Post-COVID Blood Test & Urine Test - Expanded

Post-COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel

Discover if symptoms are potentially due to a post-COVID-19 infection with a more in-depth look. This is an in-depth panel for those with ongoing symptoms caused or aggravated by COVID-19 so you can have a discussion with your doctor. This panel does NOT test for or diagnose COVID-19. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood and Urine

Preparation:

Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

Find Patient Service Centers

$240.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

Our Post COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel includes Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Ferritin, Hepatic Function Panel, Thyroid Function Test, Vitamin B12 Test, Vitamin D Test, and Urinalysis.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood and Urine

Where

Find a location near you

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

About the Test

Despite having mild or no symptoms while infected with COVID-19, 10-30% of people experience lingering symptoms lasting 4 weeks or longer, commonly known as post-COVID-19 conditions, or Long COVID.

Some people who have had a severe COVID-19 infection may have symptoms that linger for weeks or months. While the link is still unclear, these long-term effects may increase the risk of diabetes, heart conditions, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions.

Clinical findings are an important key in evaluating care and potential treatment pathways for those with Long COVID or Post COVID-19 conditions, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This panel of laboratory tests provides information for those with ongoing symptoms.

These tests are to help you and your doctor determine if your current symptoms are potentially due to a post-COVID-19 infection or if you have another underlying health problem causing your symptoms.

Although there is no clear pattern as to who may develop post COVID-19 symptoms or health complications, there are tests that can be performed to help determine if there is an increased risk for post COVID-19 health issues.

Our Post COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel measures the following components: Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Ferritin, Hepatic Function Panel, Thyroid Function Test, Vitamin B12 Test, Vitamin D Test, and Urinalysis.

This panel does NOT test for or diagnose COVID-19.

A CBC measures 15 components of your blood to help identify bleeding disorders or infections and to evaluate abnormal levels of specific blood components, such as low levels of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to body cells and tissues (anemia) and high levels of abnormal white blood cells that crowd out red blood cells and platelets (leukemia). T cells destroy the body's own cells that have been infected with viruses or have developed cancer. Both B cells and T cells protect against future invasions of bacteria, viruses, and parasites by generating antibodies that retain antigen recognition and protect against such antigens. Red blood cells and T cells could be impacted due to a previous COVID-19 infection. The CBC can detect blood abnormalities.

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test measures the amount of CRP in your blood. CRP is a protein produced by the liver and is a marker of inflammation. Increased CRP levels are found in inflammatory conditions including bacterial infection, rheumatic fever, potential malignancies, autoimmune disorders, active arthritis, cardiac disease, heart attack, and conditions related to the immune system. Those with severe lingering COVID-19 symptoms may have elevated CRP levels which could indicate higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Ferritin is a protein in the blood that contains iron and helps you understand how much iron your body is storing. Blood levels of ferritin correlate to the body’s iron status. Because iron is an important component of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the blood, low ferritin levels may indicate an iron deficiency. If your ferritin levels are higher than normal, you may have an underlying condition that causes your body to store too much iron. It could also indicate liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory diseases, for example.

The Thyroid Function Test measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the blood to evaluate thyroid function, which is critical for regulating weight, energy, body temperature, mood, and overall health. If your TSH levels are abnormally high or low, this may indicate that your thyroid is either underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism). If test results identify abnormal TSH levels, free thyroxine (T4) blood levels will be evaluated using your submitted sample to provide information needed to accurately diagnose hypothyroidism. There is a potential parallel between Long COVID and abnormal thyroid function which may trigger pre-existing thyroid disease or autoimmunity caused by a thyroid infection, however many thyroid conditions can be managed with treatment.

The Vitamin B12 Test measures the level of vitamin B12 in your blood. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestines and then makes its way to the blood and cells. The body also stores vitamin B12 in the liver for future use. Vitamin B12 is essential in supporting the nervous system, making red blood cells, and creating DNA (the genetic material present in our cells). Vitamin B12 must be supplied by the diet or supplementation because the body is not able to produce it independently. It is naturally found in animal proteins, such as red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Plant foods are not a reliable source of vitamin B12 unless they are fortified. Low levels of vitamin B12 may occur if you do not consume enough vitamin B12 or the body does not store or absorb enough of the vitamin. People who are deficient in vitamin B12 may or may not have any symptoms of anemia (a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red cells to carry oxygen to your body’s tissues) or nerve damage. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system. Vitamin B12 supports the immune system and helps your body fight off viruses. Many symptoms of long COVID are the same as those with a vitamin B12 deficiency. If your body is low in B12, you may not be able to fight viruses as well.

The Vitamin D Test measures the amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, an indicator for the level of Vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is involved in regulating calcium and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients to promote bone strength and cellular health. Vitamin D can also help the immune system fight infections. Your body produces Vitamin D after exposure to sunlight or from consuming certain foods and supplements. An adequate level of this vitamin is necessary for immune function, heart and blood vessel health, insulin regulation, and mood. Abnormal levels of vitamin D can indicate bone disease, nutrition disorders, or other metabolic complications. Many symptoms of Long Covid are the same as those with a Vitamin D deficiency. If your body is low in vitamin D, you may not be able to fight off viruses as well.

