Long Beach COVID-19 PCR Testing | CLIA Certified Lab

COVID-19 Testing for Long Beach, California 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 Long Beach

NuWav Laboratories provides high-sensitivity COVID-19 RT-PCR testing for clinics, urgent care centers, and physician practices serving Long Beach, California. 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.

Long Beach is one of only three California cities operating its own independent health department separate from county jurisdiction — meaning its respiratory virus reporting and lab oversight rules differ from the surrounding L.A. County system.

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 Long Beach Healthcare Providers Choose NuWav

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.

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.

Long Beach COVID-19 Testing Service Area

Long Beach is one of only three California cities operating its own independent health department separate from county jurisdiction — meaning its respiratory virus reporting and lab oversight rules differ from the surrounding L.A. County system.

Neighborhoods Served

  • Downtown
  • Belmont Shore
  • Bixby Knolls
  • Naples
  • California Heights
  • Wrigley
  • East Village Arts District
  • Alamitos Beach

ZIP Codes Served

  • 90802
  • 90803
  • 90804
  • 90805
  • 90806
  • 90807
  • 90808
  • 90810
  • 90813
  • 90815

Local Healthcare Partners Near Long Beach

NuWav serves the Long Beach healthcare community, supporting providers affiliated with leading regional health systems in Los Angeles County.

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center

MemorialCare

Dignity Health St. Mary

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital

Veterans Affairs Long Beach

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 Long Beach?
NuWav Laboratories returns COVID-19 PCR results in 24–48 hours from specimen receipt at our Carrollton, TX lab. Overnight specimen shipment via FedEx Priority Overnight from our regional partner network, so most Long Beach 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 Long Beach clinics set up a courier account with NuWav?
Yes. Overnight specimen shipment via FedEx Priority Overnight from our regional partner network. Long Beach 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 California public health?
Yes. NuWav Laboratories submits all reportable COVID-19 results to California state health authorities and HHS Region Long Beach reporting systems as required by federal law. Providers receive their results in parallel with public health submission.

Partner With NuWav for Long Beach COVID-19 Testing

Contact us today to set up covid-19 testing for your Long Beach, CA practice. Specimen logistics, EMR integration, and reimbursement support included.

Medically reviewed by

NuWav Laboratories Medical Director

Laboratory Director · CLIA Director #45D2306629

Last reviewed: