Lab tests
COVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput lab cost in Minnesota
COVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput lab is a lab test. Many labs sell tests directly to the public for a flat cash price, often far below hospital prices.
Typical cash price
In Minnesota
From 10 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Minnesota.
Nationwide typical: $109 (most listed prices $52.50–$256).
Cheapest in Minnesota
- Children's Minnesota – Minneapolis and St. Paul HospitalsCOVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput labFacility fee only$47
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Children's Minnesota – Minneapolis and St. Paul Ho price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $92.36
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: CHI St. Francis Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $97.24
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Cuyuna Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $102
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: CHI LakeWood Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $120
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical CenterCOVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput labFacility fee only$122
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $164
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Sleepy Eye Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $182
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Aspirus Lake View Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $188
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $249
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: North Shore Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
Do I need a doctor's order?
In most states, direct-to-consumer labs can sell many tests without a separate doctor visit. Some states and some tests still require an order.
Is the blood draw included?
Usually yes for lab stores and booking sites. Hospitals sometimes bill the draw (venipuncture) separately.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.