactivity from pre-existing antibodies or other possible causes. The sensitivity of the IgM test early after infection is unknown. Due to the risk of false positive results, confirmation of positive results should be considered using a second, different IgM assay or an IgG assay. Samples should only be tested for IgM from individuals with 15 days to 30 days post symptom onset. SARS-CoV-2 antibody negative samples collected 15 days or more post symptom onset should be reflexed to a test that detects and reports SARS-CoV-2 IgG.

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 simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus, and 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 of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

COVID-19 & Flu Test