COVID-19 Services

Concerned about COVID-19 symptoms or exposure? Need a test for school, work, or travel? CareCentral can help. We offer Rapid RT-PCR, Rapid Antigen, and Lab-based RT-PCR. Read more below to determine which is the best fit for you.

Please note: After a possible COVID-19 exposure, we recommend you wait at least five days before getting tested. The virus may not be detectable in your system in the early stages. If you have COVID-19, but get tested too soon, your result could come back negative, even though you have been infected.

Available Tests

The Rapid RT-PCR test is a fast, portable version of the lab-based RT-PCR test. It’s a good option if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing flu-like symptoms. The test is administered as a nasal swab, and processed right on-site. Once the test cassette has been inserted into the machine, your results are available in 25-30 minutes.

• Rapid RT-PCR test
• Guaranteed same-day results
• Accuracy and sensitivity comparable to or better than standard lab-based PCR

Rapid Antigen

The rapid antigen test checks for a current covid infection by detecting proteins found on the surface of the coronavirus. The test is administered via a nasal swab, processed on-site, and offers results in under 20 minutes. This test performs best when patients are symptomatic.

• Rapid Antigen test (NAAT Test)
• Same-day results
• 80-85% accuracy
• Possible false negatives if you are tested sooner than 5 days after exposure. If you have symptoms and have a negative test, you will be asked to get a confirmation RT-PCR test. Additionally, if you have a positive antigen test, you will also be asked to get a confirmatory RT-PCR test
• The following insurances will cover for Rapid Antigen testing if a patient meets testing criteria: BCBS, GIC-Unicare, Tri-Care, Tufts Carelink (Cigna), Harvard Pilgrim, and Medicare

Quest Diagnostic COVID test (RT-PCR)

This lab-based test is the gold standard for determining an active SARS-CoV-2 infection and will meet travel requirements. It is administered via a nasal swab and can directly detect the virus’s genetic material.

• Molecular RT-PCR Test
• 3-5 Day turnaround
• 97-98% accuracy

COVID-19 Testing for Airline Travel

Some airlines may accept the Rapid Molecular test for travel within the United States. For other airlines or international travel, you may need a lab-based RT-PCR. Please check with your airline to confirm requirements.

Walk in registration is now available at all locations.

Patients will be seen in the order in which they have been registered. Wait times may vary day to day.

About COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that was first identified in December 2019. It has caused a worldwide pandemic of respiratory illness, called COVID-19.

COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. It’s possible to have just a few symptoms, or no symptoms at all.

COVID-19 Symptoms

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Additional COVID-19 Resources

• Why is Flattening the Curve Important?
• Is Hand Sanitizer as Effective as Soap and Water?
• Why is Handwashing Important During the Pandemic?
• Should I Wear a Face Mask When I Go Out in Public?
• What treatments are available for COVID-19?
• Summer During The Pandemic: Q & A