DRIVE IN, RT-PCR TEST IN 60 MINUTES
How It Works
Step 1 : Schedule your appointment online or call us at 925-905-9443.
Step 2 : Drive to your appointment (170 Flora Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94595). Park your car in the designated area and remain in your car. Our staff will assist you with the self-collection of sample.
Step 3 : Receive your results via email or text in about 1 hour.
Cost
Out of pocket cost for this test is $299. For Kaiser Members, we can offer this test at no cost to you. Currently, we are not able to bill other insurances directly. However, we can provide you a receipt that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
A Better Test for You
RT-PCR testing provides the most accurate and reliable way of detecting the COVID-19 virus. Unlike other diagnostic tests (i.e. antigen, antibody/serology), a RT-PCR test detects the actual presence of the virus inside the body.
Our lab uses the Cepheid GeneXpert® Xpress - a Multiplex Assay RT-PCR which allows for rapid detection and differentiation of Covid-19, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV, all of which can cause similar symptoms but require very different medical treatment pathways. This test provides your healthcare provider essential information to best manage your health and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
Why Get Tested?
A COVID-19 diagnostic test is needed if:
You have COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, tiredness or shortness of breath.
You have no symptoms but had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone who tests positive for the COVID-19 virus or is suspected of having the virus.
You have participated in activities that increases your risks of contracting COVID-19 and did not stay at least 6 feet away from others — examples include travel, large gatherings, or crowded indoor settings.
Your doctor, other health care professional, or your public health department recommends for you to get a test.
Do you need a Doctor’s Order before the test?
No. We can do the PCR test without a doctor’s order. However, if you will seek reimbursement from your insurance to cover the cost of this test, we recommend getting a doctor’s order prior to getting tested.
How You Prepare for the Test
Whether or not you have symptoms, plan to wear a face mask to and from the testing site, and have anyone who comes with you wear one, too.
If you think you may have COVID-19, call your doctor or your local health department to review your symptoms and ask about testing.
If you have no symptoms but has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, follow the testing advice of your doctor or your local health department. Getting a COVID-19 test 5 to 7 days after you were close to the person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 is best. If you get tested too soon, the test may not detect the virus
If you have no symptoms and have not knowingly been in contact with someone infected with the COVID-19 virus, but you want to get tested, ask your doctor or call your local health department to find out if testing is appropriate for you.
What are the Known and Potential Risks and Benefits of the Test?
Potential benefits include:
The test results, along with other information, can help your healthcare provider make informed recommendations about your care.
The results of this test may help limit the spread of Covid-19 to your family and those you come in contact with.
Potential risks include:
Possible discomfort or other complications that can happen during sample collection.
Possible incorrect test result. There's a chance that your COVID-19 PCR test could return a false-negative result. This means the test didn't detect the virus, even though you are in fact infected and can be contagious to others. You risk unknowingly spreading the virus to others if you do not take proper precautions, such as following social distancing guidelines and wearing a face mask when appropriate.
What does Your Test Result Mean?
Your COVID-19 RT-PCR test result can be positive or negative:
Positive result means you currently have an active infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Take appropriate steps to care for yourself and avoid spreading the virus to others. Self-isolate until you meet all three of these conditions:
Your symptoms have improved and
Your fever has resolved for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, and
At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
If you have severe symptoms of COVID-19 or a health condition that lowers your ability to fight disease, your doctor may recommend that you stay in isolation longer.
If you have a positive result but never developed symptoms, isolation and other precautions can be discontinued 10 days after the test date.
Negative result means that you did not have the COVID-19 virus at the time of testing OR that your sample was collected too early in your infection period. You could also be exposed to Covid-19 after the test and then get infected and spread the virus to others. A false-negative test result could happen depending on the timing and quality of the test sample. Even if you test negative, you could become infected in the future, so it's important to follow guidelines for social distancing, use of face covering, and frequent hand-washing to avoid potential spread of disease. Your doctor may recommend repeat testing if you continue to have symptoms.
About Cepheid and the GeneXpert® System
Based in Sunnyvale, California, Cepheid is a leading molecular diagnostics company dedicated to improving healthcare by automating highly complex and time-consuming manual procedures and by enabling access to molecular diagnostic testing everywhere.
The GeneXpert System was built for simple, reference lab quality PCR testing – on location at medical centers and hospitals or closer to patient in health clinics and nursing homes. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. However, it has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories.
Laboratory Information and Business Hours
Carnelian Laboratory by Carnelian Assisted Living, LLC
CLIA ID# 05D2201764
Drive-in Testing Site:
170 Flora Avenue
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Email: lab@carnelianhome.com
Phone: 925-905-9443
Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
***For testing, we recommend scheduling an appointment online. Walk-ins will be accommodated when our schedule allows. Please review the Provider Terms for more information.
Carnelian Laboratory is committed to protecting the privacy of your identifiable health information. You may review our Privacy Practices here.