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

  • Sonora Quest Laboratories offers COVID-19 antibody testing. Click here for detailed information. 

  • We continue to offer diagnostic COVID-19 testing. Please see the information below for details.

  • For assistance with determining what test is right for you, please download our COVID-19 testing overview or visit SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid to learn about options to order your own COVID-19 testing without an order from a healthcare provider. For additional information on testing, please see below. 

Important Information for Patients:

We are screening patients and guests upon check-in for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. If you have COVID-19 or suspect you have the virus, please avoid visiting our Patient Service Centers for 10-14 days after symptom onset. This change is regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Patient comfort and safety is a priority for everyone visiting a Sonora Quest Patient Service Center

  • As we are following updated CDC guidance, masks or face coverings are now optional and full capacity seating is available inside our Patient Service Centers.
  • You may continue to wear a mask at your discretion.
  • If you do not have a mask and would like one, please request one from our front desk staff.
  • Please avoid visiting our Patient Service Centers if you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Other options for sample collection are presented below.
  • If you prefer to wait where you want and receive a text to come inside when we are ready to serve you, please notify a staff member upon arrival.
  • Please avoid bringing minors and guests with you when possible.

Information Regarding COVID-19 Testing for Active Infection 


On March 20, 2020, Sonora Quest began to provide COVID-19 testing at its main laboratory in Phoenix.

Part of our 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 or you can obtain them through our Patient Results Portal.

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.

Where to get your sample collected for testing

 

Sonora Quest Carside Collection Sites
COVID-19 carside collections are now available by appointment only at select Sonora Quest Patient Service Centers.

These appointments are for patients that have COVID-19 symptoms and/or recent exposure to someone with COVID-19. An order from your healthcare provider or a self-ordered COVID-19 Symptoms/Exposure test is required. Please note that other tests cannot be collected at carside appointments.

If you have an order from your healthcare provider, schedule a carside appointment.

If you do not have an order from your healthcare provider, order your own test and follow the steps to schedule a carside appointment after you complete your order.

Walmart Drive-Thru Collection Sites
Participating Walmart locations only serve patients who self-order a COVID-19 symptoms/exposure diagnostic test AND schedule an appointment through My Lab ReQuest. Learn more.

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


COVID-19 Testing Overview

Tests for COVID-19 - Molecular, Antigen, and Antibody - Page 1
Tests for COVID-19 - Molecular, Antigen, and Antibody - Page 2


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 (COVID-19), Qualitative, NAAT.

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

Does Sonora Quest provide testing for COVID-19?

Yes. Sonora Quest is one of the labs performing gold standard molecular COVID-19 testing during this public health emergency. Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers options for self-ordered testing and sample collection based on symptom status without an order from a healthcare provider. Learn more at SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid.

Does Sonora Quest offer serology / blood based antigen/antibody testing for COVID-19?

Sonora Quest Laboratories offers COVID-19 antibody testing. Click here for detailed information.

How much does the COVID-19 antibody test cost?

The price of the test is $65 if billed directly to a healthcare provider’s office, and $75 if billed to insurance or if a patient decides to purchase the test themselves without a doctor’s order or insurance through our My Lab ReQuest™ solution.

Based on the regulations and expected coverage for testing, for our insured patients Sonora Quest will bill the patient’s insurance directly. Uninsured patients have the option of paying a reduced cost of $75 for COVID-19 antibody testing if paid at the time of service. 

Who can currently get a COVID-19 test via Sonora Quest? 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.

Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers options for self-ordered testing and sample collection based on symptom status without an order from a healthcare provider. Learn more at SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid.

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.

Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers options for self-ordered testing and sample collection based on symptom status without an order from a healthcare provider. Learn more at SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid.

Additionally, please see the 'Where to get tested' section on this page for information on additional locations, including select Sonora Quest Patient Service Centers, where you can get your diagnostic sample collected.

How much does the testing service cost?

