How do I sign up for a test?

To sign up for a COVID-19 test, complete the online registration form here.

Are appointments required? How do I schedule an appointment?

Appointments are required. You can schedule an appointment during the online registration process. Click here to access the registration form.

What type of COVID-19 test do you offer?

We perform the PCR test using the ScienCell™ SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) Detection Kit. The test is designed to detect the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. The PCR test is also referred to as the Molecular test the Nucleic Acid test. We do not offer the Rapid Test or the Antigen Test at this time. Molecular Matrix is providing COVID-19 molecular testing under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA. All samples are tested in our CLIA-certified laboratory (CLIA ID: 05D2191785) in West Sacramento, CA.

How accurate is the test?

The PCR test is the most accurate test to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

How does drive-through testing work?

Our facility is set up for drive-through testing. When you arrive, look for the orange cones and follow the instructions in the drive-through lane. You will remain in your car the entire time and our clinical staff will instruct you during the procedure. Your visit will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Watch this video to see how testing works.

What can I expect during the nasal swab?

The nasal swab is self-administered, meaning you will swab your own nose under the supervision of our clinical staff. We use a comfortable, shallow nasal swab technique. The nasal swab goes into your nose less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. The nasal swab feels slightly uncomfortable and might tickle. You might sneeze or cough during the procedure.

What kind of swab technique do you use?

We use a front nasal swab technique that is safe and comfortable. The swab goes into the nose less than 1 inch (2.5 cm). The swab doesn't go all the way to the back of the nose.

What are the potential risks and benefits of the test?

Potential risks include:

• Possible discomfort or other complications that can happen during sample collection.
• Possible incorrect test result (see below for more information).

When will I receive my test result?

Express Appointment (Same-Day Result): Test results will be sent within 12 hours of the time we receive your nasal sample. Standard Appointment (Next-Day Result): Test results will be sent by 11:59 PM the day after we receive your nasal sample (e.g., If you provide a sample at 9:00 AM on Monday, you will receive your test result by 11:59 PM on Tuesday). Results are typically sent during the evening. Results will be emailed to the email address provided during registration. If you get tested with a family or group, it is not uncommon for some family/group members to receive their test results earlier than others. Most tests are processed within the indicated turnaround timeframe unless the number of samples exceeds our laboratory capacity. We will notify you as soon as possible if we anticipate a delay in delivering your test result. Turnaround time is subject to change at any time.

I need a test urgently but there are no appointments available. What should I do?

All available appointments are shown in the registration calendar. Check the calendar for appointmnents that become available as a result of rescheduling or cancellations. Walk-ins are accepted. You will be asked to register online prior to getting tested. Wait times for walk-ins are approximately 10-20 minutes. Please ensure you have a smartphone or other device to complete the online registration form while you wait.

I'm trying to register for a test but it says "No COVID-19 testing needed at this time." What should I do?

During the registration process you will be asked the following question: "Have you been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or visited a place where COVID-19 is spreading in the last two weeks?" To proceed with the registration process, please select this option: "There are ongoing cases of COVID-19 in my local community."

My entire family needs to get tested. How can we arrange that?

Each family member needs to complete a separate registration form and schedule an individual appointment time. It's okay if your appointments aren't in consecutive time slots, or back-to-back. On test day, the entire family can come to the drive-through testing station in the same vehicle and get tested together.

Do you allow children to be tested for COVID-19?

Yes, we perform pediatric testing. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian during the test. Individuals aged 13 and up are authorized to perform the self-administered nasal swab and individuals aged 12 and under require a parent/legal guardian to perform the nasal swab procedure. For children under 6 years of age, two adults must be present during the test to assist in the sample collection procedure.

How much does the test cost?

Standard Service (Next-day results): The test is free to you if you have health insurance ($0 co-pay). We accept all forms of health insurance. If you choose to pay out-of-pocket, the test costs $192.50. We accept all major credit and debit cards. Email us to request an instant discount for out-of-pocket debit/credit payments only (not applicable to Standard tests covered by insurance or Express tests). Express Service (Same-day results): The test costs $235.50 payable by credit or debit card only. The express test service is not covered by insurance.

Do you accept health insurance? Will my health insurance cover the cost of the test?

Yes, we accept all forms of health insurance. Just enter your health insurance information in the online registration form when you book your appointment. Insurance should cover 100% of the cost of the test. Under the CARES Act, health insurance providers are required to cover the cost of in-network or out-of-network COVID-19 testing for their insured members. Review the CARES Act here for more information on insurance provider responsibilities. Molecular Matrix Diagnostics is considered an out-of-network provider. Check with your health insurance provider for more information on COVID-19 test expense coverage. Molecular Matrix will never bill you if your insurance provider doesn't cover your test. Only Standard results appointments are covered by insurance.

