Lab tests
COVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput lab cost in North Carolina
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 North Carolina
From 15 hospital and 0 clinic prices in North Carolina.
Nationwide typical: $109 (most listed prices $52.50–$256).
Cheapest in North Carolina
- ECU Health Beaufort Hospital - a campus of ECU Health Medical CenterCOVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput labFacility fee only$63.07
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: ECU Health Beaufort Hospital - a campus of ECU Hea price fil · checked Oct 2026 - Duke Raleigh Hospital a Campus of Duke University HospitalCOVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput labFacility fee only$69.12
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Duke Raleigh Hospital a Campus of Duke University price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $69.12
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Duke Regional Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $141
Doctor fees are billed separately.
- $150
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Betsy Johnson Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $150
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Bladen County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $150
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Cape Fear Valley Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $150
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $150
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Hoke Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $152
Doctor fees are billed separately.
- $153
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Community Hospital of Stokes price file · checked Oct 2026 - $200
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Peak Rehabilitation 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.