After nearly three years of serving communities across the country, Curative has announced that it will end its COVID-19 testing services by December 28. The health care start-up’s testing sites around Portland became the go-to for free PCR tests with quick turnarounds. Now it seems like PCR tests—which are more sensitive and generally considered more reliable than rapid antigen tests, the kind in most at-home kits—are becoming harder to find, and at a time when we really need them.

Oregon Health & Science University’s latest statewide forecast reported a peak in Oregon’s ongoing surge of respiratory illnesses that continue to overwhelm Oregon’s strained hospital systems. However, health officials warn of a potential uptick in cases following the holidays. The federal government has even revived its program to mail out free at-home rapid antigen tests to prepare for a projected increase in COVID-19 cases this winter. Each household can mail-order four rapid tests through covidtests.gov. Or you can find COVID test kits at 8tests.com, a one-stop online info center created by Portland-based software developer Scott Krager. As of January 15, 2022, the federal government announced that private health insurers are required to reimburse eight tests per month per household member.

Feeling under the weather, or looking for a COVID test as you gather with loved ones this holiday season? Here are testing centers and clinics across the Portland metro area that offer PCR and antigen COVID-19 testing, plus select locations with flu and RSV tests. Note that pricing info may be dependent on insurance coverage and other factors, and is subject to change.

Oregon Health & Science University

OHSU offers testing by appointment at its immediate care clinics on its South Waterfront campus (3303 S Bond Ave, Building 1, ninth floor) and Beaverton (15700 SW Greystone Ct) between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. OHSU will bill your insurance if you have it, but you do not need to have health insurance to receive a no-cost test.

ZoomCare

ZoomCare offers rapid antigen and PCR tests at various locations around Portland with a required video screening first. If you are uninsured, tests cost between $85 to $100, plus $129 for a screening.

Walgreens

Not sure if it’s COVID or the flu? Walgreens offers PCR tests and rapid NAATs (nucleic acid amplification tests), as well as flu testing for symptomatic patients at select Portland locations. You can also pick up at-home rapid tests or order PCR test kits online. Walgreens recommends that patients contact their insurance carrier before scheduling a COVID test to confirm coverage due to changes in federal eligibility criteria. If you don’t meet medical necessity guidelines for no-cost testing through your insurance or a government-funded program, the cost for PCR and rapid testing is $129.

GoHealth

Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care centers offer rapid NAATs and rapid PCR tests at its centers around Portland and accepts appointments or walk-ins, but an in-center or virtual clinical evaluation is required. If you test positive and it is deemed medically necessary, Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care can now prescribe and fill COVID-19 antiviral treatment. For patients without insurance, the cost for a test is $75.

LeCare Pharmacy

Family-owned LeCare Pharmacy (1619 NE 42nd Ave) is offering walk-in PCR and rapid antigen tests for travel. COVID-19 testing is charged as out-of-pocket and costs between $75 and $150. 

AFC Urgent Care

AFC Urgent Care offers testing by appointment for COVID-19, flu, RSV, and more than 20 other pathogens on a single swab at all of its clinics in the Portland metro area. Insurance is accepted if you have symptoms or have been exposed. A travel clearance test costs up to $199.

Rize Laboratory

Rize Laboratory, formerly known as WVT Laboratory, offers drive-up PCR tests at its testing sites in the Portland metro area. You are required to make an appointment in advance at its testing facility in Cedar Hills (1450 SW Marlow Ave), but walk-ins are accepted at its location in West Linn Central Village (5639 Hood St).

Carreón Health

Local clinic Carreón Health (1818 NE Irving St) offers rapid antigen tests, plus PCR tests with a one- to two-day turnaround. If you do not have insurance, there is a $75 charge for COVID testing, plus a $100 lab processing fee. 

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente offers at-home rapid tests or 24-hour PCR tests for its members. PCRs are available at most Kaiser locations by walk-in or by appointment, and some locations offer weekend hours. 

Portland Urgent Care

Schedule an appointment for rapid PCR and rapid antigen testing at Portland Urgent Care (4160 NE Sandy Blvd). A COVID-19 telemedicine consultation is required for patients who are symptomatic or have been exposed. Note that Portland Urgent Care does not accept OHP, Health Share, Kaiser, or Providence, and you may be billed for a test.