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Send-out lab test results typically take 24 to 72 hours to return from our lab partner. Please note that the return of results is an estimate and is subject to lab capacity and patient demand for testing.
Rapid PCR and on-site antigen tests provide results within 24 hours and normally are reserved for our symptomatic, high-risk patients.
The fastest way to get your test results is through your free MyNortonChart account.
If you need proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, your results will be available electronically and securely through your MyNortonChart account. If you visited Norton Healthcare Express Services for a travel test, a letter also will be available in your MyNortonChart account. Letters are not available to print for pickup.
If your nasal swab test is positive, we will call you.
Your results also will be available in MyNortonChart. If you do not have a free MyNortonChart account, visit NortonHealthcare.com/MyNortonChart to sign up.
When accessing your test results through MyNortonChart, be sure to refer to the “COVID-19 Results” section, not the “Standard Range,” as shown below.
Norton Healthcare will not email test results to your email address.
A positive test result means the coronavirus/COVID-19 virus was found in your sample and may be causing your symptoms. If your test result is positive (detected) for COVID-19, a Norton Healthcare staff member will attempt to call you to discuss quarantining. You also will receive a MyNortonChart message or a letter in the mail with this information. The result is in the second column. Detected means positive.
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines:
Because most people with COVID-19 are contagious, wear a well-fitted face mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public. Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask. Wash your hands often; cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Seek prompt medical attention if you develop worsening symptoms (such as difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your health care provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch person that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19.
A negative test result means that COVID-19 was not found in your sample at this time. However, symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, so you should continue to monitor your health. If you start to experience symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home (except to get medical care) and minimize contact with other people, according to CDC guidelines. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing services or taxis. Wear a face mask when in public; the mask should cover your nose and mouth.
If your test result is negative (not detected), you will receive a MyNortonChart message or a letter in the mail from Norton Healthcare. A letter can take 10 days to arrive. The result is in the second column. Not detected means negative. A negative result means that COVID-19 was not found in your sample. No test is 100% accurate. If you are having symptoms or start to experience symptoms, follow quarantine guidelines (see below).
Do not get retested. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 should NOT get tested again for up to three months as long as they do not develop symptoms again. PCR tests can detect remnant viral particles for up to 90 days. This does not mean you’re contagious. It is a limitation of the PCR test technology. This includes patients going to the hospital for procedures. If a negative test is needed to return to work or school, ask your provider for a point-of-care antigen test.
Norton Healthcare also tests for influenza (flu) A and B. A detected (positive) result will be highlighted in orange with red lettering. The flu is treated primarily with rest and fluids to let the body fight the infection on its own. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention. An annual vaccine can help prevent the flu or limit its severity.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines state that a fully vaccinated person who has had a booster, with an exposure but no symptoms, does not need to quarantine but should wear a mask when inside and around other people for 10 days. If you have not had a booster and your vaccine series was more than five months ago, you must quarantine for five days and wear a mask for five additional days.
Family members NOT up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations should quarantine for a full 14 days from the last date of exposure to the positive family member. This is because a person can develop symptoms 2 to 14 days after a high-risk exposure. Fully vaccinated family members who have had a booster do not need to quarantine but should wear a mask when inside and around other people for 10 days.
Babies under 12 months old
Children over 12 months old
Monitoring your child’s symptoms
Over-the-counter medicines
Follow up with your health care provider if you have additional questions or concerns or if you still do not feel well after two weeks from symptoms onset. You do not need to continue to isolate. If you need help finding a primary care provider, call us at (502) 629-1234, option 3. For your safety and convenience, we also offer telehealth services and virtual urgent care visits available 24/7 through Norton eCare. More information is available through your MyNortonChart account or at NortonHealthcare.com/Telehealth.
If you have an emergency, call 911. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly, the information above may change. For guidance about returning to work or school, visit CDC.gov, contact your local health department or call the Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline at (800) 722-5725.
Call (502) 861-4611, option 1, for more information. If it has been 48 hours after your test, you may select option 2 if you have questions about your test results.
Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below.