EpicWave Laboratory

Our lab is open! COVID-19, Flu, RSV testing with same-day results!

Conveniently located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, EpicWave Laboratory is open for your same-day testing needs. Whether it's for COVID-19, Influenza, RSV or for other tests such as HIV, Hemoglobin A1C, pregnancy tests and others, we are open for your needs so you can get on with your day.

What should you expect from us?

This blog will hope to help you peek behind the vinyl curtain to reveal what laboratory testing is all about, why it's important and what it can do to your overall health and wellness. We will also provide some insight to our services and, with proper medical consultation from your provider, if the testing is appropriate for you.

COVID-testing: PCR or Antigen test? Which one should I get?

We will probably ask, what type of COVID testing you'll need? Will you need a PCR test or an Antigen test?

PCR tests are notably more accurate and considered "gold-standard" in the laboratory. COVID can typically be more reliable tests as they can detect the virus in very low amounts. With this degree of accuracy, positive results could remain with the PCR test even though you are no longer infectious. If you are symptomatic and believe you have COVID, but your antigen tests are negative, it is best to have your doctor order a COVID or a combination COVID, Influenza and RSV that tests for all of these viruses.

Antigen tests are rapid tests that look for the virus in a patient's sample. Typically, these can be performed by a healthcare professional or more popularized in recent days with at-home rapid tests. Antigen tests are usually not as accurate as the PCR tests as you need a lot of the virus in order for the test to be positive. Even though that you have symptoms, you still may be testing negative as your body is not excreting enough virus to be detectable. It is still recommended though that if you do have symptoms to self-isolate and test twice in a week to rule-out COVID. With any other condition, please consult your healthcare provider for the appropriate treatment and tests.

The antigen test is useful for individuals who are recovering for COVID as the test is useful in releasing you from isolation. Also in some situations, antigen testing is useful to prevent the spread of COVID as it is a quick and easy way to get results when in times COVID is circulating in high amounts.

We test for both!

PCR tests require a healthcare provider's order in order for us to run the test because your clinician needs to properly interpret the results. We offer COVID-only PCR tests and combination COVID tests with Influenza and RSV all in the same sample. We accept most insurance, except for Medi-Cal. The cash price for the COVID-only PCR is $119 and the Combination test is $159. Results available within the hour.

Antigen tests do not require a healthcare provider's order, but they can be used to receive treatment if positive. These tests can also clear your from isolation and return to work/school and resume normal activities. We accept most insurance, except for Medi-Cal. The cash price is $49 per test. Results available within 30 minutes.

We also offer at-home over-the-counter tests for you to take home and test. Check with your insurance company if these tests are covered. Typically, you are allowed to claim 8 at-home tests per month.

If you're interested in learning more, please email us at lab@epicwavelaboratory or call us at (800) 961-6747

Book now to make an appointment and thank you for reading!

Book Now