Lab tests
COVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical reader cost in South Carolina
COVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical reader 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 South Carolina
From 31 hospital and 0 clinic prices in South Carolina.
Nationwide typical: $56.70 (most listed prices $22–$133).
Cheapest in South Carolina
- $48
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Cherokee Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $48
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Pelham Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative CareCOVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical readerFacility fee only$48
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care price file · checked Oct 2026 - $48
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Spartanburg Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $48
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Union Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $50
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: AnMed Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $50
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: AnMed Health Piedmont price file · checked Oct 2026 - Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical CenterCOVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical readerFacility fee only$50.96
Doctor fees are billed separately.
- Novant Health East Cooper Medical CenterCOVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical readerFacility fee only$50.96
Doctor fees are billed separately.
- Novant Health Hilton Head Medical CenterCOVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical readerFacility fee only$50.96
Doctor fees are billed separately.
- $80.94
Doctor fees are billed separately. +2 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: McLeod Health Carolina Forest price file · checked Oct 2026 - $80.94
Doctor fees are billed separately. +3 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: McLeod Health Cheraw price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for COVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical reader
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.