CVS Health to add 30-minute rapid-result COVID testing

CVS Health is expanding its commitment to COVID-19 testing.

The company plans to expand the COVID-19 testing services currently offered at select CVS Pharmacy locations to include rapid-result testing. The tests take about 30 minutes, from start to the delivery of the results.  

The tests will be available at nearly 1,000 CVS sites by the end of the year, with nearly 100 of the sites to be operational this week.  Patients must register in advance on the CVS web site to schedule an appointment.  

"Access to rapid-result tests enables us to help minimize community spread of COVID-19 by being able to more quickly identify active COVID-19 infection," said David Fairchild, MD, chief medical officer, MinuteClinic. "In addition, we can test and treat symptomatic patients who test negative for COVID-19 for seasonal illnesses such as flu or strep and provide appropriate treatment and care." 

To date, CVS has administered more than 5 million COVID-19 tests since March, and currently manages more than 4,000 drive-thru test sites at CVS Pharmacy locations in 33 states and Washington, D.C.  Most results from these existing test sites are generally available within two to three days.    

Procedures for rapid-testing will vary by location and patients may be directed to stay in their vehicle and proceed to a designated testing structure located in the parking lot or, in very limited locations, to enter a CVS store through a doorway specifically allocated for this purpose.

Patients will be provided with a test kit, given instructions, and a CVS Health team member will observe the self-swab process. They will be directed to wait outside the store in their vehicle for results. The process, from the collection of the swab to the delivery of the results, will generally take approximately 30 minutes.