Rapid antigen and PCR for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and RSV.
COVID and flu testing
Respiratory testing that is timed to be useful, with antiviral treatment started in the same visit when you qualify.
How this works at QuickCare
Three viruses cause most of what we see between October and March, and they are not clinically distinguishable at the bedside. Testing matters because it changes treatment: oseltamivir works best when it is started within 48 hours of influenza symptoms, and nirmatrelvir with ritonavir must be started within five days of COVID-19 symptoms in someone at higher risk.
We run a combined respiratory panel on a single nasal swab when the season and the symptoms justify it, so one collection answers all three questions. A confirmatory PCR is sent out when the result has to be documented for travel, a surgical clearance or an employer.
If you are at higher risk, and that includes adults over 50, pregnancy, immunosuppression, chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes and obesity, tell the front desk when you check in. It changes how quickly we want to see you and what we can offer.
What is included
- Combined respiratory panelSARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B and RSV from one nasal swab where indicated.
- Rapid antigen testingResults in about 15 minutes, read by an analyser rather than by eye.
- PCR send-outFor travel documentation, pre-procedure clearance or an employer that requires it, usually back within 24 to 48 hours.
- Antiviral prescribingOseltamivir for influenza within the treatment window, and nirmatrelvir with ritonavir for eligible COVID-19 patients after a full interaction check.
- Pulse oximetryOxygen saturation measured at rest, and after walking when the reading is borderline.
- Isolation guidance in writingCurrent CDC-aligned advice for returning to work, school and childcare.
Step by step
- 01Tell us the day symptoms startedThe date drives which tests are worth running and whether antivirals are still an option.At check-in
- 02Swab collectedA mid-turbinate nasal swab, which is uncomfortable for about five seconds and no worse.
- 03Rapid resultRead in the building and given to you in the room.15 min
- 04Treatment decisionAntivirals if you qualify, with a full medication interaction review first.10 min
- 05Written planIsolation dates, symptom monitoring, and the specific reasons to seek emergency care.5 min
Do not come here. Call 911, or go to an emergency department, for:
- Oxygen saturation below 92 percent on room air
- Shortness of breath at rest, or being unable to finish a sentence
- Chest pain or pressure that does not ease
- Bluish lips or face, or new confusion
QuickCare is an urgent care clinic. We do not treat life-threatening emergencies, and we will call an ambulance for you if you arrive with one.
Questions about covid and flu testing
A positive rapid antigen test is trustworthy. A negative one in someone with clear symptoms is not, because antigen tests are much less sensitive than PCR. We either repeat in 48 hours or send a PCR, depending on why the answer matters.
Yes. Tell us the airline or destination requirement at check-in so we order the right assay and produce documentation in the format you need.
Current guidance is based on symptoms rather than a fixed count: stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are improving, then take added precautions for the next five days.
In adults and older children, RSV care is supportive. Infants, older adults and anyone with chronic lung disease need closer monitoring, and we will tell you plainly if that monitoring should happen in a hospital.
General information only, not medical advice. It cannot replace an examination, and it does not create a provider and patient relationship. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.
Need covid and flu testing today?
Walk into any clinic, or hold your place in line first. Either way you see a provider, not a kiosk.