COVID-19 Updates

End of Public Health Emergency (PHE)

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration issued on January 31, 2020, for the COVID-19 pandemic is ending. Effective May 12, 2023, the end of the COVID-19 PHE will greatly impact costs and accessibility for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing. Sonora Quest is here to help you navigate these new policies and support you with the same timely, quality testing solutions we’ve always provided.

While coverage requirements and guidelines for COVID-19 testing may vary, click here for summary of key changes for patients and health care providers to be aware of.

Respiratory 3-with-1 Combination Testing for COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza

Sonora Quest now offers a qualitative, multi-target, molecular diagnostics testing that uses only one patient sample to aid in the detection of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Influenza. This 3-with-1 respiratory virus combination testing is available with a health care provider’s order. 

Your health care provider can help you determine if you should be screened for COVID-19, RSV, and influenza and perform the collection. The testing requires a health care provider’s order. 

To learn more visit Respiratory 3-with-1 Combination Testing and talk to your health care provider.

COVID-19 Testing Statistics

For COVID-19 testing statistics, please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services site.

Sonora Quest Laboratories Offers Free COVID-19 PCR Testing to Uninsured Arizonans 

Sonora Quest Laboratories has joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program to offer free COVID-19 laboratory testing for uninsured people who are either symptomatic, exposed, or at high risk (including immunocompromised or pregnant).

The ICATT program for free COVID testing is offered to uninsured patients throughout the state. Patients with health insurance continue to have access to free COVID PCR testing at Sonora Quest if exposed to COVID or presenting with symptoms.

Uninsured patients can check to see if they qualify for free COVID PCR testing by completing a brief online screening questionnaire. If qualified, patients will have the option to schedule a COVID-19 PCR test at more than 50 Patient Service Centers throughout Arizona, including select drive-up locations. Patients with symptoms must wear a mask for their appointment.

To check eligibility and schedule an appointment visit SonoraQuest.com/covid-testing

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 unless you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or have recently been exposed to someone with the virus.
  • 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 severe symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever of 102 F or higher, a fever lasting more than 48 hours, or severe cough.
  • 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.

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 mild COVID-19 symptoms and/or recent exposure to someone with COVID-19. An order from your healthcare provider or a self-ordered COVID-19 Diagnostic 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.

COVID-19 diagnostic testing has a published turnaround time within 2 – 4 days. Currently, most results are delivered in under 24 hours. Testing turnaround time may vary based on testing demand, supplies, and other factors.

COVID-19 antibody testing has a published turnaround time within 1 – 3 days. Currently, the majority of tests are being reported within 2 days. Testing turnaround time may vary based on testing demand, supplies, and other factors.

As of September 15, 2021, COVID-19 and Influenza combo testing is being performed at our main laboratory in Phoenix. Results are currently reported in 2-4 days. Testing turnaround time may vary based on testing demand, supplies, and other factors.

Awareness: Scammers may be posing as Sonora Quest over the phone claiming they have COVID-19 test results. Be alert and visit SonoraQuest.com/results to obtain your results.

Are all COVID-19 diagnostic tests equally effective and accurate?

No, however Sonora Quest offers the gold standard molecular COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Learn more about the types of COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing here.

What COVID-19 tests does Sonora Quest offer?

Sonora Quest offers the gold standard molecular COVID-19 diagnostic testing and COVID-19 antibody testing. Learn more about our COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing here.

How can someone get a COVID-19 test?

Patients with COVID-19 symptoms and recent exposure to someone with COVID-19 are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider. Patients with an order from their healthcare provider for COVID-19 diagnostic testing can schedule an appointment for collection, either carside or inside the facility, at select Sonora Quest locations throughout Arizona if their healthcare provider is unable to collect their diagnostic sample in their office.

Patients may also request their own COVID-19 diagnostic test. Uninsured patients can check to see if they qualify for free COVID PCR testing by completing a brief online screening questionnaire. If qualified, patients will have the option to schedule a COVID-19 PCR test at more than 50 Patient Service Centers throughout Arizona, including select drive-up locations. Patients with symptoms must wear a mask for their appointment. 

To check eligibility and schedule an appointment visit SonoraQuest.com/covid-testing

How can business owners help their employees get tested?

Business owners can use Sonora Quest’s Employer Solutions Portfolio to coordinate COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing for their employees. Sonora Quest can provide testing on site or coordinated group scheduling at a Patient Service Center. Learn more about Sonora Quest’s Employer Solutions Portfolio and how to set up an appointment here.

