info@rapidtestme.com | 908-809-3381 | 1192 Morris Ave., Union, NJ (Map)
How does the COVID-19 PCR testing process work?
Please see our How it Works page for a detailed, step-by-step list of our Coronavirus testing scheduling and payment process.
Coronavirus resources
Please see our Coronavirus resources page for links to reputable websites with information on what to do if you test positive, how to protect yourself against COVID-19, the difference between Coronavirus and the flue, etc.
Do I need a doctor's referral to be tested?
We do not require a doctor's note to be tested. If you would like your doctor to receive your results, enter his or her name and fax number when you schedule your appointment.
Who should be tested?
Anyone can be tested.
You should definitely be tested if you have one or more symptoms of COVID-19: fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, brain fog, chills, body ache, headache, joint pain, chest pain, and loss of taste or smell.
You should also be tested if you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Because of the potential for asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, it is important that anyone in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual be quickly identified and tested.
I've been in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual, when should I get tested?
It's best to self-quarantine at home for five days, then get tested. Individuals may spread COVID-19 as soon as two to three days before developing symptoms which typically occur 5 to 7 days after exposure, with some cases lasting as long as 14 days.
A person with COVID-19 may be contagious 48 to 72 hours before starting to experience symptoms which typically occur 5 to 7 days after exposure, with some cases lasting as long as 14 days.
In fact, people without symptoms may be more likely to spread the illness, because they are unlikely to be isolating and may not adopt behaviors designed to prevent spread.
What is the incubation period for COVID-19?
An incubation period is the time between when you contract a virus and when your symptoms start.
Currently, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incubation period for Coronavirus is somewhere between 2 to 14 days after exposure.
According to a recent report, more than 97 percent of people who contract Coronavirus show symptoms within 11.5 days of exposure. The average incubation period seems to be around 5 days.
At your appointment
What can I expect?
You must read our How it works page before scheduling an appointment or coming to be tested..
In summary, arrive no more than 5 minutes before your appointment. Park to the right of our building in the front. Once we have wiped down the area and prepared for you, we will either call you or wave you over to the RapidTestMe testing area - the 2nd set of doors in the front of the building. If you cannot walk to the testing area, please call 908-809-3381 and we can come to your car.
When you get to the testing area, show your ID to the nurse, state your name and birthday, then have a seat. The nurse will swab your throat and nose, and then you will leave. The swab is a little uncomfortable but takes only a few seconds.
Testing is uncomforable but not painful.
Does the nasal and throat swab hurt?
We sample both your throat and nose. The nasal swab, called a nasopharyngeal swab or culture, allows us to collect a sample of secretions from the uppermost part of your throat, behind the nose. Our nurse will gently insert what looks like a long Q-tip as far as it’ll go into your nose and then twirl the swab to get a good sample. We have to get the swab back into the pharynx part of the nose, not the very front part, in order to get a good sample and have it be reliable.
While nasal sampling is more reliable than oral sampling, we also sample the back of your throat just to make sure we have enough sample. We don't want you to have to come back! Relax and try not to gag or cough during the throat swab.
The entire procedure is over in less than a minute.
After your appointment
When can I expect my test results and what happens next?
We send your sample to BioReference Labs the same day as your appointment. Results are typically available in 1 to 2 days from the time the lab receives the sample. (Note: We have absolutely no control over the lab turnaround time.)
A RapidTestMe representative will call or text you with your test results. You can also call the lab's hotline or check your patient portal. Instructions are here.
If your results come back positive, please review the CDC's guidelines for isolation. Also, contact your family medicine doctor or one of the following types of doctors.
If you are experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath and high fever, GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM or call 911.
Also, we are required by law to report any positive results to your county health department. They are trying to track and reduce the spread of the virus so this information is very important.
If you are not positive, the results are considered inconclusive meaning you did not test positive but may still have the virus. The incubation period for the virus is up to 14 days.
Cost of lab work
Why are lab costs not included in our price?
Lab costs are your responsibility. You or your insurance company will be billed directly. Most insurance companies cover all lab fees without a co-pay or requiring you use your deductible.
*BioReference is currently covering the cost of lab fees for uninsured individuals and for those who choose not to use insurance.
Estimated lab fees:
Self-pay fee - $100
Insurance fee - $150
*Lab fees are subject to change.
Medical insurance
Do you take insurance? What if I don't have insurance or don't want to use my insurance?
If you are using medical insurance, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance company to find out your coverage.
We do not submit our service fees to your insurance
We do not submit our service fee to insurance. You will, however, be emailed a receipt that you can submit directly to your insurance. There is no guarantee that our service fee will be reimbursed to you by your insurance company.
We will submit your lab fees to your insurance
If you plan to use insurance to pay for your lab fees, we will submit your insurance information to the lab for billing. Your insurance will be charged the full price of the lab. Enter your insurance information when making your online appointment.
Retesting for COVID-19
I tested positive. When should I get retested?
Retesting is a good idea if you previously tested positive. You should wait at least a week or two after all symptoms have passed.
While some employers require their employees to test negative before returning to work, you may want to retest to know when to end self-isolation or for peace of mind.
You may also consider testing for IgG antibodies to indicate whether or not you have the COVID-19 antibodies. You should wait 1 to 3 weeks before testing as it can take that long after infection for your body to make antibodies.
Cancelling an appointment
What is RapidTestMe's Cancellation Policy?
Due to the limited number of Coronavirus tests, we cannot offer a refund if you cancel your appointment. If you need to reschedule, please call 908-809-3381 at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer your time slot to someone else.
Contact Us
Questions? You can email us or complete our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
RapidTestMe
1192 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083 (Map)