As of September 15:

Rapid tests are now available for those who meet the criteria below

Abbott Rapid ID Now testing is extremely limited and may be unavailable in some locations until another shipment arrives.

A telemedicine health consultation is required to assess symptoms and need for testing prior to clinic visit. Click here to schedule a consultation.

If you are waiting on results from your COVID-19 testing, click here for information on how to access them through the LabCorp Patient App.

Mercy Urgent Care offers two types of COVID-19 testing.

1. Viral Testing: Tests for current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. The throat or nose is swabbed and the specimen is sent to a lab or analyzed on the spot with Abbott Rapid ID Now testing.

Laboratory test results are available in 3 to 7 days. Stay home until you have results with instructions. Self-pay costs $249.

Abbott Rapid ID Now testing is available as recommended by the provider for those who meet BOTH criteria 1 AND 2 below. Results typically need to be confirmed with a high-sensitivity authorized molecular test (a swab sent to LabCorp with results confirmed in 1-3 days). Self-pay costs $249.

1. Healthcare Worker/Essential Worker (ie police, fire fighters, EMS)

OR High risk persons or their direct caregiver

Age 65 and older Those the CDC designates are at high risk for severe illness due to the following medical conditions, regardless of age: Cancer Chronic kidney disease COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher) Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies Sickle cell disease Type 2 diabetes mellitus Others chronic conditions such as asthma, hypertension and Cystic Fibrosis Provider discretion



2. Experiencing two or more of the following symptoms for at least 24 hours:

Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea



2. Antibody Testing: Tests for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. This test indicates if you had COVID-19 in the past. A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. Results are available in 3 to 7 days. This test is most accurate when at least 14 days have passed since you had symptoms. Self-pay costs $249.

For assessment of symptoms and next-step direction, set up a virtual visit with a medical professional through Mercy’s telemedicine services. Registering for a telemedicine or clinic visit does not guarantee testing will be performed. Patients coming to a Mercy Urgent Care clinic must call upon arrival in the parking lot to check in for a visit. To make a virtual appointment with a medical provider from home, click here.

What do my viral tests results mean for me?

If you are told you have a positive viral test, most likely you currently have an active COVID-19 infection and you can give the virus to others. Follow instructions from your provider about isolation and when you can leave home.

If you are told you have a negative viral test, most likely you do NOT currently have an active COVID-19 infection. However, there is a small possibility the result is a false negative. Continue taking steps to protect yourself and prevent spread of the virus.

Click here for more information on the Abbott Rapid ID Now test.

What do my antibody tests results mean for me?

Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude COVID-19 infection, or to inform infection status.

Positive antibody results

This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. This test has been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b) (1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. This test has been authorized only for detecting the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. —LabCorp

A positive antibody test result indicates you likely had a COVID-19 infection.

A positive test may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.

There is also a possibility of a false positive if it’s unlikely you had COVID-19 based on your exposure history or symptoms.

Negative antibody results

A negative antibody test result indicates you likely never had (or have not yet developed antibodies to) a COVID-19 infection.

Negative test results do not rule out COVID-19 infection, particularly if you have been in contact with the virus.

Viral testing should be considered to rule out infection in negative individuals who have been in contact with the virus. Ask your healthcare provider about this test.

For further guidance and recommendations on test results, click here.

What is an antibody test?

Antibody tests look for specific proteins, called antibodies, your body made in response to an infection. Antibodies can be found in the blood of people who are tested after infection, and indicate an immune response to the infection. However, we do not know if the antibodies that result from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection, will provide immunity from a future infection or the duration that protection would last. Scientists around the world are conducting studies to better understand the level of antibodies needed for protection, the duration of that protection, and the factors associated with whether a person develops a protective antibody response.

Who may benefit from antibody testing?

A person who would like to know if they have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19

A person who has recovered from a COVID-19-like illness in the past who would like to know if the illness was possibly from SARS-CoV-2

A person who has a close contact that finds out they had COVID-19 in the past.

A person participating in research scientists are doing to better understand SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and their role in immunity to COVID-19

A person participating with a medical facility collecting convalescent plasma with antibodies from people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection.

Do I need to be concerned about exposure if I have antibodies?

Due to the lack of evidence to support protective immunity, if you are exposed, monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow-up with your healthcare provider. Be sure to continue to follow federal, state, and local government guidance regarding social distancing and isolation. If you are a healthcare professional, first responder, or other frontline worker, talk to your employer for specific occupational health guidance. Continue to use masks and other personal protective equipment as appropriate.

Mercy Urgent Care is still seeing patients for other illness, injury and work-related testing or exams. Upon arrival, please remain in your vehicle and call your Mercy Urgent Care location for instructions. (Click here for more information about regular urgent care visits and new, safe patient procedures.)

We appreciate your patience as we work to bring you the best care possible during these trying times.

Additional resources:

Statewide North Carolina COVID-19 Triage Plus Line: 877-490-6642 (7 a.m.-11 p.m. all week)

For Buncombe County and Asheville-specific questions about COVID-19 concerns (including the Stay Home, Stay Safe Declaration), call the Ready Team at 828-419-0095 or email ready@buncombecounty.org.

Buncombe County Health Department Symptom Checker

Prevention Information