Sonora Quest Laboratories' top priority is always the health and safety of our patients, employees, and the communities we serve.

On March 20, 2020, Sonora Quest began to provide COVID-19 testing at its main laboratory in Tempe. The test is called SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR (COVID-19) - Swabs.

Part of that commitment is to help you get answers to the many questions you have about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to make sure you know that you must go to your doctor for testing, if you have any reason to suspect you have COVID-19.


Who should get tested?


It’s important to reach out to your doctor immediately if you have any reason to suspect you have COVID-19 or are exhibiting signs as stated by the CDC. If COVID-19 testing makes sense for you, your doctor will collect your specimen (for example, nose or throat swab). Your respiratory specimens will then be sent to a lab, such as Sonora Quest, for advanced testing. Your doctor will contact you with your results.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends calling your doctor if you:

  • Experience symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath)

  • Have been in close contact with a person with COVID-19

  • Have recently traveled from an area with a widespread outbreak

Don’t wait. Early detection means you can take precautions right away to limit the spread of the illness to those around you.

For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, please do not go to a Sonora Quest Patient Service Center for COVID-19 testing. Contact your healthcare provider for testing services.


Where to get tested

You can only get tested for COVID-19 through your doctor. Sonora Quest does not collect COVID-19 specimens at our Patient Service Centers.

Patients: Please do not go to a Sonora Quest Patient Service Center for COVID-19 testing. Contact your healthcare provider for testing services.

Sonora Quest will process the specimens collected by your doctor.


How COVID-19 testing works

If COVID-19 testing makes sense for you, your doctor will collect your specimen (for example, nose or throat swab). Your respiratory specimens will then be sent to a lab, such as Sonora Quest, for advanced testing. Your doctor will contact you with your results.

COVID-19 or the flu? Symptoms of COVID-19 mimic the flu, but it’s important to take either illness very seriously. Speak with your doctor to determine if your symptoms call for COVID-19 or flu testing.


Simple steps for prevention

Protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 with simple prevention methods. The CDC recommends that you:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

  • Stay home when you are sick

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water

 
FAQ

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 (formally known as 2019-nCoV) is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2). The lab test to diagnose the virus that causes COVID-19 is called the SARS-CoV-2 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time RT-PCR.

The World Health Organization recently declared COVID-19 an international public health emergency.

Does Sonora Quest provide testing for COVID-19?

Yes. Sonora Quest is one of the labs processing the complex COVID-19 testing during this public health emergency. Keep in mind that you need to go to your doctor to have your specimen collected (for example, nose or throat swab). You cannot go to a Sonora Quest Patient Service Center for testing.

Who can currently get a COVID-19 test via SonoraQuest? Are there any criteria?

Currently, there are no restrictions on who may receive testing through Sonora Quest Laboratories. The CDC recommends calling your doctor if you experience symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), have been in close contact with a person with COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with a widespread outbreak. Speak with your doctor to determine if your symptoms call for COVID-19 or flu testing.

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will review your symptoms to determine if COVID-19 or flu testing is needed. If COVID-19 testing makes sense for you, your doctor will collect your specimen (for example, nose or throat swab). Your respiratory specimen will be sent to a lab, such as Sonora Quest, for advanced testing. Your doctor will contact you with your results.

How much does the testing service cost?

$77 to $199 depending on the sample submitted.

Can I go to a Sonora Quest patient service center to be tested?

No. You must go to your doctor for testing services, where your doctor will collect your specimen (for example, nose or throat swab). Sonora Quest does not collect COVID-19 specimens at our Patient Service Centers. The respiratory specimens collected by your doctor are then sent to labs like Sonora Quest to process the tests.

What is Sonora Quest doing to protect its employees, patients, and business?

As a healthcare company that touches the lives of millions of patients each year, we have rigorous safety procedures in place across our company to protect Sonora Quest employees and others on the front line from coming in contact with a wide range of infectious diseases. In light of COVID-19, we have taken additional measures to bolster preparedness, including creating a special response team along with new materials and training and employee travel restrictions. We are also working to increase space in our patient waiting rooms where we are able to increase social distancing, as well as encouraging people accompanying patients being served to wait outside of the premises.

Can I order this test online for myself?

No. If you suspect you have COVID-19, contact your doctor. If testing is right for you, your doctor will collect your specimen (for example, nose or throat swab). Those respiratory specimens are then sent to labs like Sonora Quest to process the tests.

How are the results reported?

Results are sent to the ordering physician, most commonly through electronic medical records systems (EMRs). You may obtain your results through our SonoraQuest.com Patient Results Portal.

Is this test FDA-approved or cleared?

This test has been authorized by the FDA under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use by authorized laboratories such as Sonora Quest.

How many samples has Sonora Quest Laboratories received for COVID-19 testing?

The number of samples that have been sent to Sonora Quest is proprietary and confidential. The Arizona Department of Health Services is tracking statewide statistics and they can be contacted to provide that information as they are able to share.