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:

Although local mask mandates have been lifted, Sonora Quest Laboratories is committed to the health and safety of its patients, clients and employees and therefore we will continue to adhere to CDC recommendations and follow our existing protocols.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring everyone’s safety when visiting a Sonora Quest Patient Service Center

  • As we are following CDC guidance, please wear a mask or face covering in our Patient Service Centers (bandanna or handmade mask is acceptable)

  • If you do not have a mask, talk to the front desk staff and kindly maintain six feet of distance

  • Please avoid bringing minors and guests with you whenever possible. Guests with you that are not minors or needed for support in specimen collection should plan to wait outside of the lobby area in support of safe social distancing.

  • If you have a specimen to drop off, take it to the front desk immediately

 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Masking

The State of Arizona does not require us to wear masks anymore, why are you making me wear a mask?

As a leading healthcare provider in the State of Arizona we value the health and safety of both our patients and employees. Additionally, we follow CDC guidelines and the guidance of one of our parent companies, Banner Health, to remain consistent with other health care organizations. Wearing a mask continues to provide the best protection for those of us who are most vulnerable. To protect them, it is and will continue to be a requirement to wear a mask while inside Sonora Quest facilities for the foreseeable future. 

The CDC said that vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks anymore. I have been vaccinated so I shouldn’t have to wear a mask anymore. Why are you making me? 

The CDC has relaxed its recommendations for small gatherings between family and friends providing all the individuals have been vaccinated. As we do not know who or who has not been vaccinated, it is the position of the company to protect everyone by continuing to require everyone to be masked while in Sonora Quest facilities.


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


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

Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers observed nasal swab self-collections options based on symptom status. Patients who have COVID-19 symptoms or recent exposure can schedule “COVID-19 – Symptoms/Exposure (Carside)” appointments at select Patient Service Center locations. Beginning November 18, 2020, patients without symptoms or exposure can schedule “COVID-19 – (No Symptoms – Confirm Negative Status)” appointments, which will be available at most Sonora Quest Patient Service Centers.

Additionally, the Arizona Department of Health Services (AzDHS) web page provides a listing of collection sites for COVID-19 diagnostic testing locations that can provide sample collection.

Furthermore, in collaboration with Quest Diagnostics, Sonora Quest Laboratories has partnered with CVS Health to launch drive-thru testing for SARS-CoV-2 via their MinuteClinics, using pharmacists to oversee self-collected nasal swab specimens. CVS is now offering drive-thru testing at more than 60 locations in Arizona. Patients must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment.

Sonora Quest has partnered with select Phoenix-area Walmart locations to offer observed self-collections for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Please note that in order to schedule a drive-thru appointment at participating Walmart locations, your doctor must place an electronic order for diagnostic COVID-19 testing. Click here to schedule.


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

COVID-19 Testing Overview - Page 1
COVID-19 Testing Overview - 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 $99 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.  For uninsured patients, Sonora Quest will pursue reimbursement from Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Sonora Quest is not billing patients for this testing when ordered by a physician. 

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?

$77 to $199 depending on the sample submitted.

Based on the regulations and expected coverage for testing, for our insured patients Sonora Quest will bill the patient’s insurance directly. For uninsured patients, Sonora Quest will pursue reimbursement from Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sonora Quest is not billing patients for this testing when ordered by a physician.

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?

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

Orders should be submitted to Sonora Quest with all patient demographics and “Uninsured” noted in the payor portion of the order. Sonora Quest will pursue payment through AHCCCS or Department of Health & Human Services and will not be charging the patient.

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 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?

Yes, at select locations. Sonora Quest Laboratories now offers observed nasal swab self-collections options based on symptom status. Patients who have COVID-19 symptoms or recent exposure can schedule “COVID-19 – Symptoms/Exposure (Carside)” appointments at select Patient Service Center locations. Beginning November 18, 2020, patients without symptoms or exposure can schedule “COVID-19 – (No Symptoms – Confirm Negative Status)” appointments, which will be available at most Sonora Quest Patient Service Centers.

Additionally, refer to the 'Where to get tested' section on this page for other collection location options.

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.