Frequently Asked COVID-19 Questions

As infection progresses, the body’s immune response to the virus changes. CommunityLab offers a variety of tests designed to capture the different phases of the immune response to the virus.

• For detecting active viral infection for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, CommunityLab’s testing menu includes RT-PCR testing with options for either nasopharyngeal (NP) swab or saliva specimen collection.
• For recent or prior infection, CommunityLab offers antibody testing which is a serology test used to determine if a person might have developed an immune response against a pathogen or not.

We understand getting rapid results is important to you, your family, friends, and communities.  All our tests offer same-day (24 hours) results.

CommunityLab has a unique ability to customize testing services for any size based on each organization’s needs.

While mobile testing events are ideally suited for high-volume testing participation, we can customize testing solutions for small-scale partnerships. CommunityLab is dedicated to increasing testing capacity in WNC and can customize testing solutions for any organization no matter the volume.

To discuss your organization’s testing needs, set up a partnership consultation.

At this time, you may get an at-home saliva collection kit from one our community partners. They will also soon be available to order through this website.

Yes. Testing will be available for asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals.

We understand getting rapid results is important to you, your family, friends, and communities.  All our tests offer same-day (24 hours) results.

If your test was ordered by a healthcare provider, you will either access your results through their patient portal or through the CommunityLab portal using a secure link.

All others will access results through the CommunityLab portal. If you sign up for text and email notifications, you will receive a link to access your results when they are complete.

We take your privacy and the security of your personal health information very seriously. All platforms used in the collection and storage of data are secure and compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Information will only be shared with 3rd party entities such as state health departments as required by law. Pursuant to Session Law 2020-4 Section 4.10.(a), North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) requires laboratories to report the results of all COVID-19 testing.

We recommend the following sites for more information:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• https://www.fda.gov/health-professionals/closer-look-covid-19-diagnostic-testing
• https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics
• https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/

Yes. CommunityLab is an in-network provider with Medicare and NC Medicaid, as well as enrolled in the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program. We accept all insurance providers for COVID-19 testing.

In most cases, there is no out-of-pocket cost for COVID-19 testing when submitted with commercial or federal insurance.

If you are uninsured, your test may be no cost according to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Provider Relief Fund from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Tests may be available to purchase in the near future.

Yes. This will be possible in the near future. Please check back for updates or follow us on FaceBook.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), considered the gold standard in COVID-19 testing, looks for and amplifies the presence of COVID-19 RNA to determine infection. Rapid antigen looks for bits of protein from the virus.

PCR tends to be more sensitive and specific than antigen testing, therefore more accurate. In fact, rapid antigen tests are considered presumptive, and it is recommended they are followed up with a PCR test for confirmation.

This test, known as SalivaDirect™, has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA.

This test has not been FDA cleared or approved; This test has been authorized by FDA
under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories.

This test has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2,
not for any other viruses or pathogens.

This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist
justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or
diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic
Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked

There is no swab with this test for saliva collection. A small amount of drool is collected, making collection a comfortable, non-invasive experience.

30 minutes prior to collection beverages, teeth cleaning, eating, chewing gum, and smoking must be avoided. 10 minutes prior to collection, water must be avoided. Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to invalid/inaccurate results.