Rapid Covid-19 Testing

ZüpMed offers PCR (or Polymerase Chain Reaction) Tests ,“Rapid” Molecular Tests, “Rapid” Linear-Flow Antigen Tests, and both “Rapid” and send-out Antibody Tests.

Samples for COVID-19 infection are obtained with a very small, flexible swab inserted either through the nose or mouth, a fingerprick, or for laboratory Antibody testing, a venous blood draw.

A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, or NAAT, is a broad category of diagnostic tests including ones for the virus that causes COVID-19. NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 specifically identify the RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequences that comprise the genetic material of the virus. NAATs can use many different methods to amplify nucleic acids and detect the virus, including the “Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction” or RT-PCR offered by ZüpMed.

While we are always dependent on the lab’s capacity, the results of PCR tests performed before 9:30 am Monday through Saturday are available the same afternoon through our “expedited” service.

Otherwise, PCR test results are typically available in the early evening of the next business day. For example, if you test on a Monday, you will likely receive your results anytime after 4pm on Tuesday. The lab is not open on Sundays, though, so “regular” tests on Saturday will produce results on Monday evening.

For Rapid Tests, each of our exam rooms is equipped with Abbott testing devices, so Rapid Test results are available in 15 minutes or less, while the patient waits.

The cost for next-business-day PCR service is $95. Rapid Testing is priced from $65 to at $180 depending upon the type of test. ZüpMed does not accept insurance, but we can supply you with an itemized receipt which may be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.

PCR testing remains the “gold standard” and is both highly sensitive and specific. Historically, most interstate and international travel requirements have required PCR testing, typically within 48 or 72 hours of planned arrival. The extremely sensitive testing process itself is performed at the facilities of our partner Compass Laboratory here in Memphis. International travelers, however, have noted recent (July 2021) expansion of the types of tests allowed. Please confirm with your destination to see which type of test may be permitted. See our blog on type of tests offered here.

A common question! And, we promise, there’s nothing under-handed going on! As a boutique medical clinic that doesn’t accept any insurance, we find patients are often puzzled when we ask for insurance cards. While our prices reflect our charges for testing, consultation, and telephone management when our patients get sick, the laboratory will submit a separate bill to insurance (when it’s available) for their portion of the actual test. Thus, we collect the insurance information for them. (Note: For U.S. citizens without insurance, a federal fund is available for the laboratory portion.)

All ZüpMed services, even those scheduled for the same day, are provided by appointment only to ensure privacy, no waiting, and a properly cleaned and prepared exam room. Our Concierge staff can be reached at 901-701-7010 to schedule an appointment.

We agree with CDC guidelines and suggest waiting 3-5 days after exposure before testing so that any potential virus has enough time to build and show on a test. Please remember, though, that you can develop COVID infection, with or without symptoms, up to 14 days after exposure.

We routinely test children of all ages. For infants and very young children, though, we ask that you first speak to your pediatrician for proper guidance.

Test results are available through a patient portal where you can see your results and even download a copy of your lab report. It has always been our policy at ZüpMed to personally call and discuss any “positive” COVID-19 tests. With the increase in number of cases, however, we have decided to suspend phone notifications after 10:00 pm so as to allow both our patients and our staff to get some rest. If you receive notification of a positive test and have not been contacted by a member of our staff, please feel free to call the following morning so that we can answer any questions and offer guidance.