Do you accept debit cards, credit cards, or cash?

We accept all major credit cards and debit cards. We do not accept cash payments at this time. We also accept all forms of health insurance. We recommend using your health insurance to cover your test whenever possible so you pay $0 out-of-pocket.

I am traveling out of state/out of the country, and I need a test to comply with COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Each state and country has their own COVID-19 travel guidelines and restrictions. Please check with authorities at your travel destination in order to obtain relevant guidelines for your trip. Many destinations require travelers to take a PCR test and produce a negative result within 72 hours of departure. We recommend that you schedule your test 2 days before your departure day. We will send you the test result report in an email with a PDF attachment that can be used as proof of your test. The PCR test is also known as the Molecular test or the Nucleic Acid test. If your travel requirements specify one of those tests, rest assured that our laboratory complies with those requirements.

I want to arrange testing for my school/employees/organization members, how can I do that?

We offer COVID-19 testing services to businesses, schools, and other organizations. Call 916-477-2027 or email covidtesting@molecularmatrix.com to discuss how we can serve your organization's testing needs.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No, you don't need a referral from your doctor. We have a physician on staff who reviews and approves test registrations.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Review the CDC guidelines on what to do if you test postive for COVID-19. The CDC recommends that you stay home and self-isolate. Avoid public places except to receive medical care. Even if you do not feel sick, you can still spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to your family members and community.

Who should get tested?

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• People who have had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.​​
• People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local or state health department.

What should I do if my test result is negative?

If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. This does not mean you will not get sick. A negative test result only means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not detected in your sample at the time of testing or that your sample was collected too early in your infection. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and then get infected and spread the virus to others. If you have symptoms later, you may need another test to determine if you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

I received the test result email but I can't open it. What should I do?

You will receive your digital result in a secure email. To open the email attachment, select "Read the Message" and choose to "Sign on with a one-time passcode." A passcode will be sent to your email address. Enter this passcode in the space provided on the browser window. If you're still having trouble accessing your result, email us at covidtesting@molecularmatrix.com or call us at 916-477-2027 (M-F, 9am-5pm).

I have more questions. Who can I contact?

Call us at 916-477-2027 or email us at covidtesting@molecularmatrix.com Our offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Where is the test location?

West Sacramento, CA Address: 3410 Industrial Blvd Suite 103, West Sacramento, CA 95691 Site Information: - Drive-through testing center - The entrance to the drive-through is behind the building - Express (same-day results) and Standard (next-day results) appointments available here Petaluma, CA Address: 625 2nd St #201, Petaluma, CA 94952 - Drive-through testing center - The endtance to the drive-through is in the parking lot in front of the building - Standard (next-day results) appointments available here

My roommates and I all need to get tested. How do we arrange that?

Each member of the household needs to complete a separate registration form and schedule an individual appointment time. It's okay if your appointments aren't in consecutive time slots, or back-to-back. On test day, the entire household can come to the drive-through testing station in the same vehicle and get tested together.

What does it mean if I have an "invalid" test result?

An invalid test result means there was an issue with your nasal sample or with the test processsing. We recommend that you schedule another test so we can recollect your sample. When you come back for a re-collection, please inform the clinical staff in the drive-through that you are re-testing due to a previous invalid test result.

How can I cancel my appointment? Do you have a cancellation policy?

Appointment Cancellation We require that you notify us of a cancellation 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Appointments are in high demand, and your advanced notice will allow another patient access to that appointment time. Late Cancellations/No-Shows A cancellation is considered late when the appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours before the appointed time. A no-show is when a patient misses an appointment without cancelling. In either case, the patient will be refunded for the cost of the test minus a $100 missed appointment fee. How to Cancel Your Appointment Click the cancellation link in your confirmation email or email us at covidtesting@molecularmatrix.com and leave a detailed message.

I don't have health insurance. What are my options?

If you do not have health insurance, you may register for a free COVID-19 PCR test under our Uninsured Program. The program verifies the test recipient's identity and health insurance status. If you have health insurance but choose to not use it, you are not eligible for the Uninsured Program. You may pay for your COVID-19 test out-of-pocket for $192.50 (Standard 24-48 hour result) or $235.50 (Express same-day result). Email us to request an instant discount for out-of-pocket debit/credit payments only (Applies only to Standard tests paid for out-of-pocket. Not applicable to Standard tests covered by insurance. Not applicable to Express tests).