Many patients have questions before, during and after laboratory tests are performed. Below are some of the most common questions (“FAQs”) about the COVID-19 test. If you have a question(s) that are not listed or if you would like additional information, please 

contact us via our website or call our Customer Support Team at (678) 540-6620.

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Note: $50.00 fee applied to returned payments.

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Q: What is COVID-19?

A: Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new Coronavirus that has spread throughout the world.  COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness.  Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and get tested.  At MDL we are beating COVID-19 one test at a time.

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Q: What are your hours?

A: 24/7, appointment required from 9p to to 8a.

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Q: Do I need an appointment?

A: Appointments only required after 9p. Simply pre-register at www.mooredl.com and we’ll be expecting you.

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Q: Do you offer free testing?

A: Not at this time.

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Q: Do you accept insurance?

A:  Not at this time. You are welcome to submit a claim for reimbursement from your insurance company.

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Q: What are your prices and turnaround time?

A: $100 for 24 hrs; $150 for 5-6 hrs; $325 for 1.5 hrs.

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Q: What is the fastest result option?

A: 1.5 hrs for the PCR respiratory panel that includes SARS-CoV-2.

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Q: Do you offer the PCR test required for travel?

A: Yes, we offer the SARS-Cov-2 PCR test individually or as part of the respiratory panel.

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Q: How far are you from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

A: Approx 20 miles.

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Q: Where are you located?

A: MDL is located outside of Metro Atlanta, in Mableton, Georgia in the Village at Mableton Shopping Center (Ollies and Planet Fitness Plaza) 5590 Mableton Parkway SW #174 Mableton, GA 30126.

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Q: How do I get my results?

A: PDF lab reports are email to the email addy provided on the pre-registration form.

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Q: What is the difference between SARS-CoV-2 PCR and Antigen testing?

A: Generally, there are two common types of tests used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, which look for traces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's genetic material in a patient's mucus, and antigen tests, which detect the presence of a specific protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (This protein is called an antigen.)

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Q: What is the accuracy of the PCR vs. Antigen test?

A: The PCR test is approximately 98% accurate while the Antigen test is approximately 85% accurate.

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Q: Do you have a waiting/lounge are?

A: We ask that customers use the drive thru window for service.

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Q: Do you offer shuttle service?

A: Not at this time, but in the near future.

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Q: What is the COVID-19 Antibody test?

A: COVID-19 antibody testing, also known as serology testing is a blood test that's done to find out if you've had a past infection with

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).  The immune system produces these antibodies — proteins that are critical for fighting and clearing out the virus. If test results show that you have antibodies, it indicates that you were likely infected with COVID-19 at some time in the past.

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Q: How Does an Antibody Test Work?

A: A technician will take a bit of your blood, like through a finger prick. The test looks for one or both kinds of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19: IgM antibodies, which happen early in an infection and IgG antibodies, which are more likely to show up

later.  Most people have IgG antibodies about 14 days after symptoms start. They usually stay in your blood long after the infection goes

away, but we don’t know how long that is for the new coronavirus.

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Q: What’s the Difference Between the Coronavirus PCR Test and Antibody Test?

A: The coronavirus test looks for signs of active virus. It’s simpler and faster than an antibody test. But it tells you only if you have the virus in your body at the moment when you’re tested.

An antibody test shows that you had the virus at some point in the past. It could be gone, or you could still be contagious.

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Q: What are the instructions for collecting a swab or blood test?

A: You’ll find the nasal swab collection instructions in the collection kit. A blood test is collected by a third-party laboratory or medical professional. 

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Q: When will my test results be available?
A: Most test results are ready within 24-72 hours of the sample being received in the laboratory.. However, availability may vary depending on the type of test. You or your physician are provided with the results as soon as they are complete. Please contact your physician for the results or check the client portal.

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Q: My doctor ordered COVID-19 tests. Can I eat or drink before the test?
A: This is dependent upon the type of blood tests ordered. Your physician should tell you if the test(s) require fasting (no eating, drinking, gum chewing, etc.). If you are unsure, please contact your physician.

 

Q: Are all the test available through mail order kits?

A: Currently, the Respiratory Panel and Covid-19 rt-PCR are available in a mail order test kit. However, our test menu is rapidly expanding so check back if you don't see the mail order test you are looking for. 

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Q: Why Do We Need Antibody Testing?

A: You could have SARS-CoV-2 and not know it. Not everyone who gets it has symptoms. Experts hope antibody tests can give health officials a better idea of how common the virus is.

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Q: Does it hurt?

A: Several different sensations can be experienced during nasal swab collection for coronavirus testing. People have reported transient pain, deep burning inside the nose, gagging when the back of the throat is touched, sneezing, coughing and tearing due to the triggering of a nasal lacrimal reflex. If you happen to have a significant septal deviation or have blocked nasal passages due to allergies, cold-like symptoms and or nasal polyps, it may be particularly challenging to pass the nasal swab to the back of the throat. We use a non-invasive nasal swab that is approximately 3", and it has been reported to be a lot more comfortable.

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Q: What if I don't have insurance, or my insurance doesn't cover the test? How much does the COVID-19 test cost?

A: MDL, Inc. offers service to patients without insurance and for non-covered tests. You can find pricing for the COVID-19 test here: ORDER COLLECTION KIT

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Q: Can I take my medications before testing?
A: Please take your medication unless your doctor gives you specific instructions not to do so.

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Q: When I send the collection back via mail, how do I know its safe from contamination?

A: The collection kit contains a sterile collection swab, sterile transport container and biohazard bag. Follow the collection instructions to avoid contamination prior to shipping. Once received in the laboratory, our trained professionals use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow strict regulatory safety protocols to avoid contamination or infection.  

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Q: What insurance companies participate with MDL? How do I find out if mine is one of them?
A: For a list of Participating Insurance Providers, please refer to the Patients Insurance and Billing page of our website.

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Q: Do I have to have a doctor’s order to COVID-19 test done?
A: Testing is available to all Georgians who request it, whether they have symptoms or not. Regulations and coverage eligibility may vary by state.

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Q: Do I have to have a physician / health care provider’s approval to order a self-administered COVID-19 Collection Kit?
A: No physician order is necessary for a self-administered  collection. Simply follow the collection directions that come with the kit. Return the sample to MDL, Inc. using the pre-paid shipping container and you’ll be able to access your confidential results in 24-72 hours.