COVID testing is still a big part of keeping ourselves and others safe, but knowing when to get tested can be tricky.

If you’re feeling a little off, have been exposed to someone with COVID, or need to get tested for travel or work, urgent care centers are a great option for quick and reliable tests. But when exactly should you go for a test, and what should you expect?

Importance of Urgent Care COVID Testing

Urgent care centers have become a go-to option for COVID testing, and for good reason. They offer a quick and convenient way to get tested, often without needing an appointment, which is super helpful if you’re feeling unwell or need to get test results fast.

One of the biggest benefits of urgent care COVID-19 testing is how easy it is. Unlike other places where you might have to wait days for an appointment or results, urgent care centers often provide same-day testing and, in many cases, rapid results. This is especially important if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID or if you’re experiencing symptoms yourself and want to know what’s going on as soon as possible.

Another great thing about urgent care testing is that it’s available to everyone. If you need a test for personal reasons—like peace of mind after being around others—or for practical reasons, such as travel or work requirements, urgent care makes it simple. It’s also a reliable option if you want a professional, medical setting but don’t need the full scale of a hospital or emergency room visit.

By making testing so accessible, urgent care centers play a key role in helping to control the spread of COVID-19. They provide an easy way to test, especially when you’re unsure if you’ve been exposed or just want to be safe.

When You Should Get Tested for COVID

So, when exactly should you go for a COVID test at urgent care? There are a few key situations where getting tested right away is a good idea:

1. You Have COVID Symptoms

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of COVID-19, it’s a good time to get tested:

  • Cough
  • Fever or chills
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat

Even if you’re not sure it’s COVID, urgent care can give you quick results so you can take the proper precautions if needed.

2. You’ve Been Exposed to Someone with COVID

Even if you’re not feeling sick, testing is important if:

  • You’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive
  • You’ve been in a setting with a high risk of exposure, like a crowded event

Health experts recommend waiting about 5 days after exposure before getting tested. If you’re unsure about the timing, urgent care centers can guide you through the process.

3. Protecting Vulnerable People

If you’re planning to visit someone at high risk for severe illness, like:

  • Elderly family members
  • People with weakened immune systems

Testing before you see them can help protect them from potential exposure, even if you’re not showing any symptoms.

Types of COVID Tests Available at Urgent Care

When you visit an urgent care center for a COVID test, you typically have two main options: rapid antigen tests and PCR tests. Understanding what each test involves can help you feel more prepared.

1. Rapid Antigen Test

The rapid antigen test most often involves a nasal swab, where a healthcare provider collects a sample from deep inside your nose. This type of test looks for specific proteins from the coronavirus and provides results quickly—typically within 15-30 minutes. In some cases, there may also be options for rapid antigen tests that use a saliva sample, though these are less common at most urgent care centers.

Rapid tests are convenient if you need fast results, but keep in mind they might not be as accurate, particularly if you’re not showing symptoms or it’s early in the infection.

2. PCR Test

The PCR test can be done with either a nasal swab or a saliva sample, depending on the testing site. The nasal swab is more common, but some urgent care centers may offer saliva-based PCR tests. Both sample types are sent to a lab for more detailed analysis.

The CDC considers the PCR test the most reliable way to detect the virus, as it checks for the genetic material of the virus. Though it’s more accurate, the downside is that results usually take 1 to 3 days to come back from lab testing.

3. Other Testing Options

Other types of tests, like antibody tests, usually involve a blood sample and aren’t used to detect active infections. These tests help determine if you’ve had COVID in the past and developed antibodies.

Ready to Get Tested or Need Urgent Care in Utah County?

At Premier Family Medical’s urgent care center, we’re here to provide you with the care you need, exactly when you need it. Whether you’re coming in for rapid COVID-19 testing, the COVID-19 vaccine, or treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, you can always count on quick, high-quality service.

No appointment? No problem! You can walk in at any time, or for even faster service, take advantage of our Save your spot feature to reduce wait times and streamline your visit. We make it easy to get the care you deserve, without the hassle.