FastMed offers convenient COVID-19 diagnostic testing at all locations. With extended office hours, the ability to schedule a visit online, and neighborhood clinics throughout North Carolina, you can trust us to take care of you and your family.
COVID-19 testing
Common COVID-19 tests
Diagnostic PCR
Diagnostic Rapid Antigen
Type of COVID-19 tests offered
RT-PCR test; also known as diagnostic test, viral test, molecular test, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
Rapid antigen diagnostic tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of a specific viral antigen, which implies current viral infection
How the sample is taken
Nasal swab
Nasal swab
How long it takes to get results
This test is sent to an outside lab and the turnaround time for results depends on current demand.
One hour or less
What the results indicate
Diagnoses active SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes COVID-19
Diagnoses active SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes COVID-19. For high-risk individuals displaying symptoms who test negative, a backup molecular test may be recommended
What the test doesn’t indicate
Show if you ever had SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), or were infected in the past
A negative antigen test does not definitively exclude active COVID-19 illness. Antigen tests are slightly less sensitive than molecular tests, so if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and an antigen test is negative, your healthcare provider may advise a molecular test
Where to get a test
Available at all locations
Available at all locations while supplies last
How much it costs
The cost of COVID-19 tests vary based on your insurance plan. For our self-pay patients, please click here for more information.
Diagnostic PCR
Type of COVID-19 tests offered
RT-PCR test; also known as diagnostic test, viral test, molecular test, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
How the sample is taken
Nasal Swab
How long it takes to get results
This test is sent to an outside lab and the turnaround time for results depends on current demand.
What the results indicate
Diagnoses active SARS-CoV-2 infection (current or recent COVID-19)
What the test doesn’t indicate
Show if you ever had SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), or were infected in the past
Where to get a test
Available at all locations
How much it costs
The cost of COVID-19 tests vary based on your insurance plan. For our self-pay patients, please click here for more information.
Diagnostic Rapid Antigen
Type of COVID-19 tests offered
Rapid antigen diagnostic tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of a specific viral antigen, which implies current viral infection
How the sample is taken
Nasal swab
How long it takes to get results
One hour or less
What the results indicate
Diagnoses active SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes COVID-19. For high-risk individuals displaying symptoms who test negative, a backup molecular test may be recommended
What the test doesn’t indicate
A negative antigen test does not definitively exclude active COVID-19 illness. Antigen tests are slightly less sensitive than molecular tests, so if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and an antigen test is negative, your healthcare provider may advise a molecular test
Where to get a test
Available at all locations while supplies last
How much it costs
The cost of COVID-19 tests vary based on your insurance plan. For our self-pay patients, please click here for more information.
COVID-19 symptoms
What are the common symptoms of COVID-19?
Below are common are symptoms of COVID-19. For the full list of symptoms, please visit the CDC website by clicking here.
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sudden loss of taste or smell
- Body aches & fatigue
- Sore throat
- Sinus congestion or runny nose
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 testing at FastMed
Is FastMed a COVID-19 testing center?
FastMed offers COVID-19 diagnostic testing at all clinics throughout North Carolina. Click here to find a location near you.
What is the COVID-19 diagnostic test and when should I get it?
The COVID-19 diagnostic test checks for a current infection by detecting the genetic material of the virus in respiratory secretions. You should get tested if you are experiencing symptoms or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
What is the COVID-19 rapid antibody test and when should I get it?
The COVID-19 rapid antibody test is available for patients who have never been symptomatic or have been symptomatic but have recovered from acute illness for 2 weeks. The test requires a provider evaluation and is not used to diagnose a current COVID-19 infection. A negative result does not rule out infection and does not imply or confirm that you have developed an immunity to the COVID-19 virus. It only indicates a likelihood that you’ve had exposure to or were infected by the virus in the past.
What should I do if I need to visit a FastMed clinic?
Please check in online, complete your e-registration, and choose to receive a text when we are ready for you to come into the clinic. Please also do not bring any additional friends or family members with you to your visit unless necessary.
Do I need to worry about COVID-19 exposure if I’m visiting the clinic?
In addition to limiting lobby wait times, FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation to hold the Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission for healthcare quality and safety. We are committed to providing the highest level of care and our sanitization procedures are highly effective against COVID-19.
Does FastMed offer telemedicine?
FastMed offers telemedicine services via a video visit for patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, as well as for a variety of urgent care symptoms ranging from a sore throat, runny nose and cough, to UTI, allergies, sunburn and more. Telemedicine appointments are facilitated by a FastMed provider and are currently available Monday-Friday.
How to access your COVID-19 test results faster
Due to the overwhelming demand for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, we are unable to call all patients that test negative for COVID-19. If you receive a standard diagnostic test, to get faster access to your results we recommend patients create a MyChart account and log in to view their results. To sign in or create an account, click here. Creating a patient account will allow you to gain faster access and to print your results. You will receive an email when your results are available to view within the patient portal. Your patient account is safe, secure, and available on desktop and mobile devices. For those who prefer to speak with a FastMed Team Member, please feel free to reach out to our clinics. Please keep in mind that we are experiencing a higher than normal call volume right now.
Our commitment to safely serving you
FastMed is committed to providing the highest level of care. We are one of the few urgent care providers in the nation to hold the Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission for healthcare quality and safety. Click below to reveal the precautions we are taking every day to ensure our patients’ safety.
FastMed safety protocols
- Team member protocols: We continue to follow the highest standards and protocols for sanitization and hand washing.
- Cleaning protocols: We have increased cleaning in common areas. Our sanitization products are highly effective against COVID-19, as well as other bacteria and viruses.
- Reduced lobby wait times: We are encouraging all patients to schedule a visit to reduce wait time in the lobby.
- Social distancing guidelines: We remind patients before and throughout their visit to maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from others.
- Mask policies: All patients, clinic team members and providers are required to wear masks at all times.
* The content presented on this page is not intended to diagnose health problems or take the place of professional medical care.
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