Keystone Laboratory administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 4th to honor and observe Labor Day. We will resume our normal business hours on Tuesday, September 5th.

Keystone Laboratories Inc.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Testing

The Trusted Company For COVID-19 Testing

Whether you need your employees to return to work safely or you need testing for your patients–Keystone offers your organization the COVID-19 testing you need to keep everyone safe. Our COVID-19 testing options include the PCR Test, Total Antibody Test and Spike Antibody tests.

Get COVID-19 Testing Services For Your Needs

Schedule Your COVID-19 Test
Report To Testing Location
Get Your Results

Types Of COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 tests can detect either SARS-CoV-2 or biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, or antibodies that your body makes after getting COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated. Tests for SARS-CoV-2 tell you if you have an infection at the time of the test. This type of test is called a “viral” test because it looks for viral infection. Antigen tests, Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) and other tests are viral tests. Tests for antibodies may tell you if you have had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Your body creates antibodies after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. These tests are called “antibody” or “serology” tests.

COVID-19 testing is very important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. You should always discuss your test results with your healthcare provider. 

Viral Tests

A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using samples that come from your nose or mouth. There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests. COVID-19 testing is one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

  • Rapid Point-of-Care tests, test performed or interpreted by someone other than the individual being tested, can be performed in minutes and can include antigen tests, some NAATs, and other tests.
    • Self-tests are rapid tests that can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.
  • For laboratory testing, RT-PCR tests take 24-48 hours to complete and antibody tests can take up to 72 hours.

Antibody Tests

An antibody test (also known as a serology test) can detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to help fight infection and protect you from getting sick in the future.

Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection, but they may indicate if you had a past infection. Antibody tests help learn about how human immune systems defend against the virus, as well as learn about population-level protection. If you get an antibody test after receiving a vaccine, you might test positive by some (but not all) antibody tests. This depends on which type of antibody the specific test detects.

Antibody testing is not currently recommended to determine:

  • If you have a current infection.
  • If you have immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Whether you need to get a booster following COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Whether you need to quarantine after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing Recommendations:

Initial COVID-19 Test
Follow Up Antibody Testing
Continued Testing If Symptoms Appear
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Testing

You should get tested for COVID-19 if the following are true:

  • You have symptoms of COVID-19. Get tested even if you are up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
  • You have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19. Get tested at least five days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. The date of the last close contact is day 0.
  • You are not up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines and have been prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
  • You were asked or referred to get testing by your:
    • school,
    • workplace,
    • health care provider, or
    • state, tribal, local or territorial health department.
  • You are traveling (get tested before and after travel).

More Information from the CDC on Testing for Current Infection

If you were exposed to COVID-19, your next steps vary based on your COVID-19 vaccination status.  

If you are up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations:  

  • You do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms.  
  • If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested.  
  • Get tested at least five days after your exposure, even if you don’t develop symptoms.  

If you are NOT up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations:  

  • Stay home and quarantine for at least five full days.   
  • Wear a well-fitting mask if you must be around others in your home.   
  • If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested.  
  • Get tested at least five days after your exposure, even if you don’t develop symptoms.  
  • Watch for symptoms until 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. 

Yes. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible. Testing helps locate virus transmission in North Carolina’s communities. Knowing where COVID-19 spread is high allows us to take action to protect one another.

Yes. If you don’t have health insurance:  

Rapid Point-of-Care tests: 

  • Are given by someone other than the person getting tested. 
  • Take minutes to test and get results. 
  • Can include antigen and some NAATs, a type of diagnostic test. 

At-Home tests: 

  • Are also called self tests. 
  • Are a type of rapid antigen test taken at home or anywhere. 
  • Are easy to use and provide rapid results. 

Laboratory tests: 

  • May take between six and 72 hours for results. 
  • Include PCR tests. 

Some employers may choose to set up COVID-19 testing. This testing is part of their efforts to protect employees. Please reach out to your employer if you want to learn more about testing at your workplace with Keystone Laboratories Inc.

Test result times vary: 

  • Point-of-Care tests may have results available at the testing site in less than an hour. 
  • Rapid home tests give results in minutes. 
  • Other tests, like PCR collection kits, must go to a lab. Results may take a few hours to a few days.  

When you get tested, talk with the provider or a Keystone Laboratories Inc. representative about how long it will take to get your results.

It depends. 

If you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, stay home and avoid others. 

If you do not have symptoms and were not exposed, you do not need to stay home unless your employer or a health provider told you to do so.  

Visit the NC DHHS Page for What to Do If You Feel Sick page for more information. 

Follow current CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines if:

  • You were tested because you have symptoms. 
  • A health care provider thinks you have COVID-19, even with a negative test. 
  • You were tested because of known contact with someone who has COVID-19. 

You can resume regular activities if: 

  • You were tested for another reason, like workplace screening. 
  • You do not have known or suspected contact with someone who has COVID-19. 
  • You have no symptoms. 

If you test positive, stay away from others and follow the CDC’s isolation guidelines. Seek medical care immediately if you have trouble breathing or experience other warning signs

Contact Keystone Laboratories To Get COVID-19 Testing Today!

Our Happy Customers

    Darlene Silver

    Client

    Keystone Laboratories has always helped in the line of work I do. Great turn around times and any time I need something Wally Brown makes sure that my lab has it. Shout out to Brittney, my Keystone courier! She is prompt and makes sure my specimens are transported. Very professional and kind.

      Brandy Shook

      Phlebotomist

      As a phlebotomist in a 14 provider office accurate and timely results are a must! Wally Brown is a super representative who always makes sure we have what we need. Keep up the good work Keystone Laboratories!!

        Derrick Sexton

        Client

        I had to use this lab for a work related drug screen and they were very professional and prompt. I would recommend Keystone Laboratories to a colleague for sure.

          Amanda Daves

          Asheville Recovery Center

          Keystone lab is dedicated to assisting individuals with all their laboratory needs. I have utilized keystone labs for over 5 years now. They are knowledgeable and professional throughout the process. I highly recommend them!