COVID-19: Testing
Updated: 04/24/23 1:45 PM
Patients who are experiencing any cold, flu, or other concerning symptoms should call our office for guidance and support.
At-Home Test Kits:
You can obtain a variety of these kits at local pharmacies. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of these tests or reimburse subscibers.
CVS Pharmacy Testing:
COVID-19 testing is available in some local CVS Pharmacies. You do not need a prescription for this test. Appointments are required- no walk-in testing is available. If this testing is not covered by your insurance, the cost is $139.
This PCR testing is processed by Quest Diagnostics and results are available in 1-2 days. Please note that turnaround times may change. You must schedule an appointment before going to the site.
CVS pharmacy also offers a rapid test at their Newtown location: 200 S Lincoln Ave, Newtown, PA 18940
However, these tests are by appointment only.
Patients will receive results directly- these are not sent to your physician.
You can make an appointment online by using the CVS App or clicking this link and answering the question prompts: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing
Rite Aid Pharmacy Locations:
COVID-19 testing is available in some local Rite Aid locations. You do not need a prescription for this test. Appointments are required- no walk-in testing is available. These sites will use self-swab PCR nasal tests overseen by pharmacists. The tests will be available to anyone four years old and up, whether they are experiencing symptoms or not. Results are available in 1-3 days. Please note that turnaround times may change without notice.
Patients will receive results directly- these are not sent to your physician.
Customers are required to register online at Rite Aid's website to find a location and schedule a time for testing
Walgreens Pharmacy Locations:
PCR COVID-19 testing is available at many Walgreens locations. You do not need a prescription for this test. Appointments are required- no walk-in testing is available.
These sites will use self-swab nasal tests overseen by pharmacists. Some locations also offer rapid tests. The tests will be available to anyone four years old and up, whether they are experiencing symptoms or not. PCR swab test results are available in 1-2 days.
Patients will receive results directly- these are not sent to your physician.
Customers are required to register online at Walgreens's website to find a location and schedule a time for testing
Vybe Urgent Care- Rapid Antigen and Rapid-PCR Testing:
These tests are offered at local Vybe Urgent Care locations. Patients must make an online appointment for this nasal swab test. No prescription from us is necessary.
Results are available the same day. The closest Vybe location to our office is in Bensalem.
These tests are is not process through your insurance. The Rapid Antigen test is $75. The Rapid PCR test is $100.
Please click this link to read more about this test: https://www.vybe.care/vybe-services/covid-19-testing
Patient First Urgent Care- Rapid Antigen and PCR Testing:
No prescription from us is necessary. No appointments are needed at this time.
Rapid results are available the same day. PCR test results are available in 1-3 days.
Please click this link to read more about these tests: https://www.patientfirst.com/locations/eastern-pennsylvania/langhorne
What types of testing are available for COVID-19?
Diagnostic Testing:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests: Considered the “gold standard” for COVID-19 testing. Detects the RNA genetic material in the COVID-19 virus and is often collected via nasal pharyngeal swab. Turnaround time for these results is typically 24-72 hours.
Antigen Tests: Also known as “Rapid Tests.” Detects the presence of COVID-19 specific protein particles and is collected via a respiratory sample. Although these tests have the benefit of a fast turnaround time, false-negative results occur more frequently with rapid testing. A negative test result may mean that the sample was taken too early in the onset of the infection or that you were not infected at the time your sample was taken. It does not mean that you won’t or can’t get sick.
Non-Diagnostic Testing:
Serology (Antibody) Tests: Detect antibodies in the blood indicating possible prior exposure to COVID-19, which may develop 6-14 days after infection. Currently, there are no recommendations for antibody testing for the general public.
There is NO evidence that prior infection guarantees immunity from future infection. Since a positive antibody test can't promise immunity, ALL must continue to follow mitigation guidelines in place.