The Cost of a COVID-19 Test
Although COVID-19 tests are available at no cost at health centers and selected pharmacies nationwide, many diagnostic tests end up costing between $100 and $200 because of additional fees, office visit costs, and cost of administering the test. Fees can vary, depending on insurance status, the test, location, and symptom severity.
When To Get a COVID-19 Test
Current CDC guidelines for COVID-19 testing include the following:
1. People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
2. Those who have had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
3. Fully vaccinated people following exposure to a known COVID-19 case.
4. Individuals tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous 3 months and recovered, given they do not show new symptoms post-exposure.
5. Unvaccinated people participating in high-risk activities without adequate physical distancing.
6. Anyone asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider, state, tribal, or territorial health department.
Rapid COVID-19 Testing Locations in Los Angeles, CA
COVID-19 testing is widely available in Los Angeles at several locations. County-operated testing sites use a PCR test collected by nasal swab, but rapid tests can be scheduled here. Below are a few additional facilities throughout Los Angeles that offer COVID-19 rapid testing.
| Testing Site | Site Information | Appointment Information |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | 10889 Wellworth Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 | Required |
| CVS Pharmacy | 1030 Colorado Blvd Eagle Rock, CA 90041 | Required |
| Walgreens Drive-Thru Testing | 2551 W Main St. Alhambra, CA 91801 | Required |
| Comprehensive Community Health Centers, Inc. | 1704 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 | Required |
| California State University | 5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032 | Required - Available Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Walgreens Drive-Thru Testing | Required |
PCR COVID-19 Testing Sites in Los Angeles, CA
There are several locations where you can get a PCR test for COVID-19 in Los Angeles, including pop-up locations. A PCR test typically takes between 24-48 hours to receive your results. Appointments are currently not needed at LA County and the City of LA testing sites but can still be made, and are preferred.
It is important to know that some locations require appointments and a health screening before getting tested. You should also call each clinic to find more information about appointments and the criteria required for getting tested. Below is a chart that includes locations where you can get a test:
Additionally, if you think you had COVID-19 in the past, you may qualify to get an antibody test.
| Testing Site | Site Information | Appointment Information |
|---|---|---|
| Edendale Library - Echo Park | 2044 Reservoir St. Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| LA Union Station | 800 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Clinical Romero - Pco/Westlake (Alvarado) | 123 S. Alvarado Street Lost Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Angeles Community Health Center - Los Angeles | 1919 W 7th Street 1st Floor Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Lincoln Park | 3501 alley Blvd. Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Universal Community Health Center | 1924 Adair Street Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Kedren Community Health Center | 4211 Avalon Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Mt. Moriah Baptist Church | 4269 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| East LA College | 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez Monterey Park | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Los Angeles County - Crenshaw Area Office | 3606 West Exposition Blvd. Lost Angeles | Required |
| Axis Clinical Trials | 5800 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles | Required |
| Angeles Community Health Center - Huntington Park | 6208 Seville Ave Huntington Park | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| City of Bell | 6480-6410 Atlantic Ave. Bell | Required |
| Crenshaw Kiosk | 5732 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| DoctorNow - Robertson Blvd. | 181 N. Robertson Blvd. Beverly Hills | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles | 6501 Garfield Ave. Bell Gardens | Required |
| Watts Healthcare Corporation | 10300 Compton Ave. Los Angeles | Required |
| ChapCare Pasadena | 1595 N. Lake Avenue Pasadena | Required |
| South Gate Park Kiosk | 9615 Pinehurst Ave. South Gate | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| The Forum Kiosk | 3900 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| DPH - North Hollywood Health Center | 5300 Tujunga Ave. North Hollywood | Required |
| Southern California Medical Center - Pico Rivera | 8825 Whittier Blvd Pico Rivera | Required |
| MLK Medical Campus | 12021 S. Wilmington Ave. Los Angeles | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Whittier Narrows - The Meadow Area | 751 Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Downey - Rancho South Campus | 12840 Dahlia Ave Downey | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| ChapCare Vacco Health Center | 10408 Vacco Street, Suite A South El Monte | Required |
| Gonzales Park | 1101 W. Cressey St. Compton | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| El Monte Comprehensive Health Center - DHS | 10953 Ramona Blvd. | Required |
| San Gabriel Valley Airport | 4233 Santa Anita Ave. El Monte | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Santa Monica College | 2800 Airport Avenue Santa Monica | Required |
| Southern California Medical Center - El Monte | 12100 Valley Blvd. Ste 109A El Monte | Required |
| Angeles Community Health Center - Gardena | 1030 W. Gardena Blvd. Gardena | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Southern California Medical Center - Van Nuys | 14550 Haynes St. Van Nuys | Required |
| Bellflower City Hall | 16600 Civic Center Drive Bellflower | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Sepulveda Recreation Center | 8825 Kester Avenue Panorama City | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Balboa Park | 5903 N. Balboa Blvd. Van Nuys | Required |
| San Fernando Park | 208 Park Ave. San Fernando | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Memorial Park North Recreation Center | 320 N. Orange Ave. Azusa | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| El Cariso | 13100 Hubbard Street Sylmar | Required |
| Valley Urgent Care | 9335 Reseda Blvd. #100 Northridge | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Southern California Medical Center - Long Beach | 1627 East Anaheim St. Long Beach | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| Serenity Care Health Group | 2100 E. Anaheim St. #B Long Beach | Required |
| Providence Wellness & Activity Center | 570 N. Hawaiian Ave Wilmington | Required |
| Southern California Medical Center - Pomona | 502 W. Holt Ave Pomona | Required |
| College of the Canyons | 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| ParkTree Community Health Center - Holt | 1450 E. Holt Avenue Pomona | Required |
| Palmdale Hammack Center | 815 E Avenue Q6 Palmdale | No appointment necessary - Register in person |
| High Desert Regional Health Center - DHS | 335 E Avenue I Lancaster | Required |
In Closing
Los Angeles offers ample locations for both rapid and PCR COVID-19 tests, though do remember to check appointment requirements and any added costs. To see if your chosen facility offers PCR or rapid testing, we recommend calling in advance.
Mira memberships offer affordable urgent care visits, low-cost lab testing, and discounted prescriptions for $45 per month. You can sign up today.