Many people are looking for places to get COVID-19 tests in the Charlotte area, either because they have symptoms, or because they have had exposure to people who have COVID-19.
We’ve put together a list of some facilities offering testing. This is not a comprehensive list, and anything we list is subject to change, and should be verified by following the links.
Most of the testing that we list below is free for the patient. If you do have insurance, you’ll need to present your insurance information.
The criteria for getting tested can vary. None of these testing sites require you to get a doctor’s referral.
Most require you to have at least one symptom. The CDC has compiled a list of common symptoms, and most of the testing facilities below will ask you to specify which, if any, you are experiencing.
At some facilities you can get a test if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or if you’ve been in a high-risk situation.
In addition to the testing sites listed below, please check out the list of North Carolina’s No-Cost Community Testing Events, as well as North Carolina’s Find My Testing Place tool.
Types of COVID-19 Tests
There are two main kinds of COVID-19 tests. The FDA offers a great deal information on both of them.
Antibody Tests
Antibody tests look for the antibodies that are made by your immune system in response to a COVID-19 infection. It is not known now how long antibodies will stay in your blood, or how much protection they offer against a future infection. Although some of the facilities below do offer antibody tests, we are not listing that information below. We are focusing on diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests can show if you have an active infection. There are two types of diagnostic tests.
A molecular test, also known as a viral test, nucleic acid amplification test, RT-PCR test and LAMP test, is taken by a nasopharyngeal (the part of the throat behind the nose) swab, a nasal or throat swab, or saliva. This is the more accurate diagnostic test, and it takes a day, or several days, to get the results from the lab.
An antigen test is also taken via a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab. It’s also known as a rapid test, because the results can be available quickly, usually between 15 and 30 minutes. False positive do occur, and a negative result might need to be confirmed with a molecular test.
NOTE: There is also a rapid molecular test, which is available at some testing locations.
COVID-19 Tests in Charlotte
Follow each link for more information and to make an appointment, if necessary. Please note that any of this information is subject to change.
Old North State Medical Society
Old North State Medical Society offers drive-up testing on a regular basis. It’s open to ages 18+ and insurance is not required. Test results are returned in 3-5 days. Here’s what’s coming up:
- Thursday – December 10, from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm at Primary Health Care, 508 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
- Friday – December 11, from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm at Quality Comprehensive Health Center, 3607 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
- Saturday – December 12, from 10 am – 2 pm at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
- Friday – December 18, from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm at Quality Comprehensive Health Center, 3607 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
- Saturday – December 19, from 9 am – 12 pm at Doc’s Pharmacy, 2860 Freedom Dr Charlotte, NC 28208
C.W. Williams Community Health Center
Special community testing event takes place Saturday, December 12th, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 pm., at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte.
There’s no cost to those without insurance, and no out of pocket costs for anyone. Drive-through and walk-up testing available.
A free food box will be provided after testing, while supplies last. The food box includes 10-12 pounds of fresh food.
Valerie Woodard Center
3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, on Saturday, December 12th, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Drive-thru events with both COVID-19 testing and flu shots. Insurance is not required. No out of pocket costs. Standard flu shot only.
If you’re getting the COVID-19 test, it’s recommended that you sign up here.
CVS
Location: Multiple
Cost: None
Is insurance required? No, but if you have insurance, you must provide it.
Dates and times: Many times available
Criteria for getting tested: A symptom, or exposure, or high-risk situation, or you’ve been “prioritized for testing by a medical professional.”
Kind of COVID-19 test:
Appointment required?
More information: You’ll do your own swab in your own car.
How long to get results: 3-4 days but can vary
Starmed
Location: Multiple
Cost: None
Is insurance required? If you have insurance, it will be billed, otherwise, covered by Medicaid or CARES Act.
Dates and times: Many times available
Criteria for getting tested: Screening by healthcare professional
Kind of COVID-19 test: Both the molecular test, and the rapid Antigen test. The Antigen test is just for patients who are actively displaying symptoms of COVID-19, and is available only at select locations.
Appointment required? Recommended, but walk-ups are accepted
More information: You’ll do your own swab in your own car.
How long to get results: 1-3 days for molecular test, and 15 minutes for rapid Antigen test
AFC Urgent Care
Location: Several:
- 4128 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
- 1908 E. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054
- 14001 E Independence Blvd, Indian Trail, NC 28079
- 10102 Johnston Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Cost: None
Is insurance required? No, but if you have insurance, you must provide it.
Dates and times: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Criteria for getting tested: One symptom, or direct contact with someone who has the virus.
Kind of COVID-19 test: Rapid Abbott Molecular Test (results in 15 minutes), Quest Molecular Test (2-3 days), Antigen test (2-3 days)
Appointment required? You need an appointment for the molecular tests, but not for the antigen test.
More information: A health professional will do the test in-office.
How long to get results: Varies by test
Atrium Health Mobile Testing
Location: Multiple. Click on the above link to see where the mobile testing unit will be next.
Cost: None
Is insurance required? No, but if you have insurance, you must provide it.
Dates and times: Many times available
Criteria for getting tested: At least one symptom
Kind of COVID-19 test: Not specified.
Appointment required? No.
More information: If you qualify, you’ll get tested in the mobile unit.
How long to get results: Not specified.
Eastway Medical
Location: 1220 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205
Cost: None
Is insurance required? No, but if you have insurance, you must provide it.
Dates and times: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Criteria for getting tested: One or more symptom, or exposure.
Kind of COVID-19 test: Both molecular and antigen tests are available.
Appointment required? Yes.
More information: Drive up after a Telemed screening. The nasal swab will be done in your car.
How long to get results: Not specified.
Walmart Drive Thru
Location: Multiple throughout the country. Locally:
- 8800 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227
- 11530 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28262
Cost: None
Is insurance required? No, but if you have insurance, you must provide it.
Dates and times: Various times
Criteria for getting tested: A symptom, or exposure, or a COVID-19 test order from your doctor.
Kind of COVID-19 test: Not specified.
Appointment required? Yes.
More information: You’ll do your own nasal swab in your own car.
How long to get results: 3-7 days but can vary
Walgreen Drive Thru
Location: Multiple
Cost: None
Is insurance required? No, but if you have insurance, you must provide it.
Dates and times: Various times
Criteria for getting tested: At least one symptom, or exposure.
Kind of COVID-19 test: Molecular test
Appointment required? Yes.
More information: You’ll do your own swab in your own car.
How long to get results: 1-3 days but can vary
Novant Health-Go Health Urgent Care
Location: Multiple
Cost: Not specified
Is insurance required? No, but if you have insurance, you must provide it.
Dates and times: Various times
Criteria for getting tested: One or more symptoms. If you aren’t experiencing symptoms, but might have been exposed, please schedule a virtual visit instead.
Kind of COVID-19 test: Antigen test
Appointment required? Recommended
More information: The test will be done in office.
How long to get results: 15 minutes
VA Health Facilities
Location: Two in Charlotte:
- 3506 West Tyvola Road, Charlotte, NC 28208
- 8601 University East Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213
Cost: None, if you’re enrolled in VA Health Care
Is insurance required? Must be enrolled in VA Health Care
Dates and times: Various times
Criteria for getting tested: One or more symptoms, or exposure
Kind of COVID-19 test: Not specified
Appointment required? Yes. You can make an appointment by sending a secure message to your VA health care provider, calling your provider, or scheduling it online.
More information: The test will be done in office.
How long to get results: 3-4 days, but might vary
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