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COVID-19

Since the emergence of COVID-19, access to reliable, high-quality testing has played a critical role in patient care and public health response. Labcorp was among the first national laboratories to rapidly scale diagnostic capabilities, supporting providers, health systems, employers, and communities during a time of unprecedented demand.
Young woman wearing surgical mask in front of home

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, first identified in late 2019. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols and can affect individuals with a wide range of symptoms, from mild illness to severe complications.

Common symptoms may include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. In some cases, individuals may experience prolonged or recurring symptoms, often referred to as Long COVID, which can impact multiple organ systems.

While many individuals recover fully, COVID-19 can lead to serious outcomes, particularly in older adults or those with underlying health conditions. Ongoing testing remains an important tool for identifying infection, guiding treatment decisions, and helping reduce transmission.

Icon of a virus

COVID-19 signs and symptoms1

Abnormal body indications of COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus include:

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea


 

CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker

Stay up-to-date with the level of transmission in your community with the CDC's County View data tracker.

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COVID-19 testing

Labcorp continues to offer a comprehensive suite of COVID-19 testing solutions designed to support diagnosis, monitoring, and ongoing care in an evolving healthcare landscape.

At-home testing options through Labcorp OnDemand

Request a home collection kit

Have symptoms or were recently exposed to COVID-19? Request a kit online and get it delivered to you. You’ll collect your sample with a short nasal swab at home. 

Picel by Labcorp Test Kit for COVID

COVID-19 antibody test

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or vaccinated, your body produces antibodies as part of your immune response. This test checks for antibodies to COVID-19 after exposure or vaccination and provides a numerical value that indicates the level of antibodies present.

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Provider testing options

From early molecular diagnostics to expanded serology and at-home collection options, Labcorp has continuously evolved its testing portfolio to meet the changing needs of the pandemic. Our commitment has remained consistent: deliver accurate, timely results while supporting clinical decision-making and broader population health initiatives.


COVID-19 PCR active infection test

Accurately detect active COVID-19 infection using PCR testing, the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Ideal for symptomatic patients or those with recent exposure, enabling timely clinical and infection control decisions.


COVID-19 serology (antibody) test

Labcorp offers testing for antibodies against either the spike (S) or nucleocapsid (N) proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
 

 

Long COVID Baseline Test

Patients with persistent symptoms after COVID-19 often require a thoughtful, symptom-driven evaluation. Our Long COVID panel includes foundational laboratory tests that can help clinicians assess overall health status, screen for inflammation and nutrient deficiencies, and evaluate common non-COVID conditions that may overlap with Long COVID symptoms.

COVID-19 resources

Reference

1. Symptoms of COVID-19. (n.d.). COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html