CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION

TESTING
Northwest Laboratory is proud to be a designated testing site for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) offering a 24 hour TAT and ability to prioritize STAT and inpatient cases.  Test specific information can be found on our test menu

Drive-through testing now available with a physician order

All testing must be ordered by a physician and an appointment must be scheduled in advance of arriving at the lab. Providers should complete requisition and return to lab. E-mail COVIDVM@NWLaboratory.com  or Fax to (360) 527-9960.  Patients can book an appointment online or call (360) 527-4592 to schedule.

Schedule Appointment

Please note patients who have COVID-19 symptoms should consult their physician or other healthcare provider. The specimen must be ordered and collected by a healthcare provider and then sent to Northwest Laboratory using standard procedures. Patient service centers are not collecting specimens for COVID-19. Our patient service centers are open for non-COVID-19 testing needs.

Results are available within 24-48 hours and will be sent to the ordering provider. If you would like to obtain a copy of your results, please complete and bring the Authorization for Release of Medical Records to your appointment with you along with a copy of patient’s drive license/valid photo ID.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
NWL accepts specimens that are considered appropriate by the CDC including: nasopharyngeal swabs, bilateral anterior nares and mid-turbinate swabs, sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.  CDC guidelines are updated regularly and can be found by visiting the CDC page Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

RESOURCES
Please refer to the resources below for current and up-to-date information

• Whatcom County Health Department
• Whatcom Unified Command
• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

BILLING
List price for NWL’s COVID-19 test is $180.  Insurance carriers and government payers (Medicare/Medicaid) are currently covering the test with zero patient responsibility, deductible, or out-of-pocket expenses if testing is provider-ordered with appropriate medical indication (including appropriate diagnostic code).