Are there currently any pending test results from Sonora Quest?

Turnaround times are updated weekly on Sonora Quest’s COVID-19 weekly dashboard found above on this webpage. As of 5/16/22:

COVID-19 diagnostic testing has a published turnaround time within 2 – 4 days. Currently, the majority of tests are being reported within 2 days. Testing turnaround time may vary based on testing demand, supplies, and other factors.

COVID-19 antibody testing has a published turnaround time within 1 – 3 days. Currently, the majority of tests are being reported within 2 days. Testing turnaround time may vary based on testing demand, supplies, and other factors.

Is Sonora Quest reporting data to Arizona Department of Health Services?

Sonora Quest has provided and continues to provide data to the state on a daily basis.

There was only one instance of a delay in reporting on 6/28 because of a technical glitch in the system in uploading the increased data volume. This was quickly remedied and the state reported those numbers in their system the following day.

Is Sonora Quest on track with the launch of Catapult and expanding testing?

Operation Catapult made it possible for Sonora Quest to bring additional testing instrumentation online when the need arises. We will continue to monitor and adjust our testing capacity in response to demand for COVID-19 testing.

 

This is an evolving situation and we appreciate your patience and understanding as our team experiences an increased demand for testing and media inquiries. We have designed this page as a resource hub dedicated to media so please check back to this page periodically for the latest information. If you are looking for additional resources such as b-roll or photos, please email our media team.

 

Media Statement — August 4, 2020

  • On Aug. 3, Sonora Quest announced that it is now reporting new incoming COVID-19 diagnostic test results within a turnaround time of 1-3 days.

    • Note that our published turnaround time is 2-4 days.

  • Sonora Quest continues to report results for COVID-19 antibody testing within 24 hours and testing capacity continues to exceed demand.

  • Sonora Quest reports that it has three new dedicated COVID-19 production lines running with a focus on optimizing workflow. As additional testing lines are implemented over the coming weeks, Sonora Quest will continue to increase testing capacity.

    • Capacity will continue to increase as additional testing lines are added until a capacity of 60,000 tests per day is reached.
    • Sonora Quest’s ability to reach a 60,000 test per day capacity greatly positions Arizona’s readiness should the State experience a second wave of COVID resurgence.
    • Additionally, Sonora Quest has hired and trained more than 200 additional employees (full-time and temporary) to support the expansion in COVID-19 diagnostic testing.
    • As of today, Sonora Quest’s COVID-19 diagnostic testing capacity exceeds demand and they are the only lab in the U.S. able to make that claim.
  • Sonora Quest continues to place an extreme emphasis on testing validation and therefore applies stringent acceptability criteria for precision, reproducibility, accuracy, method comparison and clinical performance.

  • Sonora Quest continues to form strategic partnerships with local community organizations and state agencies to provide testing to the State’s most vulnerable and underserved populations. This includes partnerships with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Equality Health, and more.

  • Sonora Quest will soon announce their COVID-19 Employer Solutions offering, a portfolio of lab testing and services to assist employers develop return to work strategies.

Media Statement — August 3, 2020

  • We continue to make significant progress reducing our pending testing, which is now at approximately 3,535 tests with dates of service prior to August 1.

Media Statement — July 31, 2020

We continue to make significant progress reducing our pending testing, which is now at approximately 21,500 tests as of the morning of July 31. Note that this number includes recently submitted testing.

Media Statement — July 30, 2020

  • Sonora Quest has made significant progress on the testing backlog, reducing it by more than 30,000 tests over the past several days.

  • Our current backlog is at approximately 29,000 tests as of the morning of July 30.

  • Our utmost priority is focusing on our backlog of testing and we expect to clear the backlog by Sunday, August 2.

  • Two new testing lines are in production and our testing ramp up will continue to accelerate as we add an additional line, which is in the process of being validated and should be in production by July 31.

  • We anticipate that a fourth line should be validated and in production the week of August 3.

  • Starting Monday, August 3, testing on the new lines will be reported within 1 to 3 days, with an expectation to be reported within 1 to 2 days by the end of August as additional lines are put into production.

  • As the additional testing lines are implemented and staff trained, Sonora Quest anticipates that it will be close to a capacity of 21,000 tests/day by Monday 8/3, and a capacity of 30,000 by Sunday 8/9. Capacity will continue to increase as we add additional testing lines until we reach a capacity of 60,000 tests/day.

