Rapid COVID-19 Testing, Results in 15 Minutes

Rapid COVID-19 diagnostic testing is now available at all centers. To receive a Rapid COVID-19 test, please schedule a Virtual Visit or save your spot online to be evaluated by a provider for testing at a nearby center. Please note: due to limited supply, walk-in patients may not be offered Rapid COVID-19 testing.

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How It Works

1. Schedule a Virtual or In-Center Evaluation with a Provider

If clinically appropriate, your provider will order your COVID-19 test and complete it in-center.

2. Follow Instructions from Your Provider to Receive the Rapid Test

The rapid test is completed by a nasal swab and evaluated in our on-site lab.

3. Receive your results in approximately 15 minutes

If your test results are positive, your provider will discuss next steps for care.

COVID-19 Testing for Travel

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure - it's now easier to get tested for COVID-19 prior to travel. Depending on your destination, a negative COVID-19 test result (within 72 hours of your travels) may be required to avoid a mandatory quarantine period.

At Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care we offer both PCR and Rapid COVID-19 testing - with convenient evaluation options to fit your schedule. You have the choice to walk-in, save your spot online at a nearby center for an evaluation and test or schedule a virtual clinical evaluation and then go to a local center for a quick in-person test.

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What is the Rapid COVID-19 Test?

The Abbott rapid COVID-19 test was recently authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization in healthcare settings.  The rapid COVID-19 test provides results within approximately 15 minutes.

  • The test starts with taking a swab from the nose or the back of the throat, then mixing it with a chemical solution that breaks open the virus and releases its RNA.
  • Using the molecular technology from the Abbott ID NOW system, the mixture is inserted into an ID NOW box that has the technology to identify and amplify select sequences of the coronavirus genome and ignore contamination with other viruses.
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How Does a Virtual COVID-19 Evaluation Work?

Patients who qualify for the rapid COVID-19 test after a Virtual Visit evaluation with a provider will be provided with a testing appointment at a specific Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care center. Within minutes of being tested, you will know if you are positive for COVID-19 and will be given direction as to the next steps in care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in for the test?

To receive a Rapid COVID-19 test, we recommend you schedule a Virtual Visit or save your spot online to be evaluated by a provider for testing at a nearby center. Due to limited supply, walk-in patients may not receive a same-day COVID-19 test.

How long do I have to wait for test results if I do get tested?

Rapid diagnostic test results will be available within approximately 15 minutes. Antibody test results will be available on the Patient Portal in 72 hours. Please note that results for asymptomatic patients may take longer.

Can I get tested multiple times for COVID-19?

In accordance with the CDC, if you have received a postive COVID-19 test result previously, we cannot test you again for 3 months from the date of your last test.
If your past COVID-19 test result was negative, you may schedule another clinical evaluation and test at any of our centers or use our Virtual Visit service.

What is the difference between the PCR and Rapid COVID-19 (Abbott ID NOW) Test?

Both the PCR and the rapid Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 tests can detect SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by amplifying the genetic code at a higher sensitivity than antigen tests. Although they are both NAAT tests, the difference between PCR and Abbott ID NOW is how the amplification is achieved. PCR is a technology that uses temperature cycling to create high fidelity copies of genetic code. This is the gold standard method of amplifying genetic code, but the need to raise and lower the temperature repeatedly takes time. In contrast, isothermal molecular amplification tests, such as Abbott's ID NOW, can accomplish a similar outcome at a single temperature. Without the need to wait for temperature changes, this method runs slightly faster.

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COVID-19 Testing Information