COVID-19 Rapid & PCR Testing. We accept walk-ins or book an appointment online. Uninsured patients can get tested free of charge (though not for PCR or Antibody test).
We also offer Covid Antibody tests for patients with past COVID infections. Antibody test should not be used to diagnose a current COVID infection.
| Rapid test results will be delivered within 6 hours of your appointment time. PCR test results will be delivered within 2 to 4 days of your appointment time. Due to overwhelmed phone lines, we are primarily fielding COVID through the texting widget located at the bottom right of this webpage. Please do not call. |
What to expect during your Covid-19 test
- Patients seeking a COVID-19 test please book an appointment now or feel free to walk-in during open office hours
- To make an appointment, please click on the "Book Online" button above
- Please select your location and follow the instructions to choose an open testing slot with one of our providers
- Once chosen, please complete the digital registration forms on your desktop or mobile phone; you will receive access to these forms through text or email
- After completion, please arrive at Medical Access 15 minutes prior to your appointment time
- Upon arrival, please walk up to the check-in desk to confirm your appointment
- The attendant will check you in, collect any additional information that is needed, and ask you to wait in your vehicle
- Please wait in your vehicle until you are called by the Medical Access team informing you it is your turn to get tested
- We aim to make this call within 30 minutes of your scheduled appointment time- Once called, please walk up to the Medical Access entrance and stand on the orange stickers to maintain social distancing guidelines
- Someone will direct you inside to get tested
- Once tested, you may leave the premises and expect a video call from a Medical Access provider with your test results.
- After the video call, your results will be uploaded to the Athena portal (with log-in details sent to your email inbox), and will be physically available for pick-up at the Medical Access front desk
- Once tested, you may leave the premises and expect a video call from a Medical Access provider with your test results.
- After the video call, your results will be uploaded to the Athena portal (with log-in details sent to your email inbox), and will be physically available for pick-up at the Medical Access front desk
The Medical Access staff on-site will help you navigate this process, ensuring you get your COVID test completed and results delivered in a safe, efficient, and timely manner. We do not conduct tests for children under 6 years old.
Please note that during check-in a credit card is kept on file for any co-pays and deductibles patients are responsible for as per insurance contracts between patients and their insurance companies.
Hours for Covid test:
Germantown - WALK-INS ACCEPTED
- Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 8a-7pm ET
- Weekends (Saturday/Sunday): 8am-3pm ET
Beltsville - WALK-INS ACCEPTED
- Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 8am-6pm ET
- Weekends (Only Saturday): 8am-6pm ET
Rockville - WALK-INS ACCEPTED
- Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 8am-6pm ET
- Weekends (Only Saturday): 8am-6pm ET
Alexandria - WALK-INS ACCEPTED
- Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 8am-7pm ET
- Weekends (Saturday/Sunday): 8am-3pm ET
Woodbridge - WALK-INS ACCEPTED
- Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 8am-7pm ET
- Weekends (Only Saturday): 8am-2pm ET
McLean - WALK-INS ACCEPTED
- Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 8am-6pm ET
- Weekends (Only Saturday): 8am-6pm ET
Note we are closed on Sundays at Beltsville, Rockville, Woodbridge, and McLean.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious illness caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The virus spreads through the droplets of saliva or nasal discharge that you expel when you cough or sneeze.
While these droplets are airborne, your chances of infection are low unless an infected person coughs or sneezes near you or if you touch a surface a sick person might have touched after sneezing or coughing into their hands.
What are the warning signs of COVID-19?
Like other viral upper respiratory infections, COVID-19 causes:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
COVID-19 symptoms usually develop slowly. It’s also possible to have the virus but not have symptoms.
Around 80% of people who get a coronavirus infection recover without any special treatment and only one in six people with COVID-19 become very ill and experience difficulty breathing.
Individuals with a high risk, such as those over the age of 65 or with an existing respiratory condition, should be especially mindful of the risk and practice social distancing and exemplary hygiene.
Are there different types of COVID-19 tests?
Medical Access offers three types of COVID-19 tests, including:
Rapid antigen tests
Rapid antigen tests detect the presence of a specific viral antigen. They involve a quick, painless oral or nasal swab and provide same-day results. This allows you to know if you have COVID-19 right away.
The quantity of testing kits varies on a daily basis. If Medical Access runs out of rapid antigen test kits on the day of your visit, they offer PCR tests as an alternative.
PCR tests
PCR tests use an oral or nasal swab to detect the presence of viral RNA. Viral RNA develops prior to the onset of noticeable symptoms, so it’s capable of detecting COVID-19 early on.
PCR tests take longer to process than rapid antigen tests. Most patients receive their results within three to five days.
COVID Antibody Test
An antibody test looks for antibodies in your blood to determine if you had a PAST infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
Antibody tests should NOT be used to diagnose a current infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
When should I get tested for COVID-19?
A fever is one of the primary warning signs of COVID-19. For example, if you get seasonal allergies and have a runny nose or sore throat, please don’t panic.
However, if you or a member of your family develop a fever, shortness of breath, and other flu symptoms, like a dry cough, troubled breathing, and bodily aches and pains, schedule and appointment online with Medical Access for advice and for testing if necessary.
Health care professionals can provide specific information on what you need to do to take care of yourself and your family.
If you have a fever and other flu symptoms and want to know whether you need a COVID-19 test, schedule an appointment online for expert medical care and advice.