CLIA-waived rapid panels read before you leave, plus send-out testing.
Lab testing
Rapid tests run in the building, with a plain explanation of what each result actually measures and what it does not.
How this works at QuickCare
Every QuickCare clinic holds a CLIA certificate of waiver and runs a defined rapid menu on site. Anything outside that menu is drawn here and couriered to our reference laboratory, with results typically back in one to three business days depending on the assay.
A test result is only useful if you know what it measures. A rapid antigen test is very specific but much less sensitive than PCR, which is why a negative antigen test in a clearly symptomatic patient is often repeated or escalated. A urine dipstick that is positive for nitrites is fairly convincing for a urinary tract infection, while leukocyte esterase alone is much weaker evidence.
We will not run a test whose result cannot change what we do next. If a rapid mono test would not alter your management, we say so rather than adding a line to your bill.
What is included
- Rapid group A strepAntigen test in about 10 minutes, with a backup throat culture in children when the rapid is negative.
- Influenza A and BRapid molecular testing, most useful within the first 48 hours of symptoms when antivirals are still on the table.
- SARS-CoV-2Antigen on site with PCR send-out when a documented result is needed for travel, work or a procedure.
- Urinalysis with reflex cultureDipstick and microscopy on site; culture and sensitivities sent out when the picture is atypical or recurrent.
- CBC and comprehensive metabolic panelDrawn on site, resulted by the reference laboratory, usually next business day.
- A1c, lipid panel and urine hCGA1c and pregnancy testing on site; lipids drawn here for send-out.
- Drug and alcohol screeningDOT and non-DOT urine collection, plus breath alcohol testing for employer accounts.
Step by step
- 01Provider decides the panelTesting follows the exam, not the other way round.During the visit
- 02Specimen collectedThroat or nasal swab, clean-catch urine, or venipuncture by a trained technician.5 min
- 03Rapid tests runOn-site analysers, read and documented by staff, not by eye alone.10 to 20 min
- 04Results explainedWhat was positive, what was negative, and what that means for your treatment.5 min
- 05Send-outs followed upWe call you with abnormal send-out results and release normal results to your portal.1 to 3 days
Do not come here. Call 911, or go to an emergency department, for:
- Fever with a stiff neck, confusion or a non-blanching rash
- Blood in vomit or stool, or black tarry stools
- Flank pain and fever with a known urinary infection
- Any severe pain you would describe as the worst of your life
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 lab testing
For occupational drug screens, employer-ordered panels and travel COVID PCR, yes. For clinical testing, a provider has to order the test, because someone has to be responsible for acting on the result.
Only for a lipid panel, and then for 9 to 12 hours with water and black coffee still allowed. Nothing else on our menu requires fasting.
Rapid results are given to you in the room and printed on your discharge summary. Send-out results post to the patient portal, and we phone you for anything abnormal.
Yes, on request. Give us the practice name and fax or direct address at check-in and a copy goes out with your visit summary.
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 lab testing today?
Walk into any clinic, or hold your place in line first. Either way you see a provider, not a kiosk.