Note that there is no charge for COVID-19 diagnostic testing as testing will be billed to insurance under a medical standing order for insured patients. Uninsured patients have the option of paying a reduced cost of $100 for COVID-19 diagnostic testing if paid at the time of service or $120 if billed post-testing.

Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers options for self-ordered testing and sample collection based on symptom status without an order from a healthcare provider. Learn more at SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid.

I don’t have insurance, but I thought all COVID-19 related testing is supposed to be free. Do I have to pay for COVID-19 testing?

Previously, Sonora Quest Laboratories had the capacity to bill the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for COVID-19 testing that was performed for uninsured patients. Now that HRSA has stopped accepting claims due to a lack of funding, patients will be responsible for the self-pay cost of their COVID-19 laboratory testing.

Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers options for self-ordered testing and sample collection based on symptom status without an order from a healthcare provider. Learn more at SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid.

I have insurance but I thought all COVID-19 related testing is supposed to be free. Do I have to pay for COVID-19 testing?

Based on the regulations and expected coverage for testing, Sonora Quest is not billing patients with insurance for this testing when ordered by a physician. A physician ordered COVID-19 test would likely be covered by insurance if the order meets the insurer’s medical coverage guidelines, resulting in zero out-of-pocket expense. It is recommended that patients consult with their primary physician to determine the medical necessity of obtaining COVID-19 testing.

Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers options for self-ordered testing and sample collection based on symptom status without an order from a healthcare provider. Learn more at SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid.

I don’t have insurance, what can I do?

To apply for AHCCCS or to obtain additional information, patients can visit https://azahcccs.gov/Members/GetCovered/apply.html or call the Applicant & Member Services 1(855)HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587).  Calls are answered Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Can I go to a Sonora Quest Patient Service Center to be tested?

Patients without COVID-19 symptoms and recent exposure to someone with COVID-19 can schedule “COVID-19 – No Symptoms” appointments at most Sonora Quest Patient Service Centers.

Sonora Quest Carside Collection Sites
COVID-19 carside collections are now available by appointment only at select Sonora Quest Patient Service Centers.

These appointments are for patients that have COVID-19 symptoms and/or recent exposure to someone with COVID-19. An order from your healthcare provider or a self-ordered COVID-19 Symptoms/Exposure test is required. Please note that other tests cannot be collected at carside appointments.

If you have an order from your healthcare provider, schedule a carside appointment.

If you do not have an order from your healthcare provider, order your own test and follow the steps to schedule a carside appointment after you complete your order.

Walmart Drive-Thru Collection Sites
Participating Walmart locations only serve patients who self-order a COVID-19 symptoms/exposure diagnostic test AND schedule an appointment through My Lab ReQuest. Learn more.

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 have also increased space in our patient waiting rooms where we are able to increase social distancing, we require that staff and patients wear masks inside our patient services centers, and we are encouraging people accompanying patients being served to wait outside of the premises.

Can I order this test online for myself?

Yes. Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers options for self-ordered testing and sample collection based on symptom status without an order from a healthcare provider. Learn more at SonoraQuest.com/OrderCovid.

How are the results reported?

Sonora Quest does not reach out to patients by phone with their test results. Results are sent to the ordering physician, most commonly through electronic medical records systems (EMRs). Patients may obtain their results through our SonoraQuest.com Patient Results Portal and sign up to receive email and/or text notifications when new results are available.

Is this test FDA-approved or cleared?

All COVID-19 testing performed by Sonora Quest Laboratories has been authorized by the FDA under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use by authorized laboratories such as Sonora Quest.

Will you be publicly reporting how many people you test?

Yes – we are reporting all results to the Arizona Department of Health Services, so our results are represented in the numbers they are distributing. 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. Additionally, we are sharing the total number of COVID-19 tests that we have performed, along with the average result turnaround time, and positivity rate with all major Arizona media outlets on a daily basis.