Testing provides a current status only of the COVID-19 virus in your system. Testing is most appropriate when you either have symptoms or have had confirmed exposure to a known positive case.

The most common time frame for developing symptoms is 4-5 days, so you should wait to schedule a test until it's been 5 days since your exposure. Testing sooner with a negative result may give you a false sense of security.

To register for testing at Holy Name, click here

Yes, you need to register for an appointment in order to be tested.

To register for testing at Holy Name, click here

Testing is available in our Drive Through Testing Center located at 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ.

The testing center is located at the rear of the hospital, behind the Emergency Department, Entrance 5.

On the date of your appointment

By appointment from:

Monday-Saturday: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Sundays: CLOSED

No, a prescription is not required.

The PCR test is performed via a nasal swab. This test will detect if you are actively infected with the COVID-19 virus.

You will receive your results within 2 days of your test via e-mail notification or phone. You can also call our telemedicine providers at 201-541-5971.

PCR tests: detect the presence of the virus's genetic material using a technique called reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, or RT-PCR. For this test, a sample may be collected through a nasal or throat swab, or a saliva sample may be used.

The accuracy of any diagnostic test depends on many factors, including whether the sample was collected properly, when during the course of illness the testing was done, and whether the sample was maintained in appropriate conditions while it was shipped to the laboratory. Generally speaking, PCR tests are highly accurate.

Antigen tests: detect specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus. They are sometimes referred to as rapid diagnostic tests because it can take less than an hour to get the test results. Positive antigen test results are highly specific, meaning that if you test positive you are very likely to be infected. However, there is a higher chance of false negatives with antigen tests, which means that a negative result cannot definitively rule out an active infection. If you have a negative result on an antigen test, your doctor may order a PCR test to confirm the result.

Serologic test: Binding antibodies can be detected with blood tests starting about one week after the initial infection. If antibodies are found, it's extremely likely that the person has been infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus. The antibody level declines over time after an infection, sometimes to an undetectable level. A serologic test is a blood test that looks for antibodies created by your immune system. Your body takes at least five to 10 days after you have acquired the infection to develop antibodies to this virus. For this reason, serologic tests are not sensitive enough to accurately diagnose an active COVID-19 infection, even in people with symptoms.

If you've been exposed to someone who is positive, you should be tested. If you don’t have any symptoms, it is recommended that you wait until after the fifth day of exposure to get tested for a reliable result.

Insurance is accepted and typically covers the costs of medically necessary tests. If you don't have insurance or your insurance does not cover all the costs, there are many federal and state sources of financial assistance that may be available to you, if you qualify. If you need assistance, please call our financial counseling department at 201-833-3157 or visit our Patient Guide to Insurance Counseling page.

If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, the self-pay rate is $25 per test.