Where & How To Get Rapid Test in NYC For Coronavirus COVID-19?

Where & How To Get Rapid Test in NYC For Coronavirus COVID-19?

Quick Digest

• It is suggested that all residents of New York City get tested if possible.
• There is currently a surge of coronavirus cases in NYC and the virus is currently present and growing in NYC.
• There are two main types of COVID-19 tests: COVID-19 diagnostic tests (PCR + rapid) and antibody tests.
• Rapid COVID tests in NYC cost between $124- $200 without insurance.
• Rapid testing takes about 15-minutes to get results.
• Several clinics in NYC including Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx offer rapid COVID testing with same-day results. See the chart below.
• A membership with Mira will get you a free home-delivered PCR test.

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Coronavirus COVID-19 Rapid Test: What You Need to Know

How does it work?

Most rapid COVID-19 tests are antigen tests; however, there are some PCR rapid tests as well. The rapid test detects an active coronavirus infection through a nasal or throat swab. It typically takes less than one hour to get results for a rapid test.  

Who should get one?

If you are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or you have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19 you should consider getting a coronavirus test. In general, the standard PCR tests are more accurate than the rapid tests, so if you are able to wait a few days for your result the standard test may be a better fit. If you need to return to school or work in a timely manner, the rapid test may be a better option for you. 

Are rapid tests accurate in detecting COVID-19?

Unfortunately, most rapid tests on the market are less accurate than standard PCR tests. The rapid tests vary in specificity and sensitivity. In order to get the most accurate test results, you should get tested around 5-7 days after exposure to someone with COVID-19 or while you are experiencing symptoms.

Specificity refers to the chance that a test produces a negative test result for someone who does not have COVID-19. Rapid tests have a specificity of close to 100%, meaning if you get a positive rapid test result you almost definitely have COVID-19. 

The sensitivity of a test refers to the chance of a test producing a positive test result for someone who has COVID-19. The sensitivity of rapid tests can range from 40 to 90%, meaning if you get a negative test result you cannot certainly rule out the chance of having COVID-19. 

How much do rapid COVID-19 tests cost in NYC? 

The cost of rapid tests varies depending on location. Below is a list of some testing sites in NYC that offer rapid testing and the cost without insurance. It's suggested to call beforehand to find out how to make an appointment and ensure that there are rapid tests in stock. If you have insurance, you will likely be able to get tested at a lower rate. In addition to this list, most CityMD Locations are offering free COVID-19 rapid tests.

Where to get a rapid COVID test in Staten Island, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn?

Although many clinics conduct PCR COVID tests, this is not the same for rapid COVID tests. Rapid diagnostic tests use a mucus sample from the nose or throat and your results can be analyzed within 15 minutes, with same-day results. These may be molecular or antigen tests. 

COVID Test Locations in NYC

The following clinics conduct rapid coronavirus testing in Manhattan, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.

Rapid COVID Test Locations in Manhattan

Rapid COVID Test Locations in Queens

Rapid COVID Test Locations in Staten Island 

Rapid COVID Test Locations in Brooklyn

Rapid COVID Test Locations in the Bronx 

Understanding Coronavirus Tests

There are 2 main types of Coronavirus tests available: the diagnostic tests and the antibody tests. Each has a different purpose and it is very important that you understand which test is the right fit for you. Read more here!

Screen yourself periodically for COVID-19 by asking these four questions

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the incubation period, or the period between you getting infected to showing symptoms, is approximately 5 days (median). This means even if you don't feel sick, it is always good to take precautionary measures and screen yourself periodically:

1.   Do you have any of the symptoms below?

1. Fever (77-98% of cases)
2. Cough (46-85% of cases)
3. Fatigue (11-52% of cases)
4. Shortness of breath (3-33% of cases)

2.    Have you or anyone you know come into close contact with a confirmed Coronavirus COVID-19 individual or someone who is getting tested?

3.    Are you currently managing any chronic diseases?

4.    Are you a healthcare or public safety worker?

If you answer yes to one or more questions, you have a higher chance of contracting Coronavirus COVID-19

Quarantine yourself immediately: minimize exposure to other humans. Self-quarantine and self-isolation are different. The first is for those who have exposure to individuals with confirmed Coronavirus diagnoses.

Minimize the spread of body secretion: coronavirus is a respiratory illness and it is highly contagious. According to the World Health Organization, wearing a mask is only effective if you also wash your hands frequently.

Avoid scams! Currently, there are various scams related to Coronavirus treatment, contact the Food and Drug Administration if you are contacted by anyone who claims there is a cure. 

Talk to a medical provider and find out where to get tested

Go to this link for a comprehensive list of testing facilities in New York City. More generally, testing can be done at the following locations:

• Urgent care clinics: these facilities are often staffed with both a medical doctor and a mid-level provider. Selected clinics may be able to collect samples for Coronavirus COV-19 testing if you are a health or public safety worker.
• CVS Minute Clinics: at this time, there is not a point-of-care test available for COVID-19 at any location.
• Emergency rooms: only visit the ER if you have exposure history and symptoms. Because there will be a high concentration of sick people, you will have a high risk of cross contagion.
• Commercial labs like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp may be able to carry out COVID-19 testing in the future but you are not able to get tested at this point by going directly to those facilities.
• NYC Gov has released a resource to find a testing center. Some locations test for free while others charge a fee. Make sure to call the testing center in advance to find out more about their payment policy.

Don't have insurance? Click here

Coronavirus COVID-19 testing kit

Healthcare can be confusing, here are more resources:

• How much does urgent care cost without insurance?
• Can my dogs get coronavirus?
• How to wash your hands properly?
• Everything you need to know about the Coronavirus
• The Ultimate Guide to Self-Employed and Freelancer Health Insurance in NYC
• List of hospitals in NYC
• Where & how to get tested in New Orleans?

References:

• FDA- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-testing-basics
• Centers for Diseases Control - Case report: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html#investigation
• New York Times - How to self-quarantine: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/06/health/self-quarantine-coronavirus.html
• World Health Organization - When and how to use masks: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration - N95 respirators advisory: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks#s1
• The Atlantic - How many Americans have been tested for Coronavirus: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/how-many-americans-have-been-tested-coronavirus/607597/
• NY Department of Health - nCOV Provider check list: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/2019-ncov-provider-checklist.pdf
• University of Minnesota - Federal allows State Public Health Labs to test COVIV 19: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/02/feds-allow-state-public-health-labs-test-covid-19
• Health News Review - https://www.healthnewsreview.org/toolkit/tips-for-understanding-studies/understanding-medical-tests-sensitivity-specificity-and-positive-predictive-value/

This article is not meant to replace the expert opinions of a medical provider pertaining to your health. If you are in need of immediate care, please consult with your insurance carrier, public health official, or call 911.

Awareness is key. Share knowledge with your friends and family.