COVID-19 Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the primary symptoms of COVID-19?
A: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
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Cough
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Fever
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Chills
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Muscle pain
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Sore throat
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New loss of taste or smell
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported.
Q: What should I do if I'm experiencing severe symptoms?
A: If you or a family member are experiencing severe symptoms, please call your doctor. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
Making an Appointment
Q: Do I need an appointment to get tested?
A: Scheduling an appointment is highly recommended as we cannot guarantee that walk-ins will be seen right away.
Q: What are your hours?
A: Pro-GeneX Laboratories offers walk-in testing from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. If you need testing outside of our normal hours, please call in to see if we can have a staff member available to meet your needs.
Q: Are you open for holidays?
A: Pro-GeneX observes certain holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Please call ahead to ensure we will be open on the date you need to be tested.
Q: Can I schedule an appointment if I am not a Georgia resident?
A: Yes, testing is available for anyone.
Q: Can I get a rapid Covid test?
A: No, Pro-GeneX is a molecular laboratory that provides fast and accurate results using Real Time-PCR technology.
Q: Why am I being asked for my health insurance information?
A: If you have insurance, we will try to bill your insurance carrier for the cost of the test. We cannot guarantee that any specific carrier will cover the test in full or in part.
Q: I don’t have insurance. Can I still get tested?
A: If you do not have insurance, then you will have to cover the cost of the test. A PCR Covid test is $100.
Q: I don’t have insurance, and I don’t have $100, but I need testing. Can you help?
A: Yes, the government has put in place the CARES Act that covers the cost of a Covid test for patient’s that are uninsured and need a Covid test.
Q: Am I required to show ID?
A: No, we do not require identification for testing.
Q: How do I cancel my appointment?
A: You may cancel your appointment by clicking on the ‘Cancel’ button on your home page or through your email reminders.
Arriving for Your Appointment
Q: When do I need to arrive for my appointment?
A: Please arrive at the scheduled time listed on your confirmation email or text.
Q: Where do I go to get tested?
A: Pro-GeneX Laboratories Inc. is located at 999 Chestnut St SE, Gainesville, GA 30501. Follow the testing signs to the left side of the building, park, and call the number on the signs to notify our collectors that you’re here for testing (678) 897-4394. Please remain in your car and we will come out to test you.
Q: Can I bring other people with me?
A: If you’re signing up for yourself and someone else, simply complete the signup process for yourself and then click the ‘Add another person to my appointment’ button.
Each patient must have their own appointment. If you are witnessing COVID-19 symptoms in multiple family members, please make individual appointments for each person.
Q: Can I have other people in my car when I arrive for testing?
A: Yes, but please do not expose others if you suspect you are ill. If someone else in your car would like to be tested, they must be added to your appointment. You can add other people to an appointment by clicking on the ‘Add another person to my appointment’ button. Only those with appointments will be tested.
Q: How long will the test take?
A: The testing process should not take more than 10 minutes. Results will be available within 24 hours.
Retrieving Your Results
Q: How long will it take to receive my results?
A: Pro-GeneX provides fast and accurate results within 24 hours. If you are tested before 12:00 PM, you will receive your results the same day. The only exception for this is inconclusive results. In this case we will need to re-run your test which may not be possible until the following morning. Any tests completed after 12:00 PM may not receive results until the following day.
Q: How will I receive my results?
A: If your appointment is scheduled through a healthcare practitioner, they will provide your results.
Patients that come directly to Pro-GeneX for a test, or are getting tested through their workplace, will receive a test and email with their results as soon as they’re available. Please wait 24 hours before calling to inquire about results.
Q: It’s been 24 hours, and I don’t see my results. What’s going on?
A: There may be an issue with the email address we sent your results to. Check your spam and junk mail first, then double check with us that we are using the correct email address. It is possible for results to be delayed past 24 hours if the initial testing received inconclusive results.
Travel and Other FAQs
Q: I’m traveling and need my results within 72 hours of a flight. Will my results be ready?
A: Pro-GeneX staff has extensive experience handling tests for travel. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment, so that we can ensure you are getting tested at the proper time. We will provide you with all the necessary documentation to make sure you can get on your flight.
Q: My flight is Monday morning, but I’m not available during your testing hours on Friday. Can you help?
A: Please call 678-897-4394 so that we can prepare a testing kit for you to pick up and test yourself at home. Please drop off your test Saturday morning before 10:00 AM to ensure your sample gets processed at the proper time.
Q: I need my results ASAP! Can you help?
A: Please schedule your appointment as early as you can and let us know when you need your results by. We will do everything we can to make sure your needs are met.
Q: Is the test invasive?
A: No, we use a nasal swab that is inserted only about 2 inches into one nostril.
Q: Is the test accurate?
A: Yes, a PCR test is typically highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated.