What was the COVID testing experience for Americans at Walgreens and CVS in Florida?

Nov 24, 2021
3 years ago
Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For Americans - this was my covid testing experience/timeline (November 2021). I went to both Walgreens and CVS in Southwest Florida.

Walgreens: Scheduled my appointment for 2:15PM on a Sunday. Waited ten minutes in the drive-through before reaching the window. Took over fifteen minutes to get the kit in my hands - the person administering them seemed extremely disorganized. Clueless, too - I asked if the results would have "RT-PCR" written on it and she had no idea what I was talking about 😬. Was also told I’d get the results in a couple hours, which freaked me the hell out (thought I was given a rapid test), but I think they just misspoke. Sample was received by the lab the next day (Monday) - Walgreens says they don’t usually ship their samples on weekends, so be aware of that. Results came back on Tuesday at 10:30AM, so all in all it took a little less than two days (44 hours). The service was terrible, though, so I wouldn’t go to Walgreens’ again if I had the choice.

CVS: Scheduled my appointment for 11AM on a Monday. Waited forty minutes in the drive-through before reaching the window. Received the kit within a minute. I asked if the test would have "RT-PCR" written on it and she said she thought so. With their system you cannot see when the lab has received your sample, so no info on that. Results came the following day (Tuesday) at 5:45PM, so all in all it took about a day and a half (31 hours).

And yes, both had "RT-PCR" on it.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A detailed account of the COVID-19 testing experience for an American in Southwest Florida during November 2021, comparing the services provided by Walgreens and CVS. The individual highlights scheduling challenges, service quality, result timelines, and the presence of "RT-PCR" on test results. Comments from readers address costs, testing times, and share related experiences.
Andy *********
Thanks for the information. We're in Central West FL. Just went to Walgreens a couple days ago. Was told from 2 to 5 days for results. When I explained the circumstances - I got a shoulder shrug...
George ********
Absolutely fascinating expose on your trips to the drugstore. Pulitzer prize quality information.
Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
🙄
Chris *********************
In the uk you can pay extra to get a guaranteed 24 hour result
Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Think you have to do so in the US as well. It was like $200 or something when I checked in December 2020.
Chris *********************
@Tara *********
just been confirmed no quarantine after 1st December for double vax test in airport
Carlos *********
How much were they?
Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Free.
Jennifer ********
Very smart to get 2 done, just in case
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