What are the different types of COVID-19 tests Walgreens offers?

Learn about the three types of no-cost COVID-19 tests you can get at Walgreens, including diagnostic tests, rapid diagnostic lab tests and rapid antigen tests.

What are the different types of COVID-19 tests Walgreens offers?

Walgreens offers three types of drive-through testing at thousands of locations nationwide, each at no cost. A diagnostic lab test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection by detecting genetic material or mRNA of the virus from a DNA sample, usually by nasal or throat swab. The sample gets sent to a laboratory to determine results, which may take some time. A rapid diagnostic test also detects active coronavirus mRNA, but this test is performed on site with results available within 24 hours.

A rapid antigen test can quickly detect the presence of a specific viral antigen to help determine if someone is actively infected with COVID-19. A follow-up diagnostic test may be needed to confirm a positive result. You can also order at-home tests. Visit Walgreens.com or the Walgreens app for more information.