COVID-19 Testing
CTR Laboratory is uses Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the RNA material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For the most up to date information on COVID-19 please go to https://www.cdc.gov/COVID19.
Commercial and Business Accounts
Please call the Laboratory (240-397-7060) and speak to an Account Representative if you require a business account for your COVID-19 testing needs. Our current turn around time is 24-48 hours for test results.
Onsite COVID-19 Testing
CTR Laboratory is offering onsite collection (nasal mid-turbinate) and testing for COVID-19 at our Laboratory in Frederick, Maryland. Please call 240-397-7060 to schedule an appointment for testing.
All patients need to bring the following items to their appointment:
Insurance Card
Proof of Identity (Valid ID)
Valid email address
Phone number
Payment (if self pay)
Sample Types for Testing
CTR will accept any of the following samples for COVID-19 analysis.
Nasal mid-turbinate swab (onsite CTR collections)
Nasal Swab (anterior nares)
Nasopharyngeal swab
Oropharyngeal swab
Patient Requisition Form
Patients being tested will be required to fill out a Patient Information Form. This form can be printed and completed prior to sample collection. The form will be available on-site and can be completed at the time of collection.
How is the Sample Collected
You may enter the lobby of the laboratory or remain in your vehicle. Once the Patient Requisition Form is completed (Sections 2&3) and verified, you will be asked to blow your nose into a tissue (provided). That tissue will be discarded, and a small nasal swab will be inserted into one nostril (mid-turbinate region) for approximately 10 seconds . Once removed, the swab will be placed in viral transport media while it awaits testing.
Self Pay COVID-19 Testing (Travel / Entertainment)
Most Insurances will not pay for COVID test for travel and entertainment requirements. Individuals can choose to self pay for the COVID-19 test, CTR Laboratory will accept debit/credit/FSA/HSA cards. Please call for pricing.
Patients with Insurance
Currently, patients with insurance should not have any out-of-pocket costs for a covered COVID-19 test. You should always check with your health plan provider to confirm before scheduling a test. If you have health insurance, you must bring your card with you to the testing site. You may be responsible for any patient copay as determined by your insurance. If active coverage cannot be verified, your test will be submitted to the federal (HRSA) program.
Patients Without Insurance
If you do not have insurance, we will ask you for your Social Security number (card not required), driver's license or state ID to submit the cost of your test to the federal (HRSA) program for the uninsured.
Patient Fact Sheet
The following Patient Fact Sheet contains information to help you understand the risks and benefits of the TaqPathTM COVID-19 Combo Kit for the diagnosis of COVID-19. After reading this Fact Sheet, if you have questions or would like to discuss the information provided, please talk to your healthcare provider. For the most up to date information on COVID-19 please go to https://www.cdc.gov/COVID19.
How and When Will I Get Results?
Results will be available within 24-48 hours after sample collection and receipt in the laboratory. Results may also be available on our web portal. That can be found at www.ctrlabs.com or by encrypted e-mail to the address on file.
A negative test result for this assay means that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not present in the specimen above the limit of detection. A negative result does not rule out the possibility of COVID-19 and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions. If COVID-19 is still suspected, based on exposure history together with other clinical findings, re-testing should be considered.
A positive result for this assay indicates the RNA from SARS-CoV-2 was detected, and the patient is infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious. Patient management should follow current CDC guidelines.
An Inconclusive test result for this assay indicates another specimen should be collected and tested.
Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiological data in the making a final diagnosis and patient management decisions.
This test is performed by RT-PCR for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2. This test has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).