Coronavirus: Information & Resources

• Appointments for the COVID-19 IgG Antibody (Serology) Test require advanced payment of $89, which will not be billed to insurance. 

• Appointments for the COVID-19 Swab (Molecular/PCR) Test require advanced payment of $98, which will not be billed to insurance. 

National Jewish Health does not bill insurance for self-referral testing appointments without a physician order. If you choose this option, your insurance will not be billed by National Jewish Health.

If you want your insurance to be billed for the test, please ask your physician for a referral. Your physician will need to submit an order on your behalf, and we will contact you schedule the testing appointment.

Please note that National Jewish Health does not determine insurance coverage. Contact your insurance provider to understand your antibody testing coverage and to confirm that National Jewish Health is an in-network hospital laboratory.

You may arrive anytime during your testing window.  

Testing is administered at our main campus. Please come to the National Jewish Health parking lot between 13th and 14th Avenue on Harrison Street.

IgG Antibody (Serology) Test – You will self-park and proceed to the main entrance across the street. Greeters can direct you to the phlebotomy clinic in the Smith Building lobby area.  

Swab (Molecular/PCR) Test - Enter the lot and follow the signs for testing. You will be checked in upon arrival and wait in your car for your turn. A National Jewish Health representative will let you know when it is your turn and will escort you from the car to the testing station.

Driving Directions

The COVID-19 IgG Antibody (Serology) Test starts with a blood draw. No fasting or dietary restrictions are required. To ensure the safety of our patients and staff, we may refuse to draw your blood if you have had new or worsening fever, cough or shortness of breath within the last two weeks. If you are currently sick, please talk to your doctor about options for testing and care, or contact our scheduling team at 303.398.1355.

The COVID-19 Swab (Molecular/PCR) Test involves analyzing a nasopharyngeal specimen. This is a nasal swab to collect a sample from the top of the throat, behind the nose. This test is administered with a long, cotton swab stick that will be inserted gently into your nose. This can be uncomfortable, but the collection process is very fast.

• Please wear a medical mask for the testing appointment.

• Bring your photo ID and appointment confirmation email.

• Please print and bring a copy of the Consent to Treatment form. We also have forms available at the testing station. PLEASE WAIT TO SIGN THE FORM AT THE TESTING SITE.

• Note that this is a self-pay test and National Jewish Health will not bill your insurance.

Your results will be available to you in a secure, online account. Results will only be sent by mail only if specifically requested when you booked the appointment.

Account Set Up

If you are 18 or older and do not already have a secure, patient portal account, you will automatically receive an email to activate your account with the subject of Activate Your Patient Account Now. Please check your SPAM folder before taking additional steps — this personalized email is the fastest way to access your account and results.

If you do not receive the email to create an online patient account within two hours of registering for the appointment, please click here to request a new account. Your new request will be completed within three business days.

Viewing Test Results

You will receive an email notifying you when your test results are available. To view test results, log in to your secure, patient account and look for Test Results & More on your personalized dashboard. Click View Test Results and select View Details to download a PDF with your results.

A result status of PENDING indicates that your results are not available yet. Results are typically available within three to five business days.

Results can be accessed from your patient portal dashboard:

Results for Children or Other Patients (those with caregivers, etc.)

Access to additional patients must be under an authorized representative’s (parent, guardian, etc.) account.

• The authorized representative account is created first, and then others may be added.
• Once your account is created, log in and visit the My Account section. Click Add Patient to Account and select “They received a COVID-19 test.”
• You will receive an email notifying you when patients in your account have test results available.

FAQs | Test Results Guide | COVID-19 IgG Test Fact

Understanding Antibody Test Results

Your COVID-19 antibody test results will have one of four findings: Pending, Not Detected, Borderline or Detected.

Pending: The laboratory is still processing your blood sample.

Not Detected: Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were not detected in your blood. When antibodies are not detected the test result is considered negative. Negative results for antibodies do not rule out a SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in people who have been in contact with the virus. Your immune function may have been suppressed by other health issues or the antibody level is too low for this test to detect.

Borderline: Borderline results show that the test detected some antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, but the antibody level was too low to determine that you have had a past infection. Borderline results may indicate a very early infection or a prior infection with other Coronaviruses. It is recommended that the test be repeated at a later date.

Detected: Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in your blood. These results indicate a recent or prior infection with SARS-CoV-2. Rarely, a false positive result can occur due to a prior infection with other human Coronaviruses.

Any follow-up questions should be referred to an individual’s physician. If you do not already have a physician, you can make an appointment with a doctor at National Jewish Health at 303.398.1355.

FAQs | Test Results Guide | COVID-19 IgG Test Fact
 

Understanding Swab Test Results

The SARS-CoV-2 assay is a real-time test that uses the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).  This test detects genetic material of the COVID-19 virus using nasal swabs and washings and sputum and bronchial washings. The results of these tests are being shared with the Colorado Department of Public Health.

DETECTED result means that you currently have an active infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. If you have a “detected” result, contact your health care provider immediately. Take steps to care for yourself. Avoid spreading the virus to others. Self-isolate until you meet all three of these conditions: Your symptoms have improved. It has been 24 hours since you’ve had a fever without taking fever reducing medication. It has been at least 10 days since your symptoms first appeared. People with compromised immune systems may need to isolate longer. Follow your doctor’s advice.

NOT DETECTED result means that you likely weren’t infected with the COVID-19 virus. You can become infected in the future. It is important to follow guidelines for social distancing, face mask use and hand-washing. Your doctor may recommend repeat testing if you continue to have symptoms.

INDETERMINATE result means that the test was inconclusive. It could not tell if viral genetic material was or was not present. An indeterminate result may occur if not enough genetic material was present.

This test was developed and its diagnostic performance have been checked by National Jewish Health Laboratories. This test has been validated following CLIA regulations. This test is used for clinical purposes.   

If you find you need to cancel your COVID-19 test, please do so at least 48 hours before the appointment and complete the cancellation form. 

Cancellation Policy 

• Cancellations requested 48 hours or more prior to the appointment time will be fully refunded. Please allow three to five business days for refund processing.

• Any cancellation made with less than 48 hours' notice will result in a cancellation fee of $35.00 per appointment. 

• Refunds will not be issued after your confirmed appointment time.

We cannot change your scheduled time. If you wish to reschedule, please book a new available appointment time AND submit the cancellation form. You will pay for your new appointment and receive a refund for the cancelled one(s), subject to the cancellation policy above. 

All COVID-19 testing for patients less than 10 years of age requires a physician referral. Our scheduling department will call patients to set up an appointment once a provider referral is received. Patients under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.