Waiting for your rapid test result for days can be frustrating. Aside from the time you have spent on coming back to see the result, there is also the anxiety it gives you of not knowing the result on that same day. This is where urgent care clinics step in.
Some urgent care centers offer same-day rapid tests that give results that day. Many common conditions can be diagnosed on the spot, from COVID-19 and flu to strep throat and pregnancy.
What are Rapid Tests
According to MedlinePlus, rapid tests are also known as rapid diagnostic tests or RDTs. These easy-to-use tests provide immediate results that usually take 20 minutes or less. Most standard tests must be sent to a lab, and you must wait for results.
With a rapid test, you can take the test and get the results at your provider’s office or a clinic.
Additionally, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) explains that the speed of getting the results from rapid diagnostics is important in acute or emergencies situations and allows immediate care in the case of a positive test, which is often during a single visit with a health care professional.
Rapid tests are approved to determine if a patient is reliable and has appropriate sensitivity and specificity to diagnose and start treatment.
Sensitivity is the test’s ability to identify those with illness or condition correctly, and specificity is the ability to correctly identify those without illness or condition, which is crucial for correct diagnosis.
Tests are typically measured in sensitivity or specificity to determine FDA clearance.
Common Same-Day Rapid Tests Available at Urgent Care
Urgent Care Clinics like Zenith Primary & Urgent Care in Marlborough offer a range of same-day diagnostic tests designed for quick results and efficient treatment planning. These rapid tests are especially helpful for evaluating common diseases and urgent health concerns without the long wait times of traditional lab processing.
COVID-19 Rapid Testing
At Zenith, we provide rapid COVID-19 antigen tests, which detect viral proteins from a nasal swab sample. Results are typically available within 15-30 minutes. Rapid testing is ideal for those experiencing symptoms, needing clearance for travel or work, or exposed to someone who tested positive.
In certain cases, PCR tests may also be available for more accurate detection, especially if the rapid test is negative but clinical suspicion remains high.
Rapid Influenza (Flu A & B) Test
Flu and COVID-19 symptoms often overlap, so quick diagnosis matters. Rapid flu tests detect influenza A and B using a nasal swab, with results available the same day. This result helps determine if antiviral medications are appropriate, especially when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Rapid Strep Throat Test
A rapid strep test can confirm group A Streptococcus infection for patients with sore throats, swollen tonsils, or fever. This test involves a throat swab and delivers results in about 10-15 minutes. If positive, antibiotics can be prescribed on the spot.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Testing
RSV affects both children and adults, but can be especially dangerous for infants and seniors. Rapid RSV tests can detect the virus within minutes, helping to monitor or rule out serious respiratory illness. It is often bundled with other respiratory virus testing panels.
Urinalysis (Rapid UTI Test)
For symptoms like painful urination, urgency, or pelvic discomfort, we at Zenith Urgent Care can perform a rapid urinalysis to detect urinary tract infections. A urin dipstick test result can be reviewed during the same visit, guiding immediate antibiotic treatment.
Pregnancy Testing
A quick urine HCG test can confirm pregnancy with same-day results. This is useful for individuals experiencing early signs of pregnancy or needing verification before undergoing certain procedures or starting medications.
Blood Glucose (Sugar) Testing
Patients experiencing high or low blood sugar symptoms, such as dizziness, excessive thirst, or fatigue, can receive a finger-prick blood glucose test at the clinic. This is especially important for diabetic parents or those with suspected blood sugar issues.
Mononucleosis (Mono) Test
Mononucleosis is a blood test used to identify infectious mononucleosis. Mono is a virus that is spread through saliva. Some symptoms include nausea, fever, exhaustion, headaches, body aches, rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and sore throat. It may cause sickness.
Hemoccult
A feces sample is examined for concealed blood using a Hemoccult test. This can help determine the etiology of colon cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding, and anemia.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram is a painless, non-invasive test that records the heart’s electrical signals. It’s commonly used to detect various heart conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.
Liver Enzymes Test (LFT)
Also known as a liver function panel, this group of blood tests checks levels of enzymes, proteins, and other substances to evaluate how well your liver is working.
Kidney Function Tests
These steps help determine how efficiently your kidneys are removing waste and excess fluid. They may include blood and urine analyses to measure filtration and overall kidney health.
Cholesterol (Lipid Panel)
This blood test measures levels of cholesterol and other fats to assess your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Electrolyte Test
A blood test that measures minerals like sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which help balance fluids and conduct electrical activity in the body.
Uric Acid Test
Uric acid can be measured through blood or a 24-hour urine collection. Elevated levels may indicate gout, kidney stones, or other metabolic issues.
What to Expect During Your Visit
At Zenith Urgent Care, your visit is designed to be efficient, supportive, and centered around your well-being. When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and complete a brief health form if it is your first time.
Our provider will meet with you to go over your symptoms and determine if a rapid test is appropriate. If a test is needed, such as for strep, flu, COVID-19, or UTI, we will perform it right in the clinic.
Most involve a simple swab, urine sample, or finger prick; results are usually ready within 10 to 30 minutes. Once results are in, we will review the findings and next steps with you, whether that is a prescription, rest, or additional care.
We understand that time matters, so we work to provide answers and guidance during the same visit whenever possible. If you have questions at any point, we’ll take the time to explain clearly and support you every step of the way.
Zenith Primary & Urgent Care also offers other diagnostic test services requiring lab processing, such as Electrocardiogram (EKG), Liver Function Tests, and more.
Final Thoughts
Rapid tests have become essential to modern urgent care, helping patients get fast answers and timely treatment for common illnesses. Same-day results can ease anxiety and support faster decision-making, whether it is a sudden sore throat, flu symptoms, or possible exposure to COVID-19.
Zenith Primary & Urgent Care offers a wide range of rapid tests to meet your immediate health needs, with no long wait times or unnecessary delays. We are available seven days a week, with extended hours, and are open for walk-ins.