A urinalysis, also called a urine panel, consists of a series of tests used to evaluate visual, chemical, and microscopic features of urine. Urinalysis may be used to identify potential risks for diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. A urinalysis can help to identify lower urinary tract symptoms and kidney injury caused by inflammation from a severe COVID-19 infection.

These are broad screening tools that assess over 15 different substances to evaluate sugar (glucose) levels, kidney function, liver function, electrolyte and fluid imbalance, and more. These test panels are often used by healthcare professionals to detect and monitor various abnormalities, including nutrient balance, diabetes, and kidney and liver disease. The BMP and Hepatic Function Panel contain important tests to identify potential health risks or medical conditions associated with Long COVID.

Post COVID-19 conditions include a wide range of symptoms that can last more than 4 weeks or even months after infection. Although most symptoms slowly improve with time, some Post COVID-19 conditions can last weeks, months, or longer after a COVID-19 infection and could result in a disability. Post COVID-19 conditions may not affect everyone the same way and can happen together or separately over time.

People who experience Post COVID-19 conditions most commonly report:

Constant fatigue interfering with daily life
Symptoms that worsen after physical or mental effort
Fever
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough
Chest pain
Fast-beating or pounding heart
Brain fog, difficulty thinking or concentrating
Headache
Sleep problems
Dizziness when you stand up
Pins-and-needles feelings
Change in smell or taste
Depression or anxiety
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Joint or muscle pain
Rash
Changes in menstrual cycles

This test is for anyone who wants to evaluate potential health concerns after they have had a COVID-19 infection. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile™, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations.

Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After the Test:
After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

Treatment Options:
Included with your purchase, you have the option to discuss your results with an independent physician who may be able to prescribe specific treatment depending on your results.

If your thyroid (TSH) lab result is abnormal or out of expected range, the lab will perform an additional test (free thyroxine, T4) on the sample you have already provided at no extra cost to you. This additional testing can provide additional diagnostic information to help with care.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

In-person
In-home sample collection

Buy a lab test

No doctor visit is required for purchase.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Buy a lab test
+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

Buy now

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Read the article to learn more about ongoing health concerns that affect some people for weeks, months, or even years after contracting COVID-19.

FAQs

Are there any additional symptoms for Post COVID-19 conditions or Long COVID-19?

Yes. People with Post COVID conditions may develop or continue to have symptoms that are hard to explain and manage. Clinical evaluations and additional testing, such as, chest x-rays and EKGs may be considered after you’ve discussed your results with a doctor.

Who is most likely to develop Post COVID-19 issues?

Researchers are working to understand who is more likely to have Post COVID conditions, and why. Studies have shown that Post COVID conditions may affect some people more than others. Below are a few examples (not a complete list) of people who may be more at risk of developing conditions after COVID-19 infection including those who:

Have experienced more severe COVID-19 illness, especially those who were hospitalized or needed intensive care
Had underlying health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, or diabetes prior to a COVID-19 infection.
Have never received a COVID-19 vaccine
Experience multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) during or after COVID-19 illness

What is the difference between a COVID-19 test and the Post COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel?

A 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. Our Post COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel does NOT test for or diagnose COVID-19. This panel of tests can provide information and potential answers to those with ongoing symptoms linked to COVID-19, but whose symptoms or effects of COVID-19 have lingered after the initial infection has ended.

What is the difference between the Post COVID-19 Basic Test Panel and the Post COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel?

The basic panel includes C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Thyroid Function Test, Vitamin B12 Test, Vitamin D Test, and Urinalysis. The expanded panel includes Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Ferritin, Hepatic Function Panel, Thyroid Function Test, Vitamin B12 Test, Vitamin D Test, and Urinalysis.

Is there another name for post COVID-19 conditions?

Yes, long-haul COVID, post-COVID conditions, long COVID, post-acute COVID-19, and even chronic COVID are all terms for post COVID-19 conditions. These are general terms used to describe the variety of ongoing health issues that some people may experience following an active infection.

What tests are included in the Basic Metabolic Panel?

The BMP is a group of 8 tests that provide information about a person's blood electrolytes, glucose levels, kidney health, and acid-base balance. The BMP includes BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated), Calcium, Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Creatinine with GFR Estimated, Glucose, Potassium, Sodium, and Urea Nitrogen (BUN).

What tests are included in the Hepatic Function Panel?

The Hepatic Function Panel is a group of 10 tests that may be helpful in assessing liver injury, diagnosing liver diseases, and monitoring treatment of liver diseases. This panel includes Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Albumin, Albumin/Globulin Ratio, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Direct Bilirubin, Globulin (calculated), Indirect Bilirubin (calculated), Total Bilirubin, and Total Protein.

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.

Post-COVID-19 Expanded Test Panel