24-48 Hour Turnaround
Results returned within 24 to 48 hours of specimen receipt at our Carrollton lab, delivered electronically or by secure fax to your practice.
Austin COVID-19 PCR Testing | CLIA Certified Lab
COVID-19 Testing for Austin, Texas healthcare providers. CLIA certified, 24-48 hours turnaround. Medicare and Medicaid accepted.
CLIA Certified
HIPAA Compliant
24-48hr Results
Medicare/Medicaid
About Our COVID-19 Testing in Austin
NuWav Laboratories provides high-sensitivity COVID-19 RT-PCR testing for clinics, urgent care centers, and physician practices serving Austin, Texas. Specimens are processed at our CLIA-certified facility in Carrollton, Texas with a 24–48 hour turnaround from receipt and results delivered electronically or by secure fax.
Austin's rapid population growth — adding more than 30,000 new residents per year — has outpaced local lab capacity, creating sustained demand for accredited reference labs serving the I-35 corridor between Austin and Round Rock.
RT-PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 N1, N2, and RP gene targets using FDA-EUA validated reagents. Specimens accepted: nasopharyngeal swab, oropharyngeal swab, anterior nares swab, and saliva. RNase P serves as an internal sample adequacy control on every run.
Why Austin Healthcare Providers Choose NuWav
99% Accuracy
FDA-EUA validated RT-PCR assay targeting SARS-CoV-2 N1 and N2 genes with built-in RNase P sample adequacy controls on every run.
Medicare/Medicaid Accepted
We bill Medicare, Medicaid, most major commercial plans, and offer transparent self-pay pricing — your patients are never surprised.
Austin COVID-19 Testing Service Area
Austin's rapid population growth — adding more than 30,000 new residents per year — has outpaced local lab capacity, creating sustained demand for accredited reference labs serving the I-35 corridor between Austin and Round Rock.
Neighborhoods Served
- Downtown
- South Congress
- East Austin
- Hyde Park
- Zilker
- Mueller
- Tarrytown
- Barton Hills
ZIP Codes Served
- 78701
- 78702
- 78703
- 78704
- 78705
- 78712
- 78717
- 78731
- 78745
- 78759
Local Healthcare Partners Near Austin
NuWav serves the Austin healthcare community, supporting providers affiliated with leading regional health systems in Travis County.
Ascension Seton
St. David's HealthCare
Baylor Scott & White Health
Dell Children's Medical Center
UT Health Austin
NuWav Laboratories is an independent CLIA certified clinical laboratory. Mention of regional health systems indicates the geographic service area; no endorsement or affiliation is implied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions from healthcare providers about NuWav testing services.
How fast can I get COVID PCR results in Austin?
NuWav Laboratories returns COVID-19 PCR results in 24–48 hours from specimen receipt at our Carrollton, TX lab. Daily overnight courier route from Carrollton to Austin metro clinics with morning specimen delivery, so most Austin providers see results posted to their EMR or portal within two business days of collection.
Does NuWav accept Medicare and Medicaid for COVID testing?
Yes. NuWav Laboratories accepts Medicare, Medicaid, most commercial insurance plans, and self-pay for all COVID-19 PCR testing. We bill insurance directly and do not balance-bill in-network patients.
Is NuWav's COVID-19 test FDA authorized?
NuWav's COVID-19 RT-PCR assay uses FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) validated reagents and is performed under CLIA #45D2306629. The assay targets the SARS-CoV-2 N1 and N2 genes with an internal RNase P sample-adequacy control on every run.
What types of COVID specimens does NuWav accept?
We accept nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs, anterior nares swabs, and saliva specimens for COVID-19 PCR testing. All specimens should be collected in viral transport media or saline using sterile flocked swabs and refrigerated until courier pickup.
Can Austin clinics set up a courier account with NuWav?
Yes. Daily overnight courier route from Carrollton to Austin metro clinics with morning specimen delivery. Austin clinics can request a courier account, supply order, and EMR result-delivery setup by calling 972-327-8857 — most accounts are activated within 48 hours.
What's the difference between PCR and rapid antigen COVID tests?
PCR tests detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA directly and are far more sensitive than rapid antigen tests, especially in the first 48 hours of symptoms or in asymptomatic patients. NuWav's molecular PCR is the diagnostic standard recommended by the CDC for confirmatory testing.
Do you report COVID results to Texas public health?
Yes. NuWav Laboratories submits all reportable COVID-19 results to Texas state health authorities and HHS Region Austin reporting systems as required by federal law. Providers receive their results in parallel with public health submission.
Partner With NuWav for Austin COVID-19 Testing
Contact us today to set up covid-19 testing for your Austin, TX practice. Specimen logistics, EMR integration, and reimbursement support included.
Medically reviewed by
NuWav Laboratories Medical Director