COVID Testing
VITALIZE Offers PCR, Rapid Antigen, and Antibody Tests for COVID-19
PCR TEST
The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is a swab for the virus itself that determines whether you currently have COVID-19 by looking for the unique coronavirus genetic material. This test is specifically designed to detect the presence of the virus in your body. This is done through a nasal or oropharyngeal swab.
The PCR test is currently the gold standard lab test for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, which is why it is the one required by many airlines, governments, and employers.
RAPID ANTIGEN TEST
Antigen testing is a rapid testing option that can detect viral antigens from an anterior nasal swab sample in 15 minutes. This test is most accurate at the onset of symptoms and for 5 days afterward.
ANTIBODY TEST
The Antibody test measures antibody responses (IgA, IgM & IgG) to the virus, which primarily indicates that you have been exposed to the virus in the past.
This test involves a quick 10-15 minute visit to our location. A blood draw is performed under strict social distancing and protective protocols to keep you safe.
PRICING
Our Fees
There is a $75 fee for collecting a PCR or antibody specimen (or $125 for both) which must be paid for at the time of the visit or in advance. We can provide you a superbill to seek medical insurance reimbursement from your insurer. Rapid antigen testing is $125, and there is no separate laboratory fee for this test as it is performed entirely on site.
Laboratory Fees
PCR testing: $100 will be billed to your health insurance. If you are uninsured but have a US identification card, driver’s license, or passport, this fee may be covered by a government program. Otherwise, you will be billed separately by the lab.
Standard processing usually provides results within 1-3 calendar days (though we cannot guarantee less than 4 days).
COVID-19 Test Rates
| Test | Turnaround Time | Cost |
| PCR | 1-3 days | $95 |
PCR TEST
The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test detects the unique genetic material (RNA) within the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. This is done through a nasal or oropharyngeal swab.
The PCR test is currently the gold standard for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus which is why it is the one required by many airlines, travel destinations, employers, etc.
INSURANCE
Please note that we are unable to bill insurance carriers directly for our services. However, you may easily seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier by filing a claim. We will happily provide you with a superbill, upon request, to accompany your claim. Reimbursement for testing usually requires a medical necessity and is not guaranteed.
Make an Appointment
If you would like to be tested for COVID-19, please call us at (323) 524-5859 or use the form below to schedule an appointment.
GROUP & BUSINESS RATES
VITALIZE offers discounted group rates and corporate pricing for COVID testing. Testing can be done at our clinic or at the place of your choosing. If you need COVID testing for your business or organization, please contact us for more information.
COVID-19 Testing FAQs
WHAT IS THE TESTING PROCESS
PCR
This is a simple cotton swab that is placed into each nostril for 3-5 seconds to get a sufficient amount of mucous, which is then placed into a specimen tube and sent to the lab for analysis.
Our labs operate as a high complexity lab with CLIA and CAP certifications.
HOW ARE YOU KEEPING THE VISIT SAFE?
Testing is performed outdoors in the back of our clinic. Our staff is protected with personal protective equipment (PPE) and our clients are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing measures. All surfaces are cleaned regularly with medical-grade cleaning supplies and disinfectants. We aim to make the visit safer than a visit to your grocery store.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING TESTED?
There are personal and societal benefits to testing for COVID-19. Knowing whether you’ve been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and are potentially contagious can be vital to your health and the health of those around you.
If you test positive for COVID-19, this knowledge will allow you to isolate yourself, even if you are asymptomatic. If you do fall ill from the coronavirus, knowing the cause of your sickness will help your doctor and provider better decide on a treatment for you.
HOW LONG BEFORE I GET MY RESULTS?
The standard processing time for the lab is usually 1 day for Antibody tests and 1-3 calendar days for PCR tests. Several expedited processing options are now available for as fast as 10 hours or less. Rapid antigen test results are usually available in about 15 minutes. As soon as we receive the lab results, we will contact you. Please forward any positive results to your primary care physician and discuss them with him/her as well. It is important that you keep them informed of your current condition. Our doctors at VITALIZE will also review and interpret all results as well, and are available for questions if you test positive.
AM I STILL CONTAGIOUS IF I HAVE ANTIBODIES? HOW LONG SHOULD I ISOLATE? WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS?
Currently, there have been no large-scale studies regarding the presence of antibodies and how contagious you may be. The best advice is to follow the Los Angeles Department of Health guidelines (http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidisolation) on isolation procedures. If you believe you have been exposed to coronavirus or have COVID-19, you should isolate for 14 days and be asymptomatic (no fever for three days and seven days since first symptoms) before coming out of isolation.
If someone is showing any of the following symptoms*, contact 911 immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
- Other serious symptoms
* These are not all possible symptoms. Call your primary medical provider for any other symptoms that are of concern.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP RATES & CORPORATE PRICING?
Yes, we offer group rates and corporate pricing for COVID testing for businesses, production companies, and organizations. Testing can be done at our clinic or at the place of choosing. Please contact us for more information.
