COVID-19 TESTING

Updated 03-26-2022

We will update this message if conditions change

COVID testing at RCAM

We have three tests for COVID-19 infection that we offer at RCAM (when available):

NOTE: Our PCR COVID test now only requires an anterior nasal swab (sample from the front of the nostril only - no longer the much deeper nasopharyngeal swab)






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Currently available at RCAM?
YESYESYES
Test name
CEPHEIDLabCorpSofia
Test type
PCRPCRRapid Antigen
Sample needed
Anterior nasal swab
Anterior nasal swab
Anterior nasal swab
Timing of result
Processed "in house" at RCAM;
Results in about an hour (or the next morning)
LabCorp processes test;
Results in 2-4 days
Processed "in house" at RCAM;
Results in about an hour
Pros
-PCR is most reliable test;
-Many require a PCR result;
-Quick turnaround;
-Also tests for flu and RSV
-PCR is most reliable test;
-Many require a PCR result;
-Anterior nasal swab is best tolerated; sample to obtain
-Quick turnaround;
-Good test for people with symptoms
-This type of test can be used as a "test of cure"
Cons-High demand for test so supply can lag (not always available - however, as of 2022, supply has been very steady)
-Timing of result; typically a 2 day turnaround (including weekends); can become 4 days when there are a lot of cases or with holidays
-Many require a PCR result for return to activity so rapid antigen not helpful then;
-Not as good a test to screen people who don't have any symptoms



COVID testing sites in our area:

  • Wake County Testing Sites Linked here.
  • Andor Labs, 1000 Bearcat Way, Suite 100, Morrisville
  • Wake Toxicology, Durham and Cary

Contact Us

Raleigh Children Logo


Phone (919) 781-7490

Fax (919) 783-0903

Patient Portal

Duraleigh Office Location

3100 Duraleigh Road, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC. 27612

Directions

Brier Creek Office Location

10208 Cerny Street, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC. 27617

Directions

  • All patients visits are by appointment only
  • *On Wednesdays we typically do not open our doors until 9am (We do have an occasional Wednesday that we will open at 8am)
  • Outside of regular office hours, calls automatically go to our answering service
  • On weekdays during lunch from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, calls are automatically transferred to our answering service
  • Holiday hours are listed above. We are open everyday except for Christmas Day.