COVID 19 Testing
Where can I go for testing/screening?
LOCAL SC DRIVE-UP TESTING SITES
Note: Please check with the testing provider or location listed below to confirm their holiday schedule
For a list of testing locations in South Carolina, please visit SC DHEC’s website.
COVID-19 TESTING LOCATIONS
| Name | Phone | Address | Hours | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Healthcare | 843.853.8870 | 235 Calhoun Street Charleston, SC 29401 |
Monday- Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. After hours by appointment |
Type of test(s): PCR, Rapid antigen, Rapid PCR Appt required: Yes (call ahead) Cost: Send-out PCR - $55 during regular hours. Rapid Antigen - $135. Rapid PCR - $335. After hours and weekends - $55 charge Results in: 2-3 days for send-out, 15 minutes for rapid |
|
| CVS | 843.720.8523 | 59 George Street Charleston, SC |
Type of test(s): PCR, NAAT, Rapid PCR Appt required: Yes Results in: 1-2 days for PCR and NAAT, within hours for rapid PCR |
||
| Dottie’s Pharmacy | 843.501.9500. | 5 Folly Road, Charleston, SC –James Island Roper Building near Duke’s BBQ — past Folly and Maybank Drive-up testing | Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Type of test(s): Rapid Test or Send-out PCR |
|
| Holy City Med | 843.465.9248 | 2039 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407 |
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Type of test(s): PCR, Rapid antigen Appt required: Yes Results in: Rapid test within 20 minutes, sendouts in 3-5 days |
|
| MEDcare Express Urgent Care: West Ashley | 843.793.6093 | 1850 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Charleston, SC 29407 |
Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. |
Type of test(s): PCR, Rapid antigen Appt required: No Cost: Depends on insurance coverage. PCR or Rapid Antigen – $195. Results in: All results within 3 days |
|
| MEDcare Express Urgent Care: North Charleston | 843.552.3629 | 8720 Dorchester Rd North Charleston, SC 29420 |
Monday-Sunday 8 a.m. -8 p.m. |
Type of test(s): PCR, Rapid antigen Appt required: No Cost: Depends on insurance coverage. PCR or Rapid Antigen – $195. Results in: All results within 3 days, will call patient if positive. |
|
| MUSC Testing | 62 Bee Street, Charleston, S.C. |
|
Type of test(s): PCR – standard and rapid Appt required: Yes. Go to the MUSC website to schedule an appointment Cost: Will bill patients – any insurances will cover the cost in full, patients without insurance will be billed at self-pay price. See website for more details. |
||
| Premier Medical | 843.405.8833 843.225.3274 |
5880 Rivers Avenue North Charleston, SC 29406 354 Folly Road James Island, SC 29412 |
Monday - Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. |
Type of test(s): PCR |
Do I still need to wear a face covering?
The College of Charleston has a voluntary face mask policy. This means that face masks will no longer be required in instructional spaces such as classrooms, labs and libraries.
Individuals who test positive should wear a high-quality mask such as a KN95 for at least 10 days when around others at home and in public.
Faculty and staff members may request that others wear face masks when visiting their private offices and/or private workspaces, and to this end signs are available on the Back on the Bricks website for campus members to print and post.
The decision regarding face masks is based on the latest scientific data and guidance from public health officials. In addition, the results of a recent campus survey indicated that a majority of respondents favor a voluntary-only facemask policy.
Individual members of campus may decide for themselves whether to wear a face mask. We continue to encourage facemasks for those with symptoms of illness, those recently out of isolation from a positive COVID-19 test or those with recent exposure to someone with COVID-19 as well as for those at risk for illness and those who live with someone at risk for illness. N-95 face masks are available for free at several campus locations.
We ask all community members to respect and honor each person’s individual choice on this matter. There are many reasons why an individual may choose to wear or not wear a face mask, and under no circumstances should that choice be questioned or challenged by any member of our community.
How can I get free COVID-19 test kits?
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.
Students can also receive free test kits from Student Health Services and employees can receive free test kits from the Office of Human Resources.
Why can't a student submit an antibody test?
Current guidance from the CDC and the SCDHEC do not support the widespread use of antibody testing because it is not known to reliably detect if an individual has protective antibodies to COVID-19.
How is a PCR test different from an antigen test?
PCR tests detect COVID-19's genetic material, while antigen tests detect the specific viral antigen particular to COVID-19.
Where can students go to get tested?
Testing for students with COVID-like symptoms can make an appointment at Student Health Service and potentially receive testing. Students can also come by Student Health Services and get a self-test kit.
Students can also visit the COVID-19 Testing page of Back on the Bricks for a complete list of testing locations.
Are people who have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case infectious?
An infectous person can spread COVID-19 to anyone. People who are boosted against COVID-19 are thought to have lower risk for developing the COVID-19 infection. People who are not boosted, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated are more likely to contract COVID-19 due to close contact.
It can take up to 10 days to become infected with COVID-19 after exposure. Quarantine removes people from others temporarily in order to see if they develop the illness and to prevent them from exposing others before they are aware of being infectious.
How are people supposed to report if they have tested positive for COVID-19?
If people suspect they have COVID-19, they can submit a notice through through a self report form. Student submissions will go to Student Health Services. Faculty and staff submissions will go the Human Resources. Alternatively, students can call Student Health Services at 843.953.5520 and employees can call and HR at 843.953.5211.