Flu Test Near Me

Flu Test FAQs

• How much does a flu test cost?

  Flu test kits can cost between $18 and $24.50, with the average overall cost being $20. However, a flu test may cost more or less based on factors including provider rates, your geographical location, and whether your health insurance plan covers this service. The best way to determine the cost of a flu test is to contact the testing provider directly to receive an exact quote.

• Does insurance cover flu testing?

  Many health insurance plans cover flu testing, especially if your doctor wants the test done based on your symptoms. Contact your health insurance provider directly to learn more about your benefits and flu testing coverage. Some flu test providers may also perform a free insurance benefits check to confirm whether your plan covers this test.

• How long after exposure to flu will you test positive?

  The CDC recommends being tested for the flu no longer than three to four days after the onset of illness. It also states that you may pass the flu to another person even if you don’t have symptoms or before you start experiencing symptoms. On average, flu symptoms can appear anywhere from one to four days after the virus enters your body.

• How do they test for the flu?

  The flu can be detected with either a swab test or nasal aspirate. For the swab test, your healthcare provider uses a swab to collect samples of tissue and fluid from your nose or throat. For the nasal aspirate test, your healthcare provider injects a saline solution into your nose and uses gentle suction to remove the sample. Test results may be ready immediately, or your sample may be sent to a lab for further analysis.

• How long does it take to get flu test results?

  Flu test results may come back immediately or take several hours or days based on the testing method used. The rapid flu test usually provides results within 30 minutes, while results from flu tests that are sent to the lab usually come back within one to two days. The flu test provider can give you a more accurate timeframe regarding when you can expect to receive your results.

• What is a rapid flu test?

  A rapid flu test can confirm whether you have the flu in under 30 minutes. This test is highly convenient as it can deliver results right away. This also gives you and your healthcare provider the opportunity to discuss your available treatment options. Other types of flu tests are usually sent to the lab and require you to wait a few days for the results.

• How accurate is the rapid flu test?

  The rapid flu test tends to be less accurate than other types of flu tests, as it is shown to produce high rates of both false positives and false negatives. Therefore, your doctor may decide to perform a different type of flu test that requires evaluation at a lab if there’s a possibility that your test results are false and inaccurate.

• Where should I get a flu test?

  A flu test can be conducted at your doctor’s office or at a pharmacy, drugstore, hospital, urgent care clinic, or any other healthcare setting that offers this service. The easiest way to find out where you can get a flu test is to use Solv’s flu test directory. Solv can provide you with a list of top-rated flu test providers in your area, so you don’t have to spend extra time researching and locating providers on your own.

• How accurate are flu tests?

  The rapid flu test is the most common type of flu test performed, but it is not as accurate as other types of flu tests, as they are known to produce high rates of false positives and false negatives. If you are concerned about the accuracy of flu test results, ask your doctor or flu test provider to perform a non-rapid flu test that is sent to the lab for evaluation.

• How can I book a flu test through Solv?

  Solv makes it easy and convenient to book a flu test with a provider in your area. Go to our homepage and type “flu test” or “influenza test” into the Search field, then select your location from the dropdown menu on the right. Solv will display a list of top-rated flu test providers nearby, along with the option to book an appointment or contact the provider for more information.