What type of testing would you like to provide?
PCR and other molecular tests
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other molecular tests offer highly sensitive results within 24-48 hours
Often used as diagnostic testing
Does not require confirmatory test
Sites cannot bill patients or seek reimbursements for testing
Antigen + confirmatory PCR test
Rapid, point-of-care tests with results available within 15-30 minutes
Most useful when conducted in response to a positive case identified to prevent an outbreak, or for repeat-testing a population (2x or more per week) or as a single test at entry into a gathering or congregate setting
Certain test results require confirmatory PCR test
Sites cannot bill patients or seek reimbursements for testing
Need help deciding?
Learn more about PCR and antigen testing below
| PCR and other molecular testing | Antigen testing | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $55/test Note 1: These tests can be billed to the individual's insurance or entities can choose to be invoiced for the test. Participants will not be balance billed by the state. Note 2: That the State will cover the cost of processing the PCR tests. The State also covers the cost of transporting samples from California Courier Network (CCN) drop-boxes. Organizations are responsible for all other costs associated with the test site, e.g. staffing, test site logistics, etc. | 0/test* Note: The State is currently covering the cost of the antigen test kits*. Organizations are responsible for all other costs associated with the test site, e.g. staffing, test site logistics, etc. For confirmatory PCR tests, the cost is $55/test. Refer to the PCR column of this table for other details on costs and insurance (Note 1 and Note 2). |
| Staffing | 2-3 staff for 150 participants Key activities include registering and supervising sample collection | 4-6 staff for 100 participants Key activities include registering, supervising sample collection, reading results, and performing confirmatory PCR or molecular testing when required |
| Timing | Upon receipt of specimens to the lab, tests will be resulted in 24-48 hours | Turnaround time from collection of specimen to results: 15-30 minutes |
| Packaging and shipment | Package and send samples to labs Can use the state’s California COVID-19 Courier Network (CCN) to transport samples to labs free of charge (from drop-box to labs) | Packaging and shipping not required for antigen tests For confirmatory PCR or molecular tests, package and ship samples |
| May be best if you | Require highly sensitive results Often used as diagnostic testing Does not require confirmatory test | Prefer rapid (<30 min) results that may require a confirmatory test (48 hours): Can be used as pre-entry testing into congregate situation or gathering Can be used as response testing in an outbreak Can be used for screening testing performed at least twice weekly |
| Example scenarios | A community center offering testing to a large group of individuals on an as-needed basis, A church offering testing on occasion to its community, Diagnostic testing in acute care hospital setting, Etc. | An employer testing its employees multiple times a week (e.g. food processing plant, manufacturing, etc.), A skilled nursing facility repeatedly testing residents living in a congregate setting, Pre-entry into a gathering or congregate setting, Response testing in an outbreak, Testing in a homeless shelter, Etc. |