Press Release: Sonora Quest Collaborates with State and Healthcare Leaders to Significantly Expand COVID-19 Testing Capacity in Arizona — July 9, 2020

Governor Doug Ducey announced today a strategic collaboration with Sonora Quest Laboratories, the market share leader in diagnostic laboratory testing in Arizona, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE: PKI), a global leader committed to innovating for a healthier world, with one goal: expand COVID-19 testing in Arizona. The collaboration will support the strategic plan to catapult Sonora Quest’s COVID-19 diagnostic testing capacity in a material way to meet and exceed the rising demand in Arizona.

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Press Release: hc1® and Sonora Quest Laboratories Deliver Comprehensive COVID-19 Testing and Tracking Solution to Protect Arizona Long-Term-Care Staff and Residents — June 18, 2020

Sonora Quest Laboratories (SQL) and hc1 have announced the expansion of their long-standing strategic partnership with the launch of hc1 CV19 Command Center™ for Sonora Quest, a comprehensive solution that integrates with SQL’s world-class lab testing services to systematically coordinate testing and deliver health insights to combat the spread of COVID-19. SQL is supporting the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the State Health Laboratory by performing targeted COVID-19 PCR viral and serology antibody testing to protect residents and healthcare staff across Arizona’s 147 long-term care (LTC) facilities. The hc1 CV19 Command Center is serving a vital role by providing advanced analytics that support effective testing of those most in need. The solution will also generate insight on risk of infection based on the anticipated 25,000 tests SQL will be performing statewide, enabling healthcare and public health leaders to take immediate, proactive steps to contain future COVID-19 infections and save lives.

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Press Release: Sonora Quest Laboratories Expands Testing for Arizona’s Long-Term Care Facilities with up to 25,000 COVID-19 Tests Planned — May 26, 2020

Sonora Quest Laboratories, the market share leader in diagnostic laboratory testing in Arizona, announced today expanded services for COVID-19 diagnostic swab and antibody serology testing at 147 long-term care (LTC) facilities in Arizona, and will conduct up to 25,000 tests statewide.

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Press Release: Private-public partnership launches testing for COVID-19 in homeless shelters in Maricopa County — May 22, 2020

Sonora Quest Labs donated 300 tests to Community Solutions, a national nonprofit that supports local efforts to end homelessness, to support efforts to test people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. Circle the City, a federally qualified health center that provides care for the homeless population, has been administering the tests and undertaking further assessments.

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Press Release: Direct-to-Consumer COVID-19 Antibody Test Available Through Sonora Quest Laboratories — May 8, 2020

Sonora Quest Laboratories, the market share leader in diagnostic laboratory testing in Arizona, announced today that consumers can begin ordering COVID-19 antibody testing without a physician order or insurance.

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Press Release: Sonora Quest Laboratories Now Offering COVID-19 Antibody Testing in Arizona — April 24, 2020

Sonora Quest Laboratories, the market share leader in diagnostic laboratory testing in Arizona, announced on April 24, 2020 that it will ramp up its fight against COVID-19 and offer antibody testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) using blood specimens. With this new offering, Sonora Quest now provides healthcare providers in Arizona access to a COVID-19 antibody test as well as the molecular diagnostic testing that has been offered since mid-March.

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Press Release: Sonora Quest Laboratories Partners with hc1 for the Launch of the CV19 Lab Testing Dashboard to Support Public Health Response — April 3, 2020

Sonora Quest Laboratories, the market share leader in diagnostic laboratory testing in Arizona, and its strategic partner, hc1, announce the availability of the CV19 Lab Testing Dashboard.

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Press Release: Sonora Quest Laboratories Now Processing COVID-19 Tests Locally in Arizona — March 23, 2020

Sonora Quest Laboratories, the market share leader in diagnostic laboratory testing in Arizona, announced it began processing COVID-19 nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples at their main laboratory in Tempe, on March 20, 2020. This strategic move will allow Sonora Quest to decrease anticipated turnaround time and increase the number of tests it can run per day for Arizona patients.

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Press Release: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Testing Service Now Available Through Sonora Quest Laboratories — March 11, 2020

Sonora Quest Laboratories, the market share leader in diagnostic laboratory testing in Arizona, today announced it will begin to provide testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19) in collaboration with one of its parent companies, Quest Diagnostics.

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COVID-19 Testing Overview