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.
San Francisco COVID-19 PCR Testing | CLIA Certified Lab
COVID-19 Testing for San Francisco, 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 San Francisco
NuWav Laboratories provides high-sensitivity COVID-19 RT-PCR testing for clinics, urgent care centers, and physician practices serving San Francisco, 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.
San Francisco maintains one of the most aggressive municipal public health surveillance programs in the country — including wastewater monitoring for respiratory pathogens — driving demand for confirmatory PCR testing among Bay Area providers.
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 San Francisco 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.
San Francisco COVID-19 Testing Service Area
San Francisco maintains one of the most aggressive municipal public health surveillance programs in the country — including wastewater monitoring for respiratory pathogens — driving demand for confirmatory PCR testing among Bay Area providers.
Neighborhoods Served
- SoMa
- Mission District
- Castro
- Hayes Valley
- Marina
- Pacific Heights
- Nob Hill
- Sunset District
ZIP Codes Served
- 94102
- 94103
- 94104
- 94105
- 94107
- 94108
- 94109
- 94110
- 94114
- 94117
Local Healthcare Partners Near San Francisco
NuWav serves the San Francisco healthcare community, supporting providers affiliated with leading regional health systems in San Francisco County.
UCSF Health
Sutter Health CPMC
Kaiser Permanente
Dignity Health
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco clinics set up a courier account with NuWav?
Yes. Overnight specimen shipment via FedEx Priority Overnight from our regional partner network. San Francisco 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 San Francisco reporting systems as required by federal law. Providers receive their results in parallel with public health submission.
Partner With NuWav for San Francisco COVID-19 Testing
Contact us today to set up covid-19 testing for your San Francisco, CA practice. Specimen logistics, EMR integration, and reimbursement support included.
Medically reviewed by
NuWav Laboratories Medical Director