COVID-19 Testing FAQ

COVID-19 Travel Update
For those of you coming to appointments at SoCal Food Allergy from out of state, we are looking forward to seeing you in Long Beach. Before you get going be sure to check travel guidelines from the state and local health departments where you live, as well as guidelines from the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you are flying also check your airline website for their policies and procedures.

If you are an out-of-state family, we offer you a BioFire PCR COVID-19 test during your visit so you can avoid quarantining upon return. Results are typically available in 6-24 hours and will be accessible electronically. The test is offered at a reduced cost of $50 per person. Please call 562-490-9900, press 1 to request your COVID-19 test.

And remember the most important thing to pack during these unusual times is your patience as policies may change during your travel. Have a good, safe trip. We'll be waiting for you.

Important Links: Long Beach Department of Health & LA County Dept of Public Health

COVID Testing: What to expect

COVID-19 Testing Explained

In this video, Dr. Randhawa explains why both tests are necessary.

COVID-19 Test Results Explained

Dr. Randhawa explains what each test result means and what to do if you receive a positive result.

Can anyone sign up to be tested at TPIRC?

At this time, due to limited testing capacity at our stand-alone site, we are only able to test our staff and existing TPIRC and Southern California Food Allergy Institute patients and their immediate family members living within the same household. We are actively working to increase our testing capacity, as needed.

Why is TPIRC Offering COVID-19 Testing?

As widely acknowledged by the scientific and medical communities, additional access to timely testing is needed in order to identify, track and treat individuals who may currently be infected with COVID-19 or who may be recovering from the disease but previously undiagnosed. As part of our efforts to protect the health and safety of our patients and employees, we have had COVID-19 testing available for our employees in order to maintain a transmission-free environment. We are now in a position to extend the offer of much needed testing to patients and their families on a limited basis.

Which COVID-19 tests will TPIRC offer?

We believe in order to provide the greatest level of certainty for COVID-19 exposure the proper procedure is to utilize both of the COVID-19 tests currently publicly available. Therefore, our test package includes both the CDC 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic test (commonly known as the PCR Throat swab test) and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM serological antibody test (serum antibody test).

Please Note: We have determined that in order to reduce the risk of collecting an invalid blood sample for the serum antibody test, we will be performing a venous blood draw to collect a blood sample instead of a finger-poke as is commonly seen or discussed for the serum antibody test.

How will you notify me of my test results and how long will it take to find out?

We expect to be able to return the results of both tests within 36 to 72 hours of completing your appointment, however we can not guarantee results will be returned within this time frame due to testing capacity constraints at our partner laboratories. Your test results, and an interpretation of the results, will be available via a secure, online portal. If either of your test results come back positive you will receive a phone call from a member of our team. We are required by law to submit any positive test results information to local and federal health agencies.

Where will testing take place, is it safe?

Testing will take place at a stand-alone facility directly adjacent to our headquarters. The testing site has dedicated parking for patients and contact-less check-in. Our testing room is equipped with infection control measures including negative pressure airflow controls to minimize airborne infection risks, sterilization protocol for each patient visit, and our testing staff will be dressed in full protective equipment for the safety of all participants.

How much will COVID-19 testing cost?

The cost for the combined CDC 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic test and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM serological antibody test will be $250 per person tested. Reliable testing kits and diagnostic capacity are currently difficult to procure, however we have been able to purchase an initial quantity of each test at a significant cost to our organization. Patients paying with cash or Kaiser/HMO patients will be required to pay the $250 fee at time of test registration. Patients utilizing PPO insurance will be required to pay a fee of $150 at the time of test registration. We will submit testing costs to your insurance for reimbursement. CMS guidelines for reimbursement are being updated regularly so we cannot confirm or guarantee the amount of reimbursement at this time.

What do I need to do before I get tested?

In order to register for COVID-19 testing you must complete our questionnaire, sign all required consent forms and pay for testing prior to scheduling your appointment (test fees are fully refunded if you decide not to proceed with testing). Once we have reviewed and confirmed your information we will contact you to schedule your test appointment.

What do I do on the day of the test?

You will receive an email the day before your test appointment detailing the procedures to follow on the day of your test. The email will list the address of the testing location, a link to our virtual check-in process when you arrive on-site and information on the testing process. Please bring valid identification for anyone being tested that day, a face mask and a pen to write with if needed.