About Us
Acorn Laboratory is a CLIA-certified and California registered clinical laboratory that provides specimen collection and temporary site testing.
All personnel in Acorn Laboratory are certified and/or licensed, meeting California State Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations.
Our team consists of clinical lab scientists, RNs, phlebotomists and medical assistants.
What makes Acorn Laboratory unique?
Most mobile phlebotomy clinical laboratory service providers are not certified or licensed. This means they do not need to adhere to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and California State Lab Field Service (LFS) clinical lab regulations. Acorn Laboratory is both CLIA certified and licensed by California. Therefore, we are held to a higher regulatory standard which allows us to offer both specimen collection and on-site testing. In addition, patients may request Spanish or Chinese speaking translators during the collection process.
Insurance and billing
Payment is due at the time of scheduling. We accept credit, debit, or Zelle in advance. If a cancellation is necessary, our policy requires notifying us at least 48 hours prior to your appointment in order to qualify for a refund. Please contact us for on-site payment options.
For home collection services, please contact your health insurance for more information. Generally speaking, insurance companies do not provide coverage for in-home collection services because it is considered a concierge service.
You may qualify for reimbursement from Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) under “laboratory fee.” Contact your program administrator for more information regarding eligibility.
Service area and hours
Acorn Laboratory services the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. We provide after hour services on weekends and holidays. Feel free to call, text, or email us for availability.
Home Based Specimen Collection
Services included: phlebotomy (blood draw for clinical/medical and research), buccal swab (DNA/Genetic testing), COVID-19 (Nasal/Saliva), and specialty test kit collection (HLA typing for transplant, cancer screening, autologous eye drops, and direct to consumer test kit)
Clinical research/trial: provide non-diagnostics testing specimen collection including phlebotomy, swabbing, and finger stick dried blood spot collection. We have licensed Clinical Lab Scientists that meet the special clinical trial requirements for handling and processing.
Collection and special handling fees:
Mobile specimen collection: $75 per visit (blood, swab, and test kit)
Dry Ice for minus 70 degree C for frozen shipping: $50
FedEx/UPS package drop off: $10
Centrifugation and specimen aliquoting: $10
Specimen transportation/courier service
Specimen transport: provides urgent couriers for irreplaceable samples. We specialize in handling various critical samples including muscle biopsy, bone marrow, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Our couriers are trained medical professionals who understand the importance of delivering these samples on time and to the right location.
Mileage costs for urgent courier service is $5 per mile, which is all-inclusive. There is no pickup or drop off fee. However, if the location requires paid parking, the cost of parking will be added upon completion of the trip.
COVID Testing Service
Acorn Laboratory is licensed by CLIA and CDPH to perform COVID-19 testing at temporary locations. We offer mobile services and on-site lab testing services. Our on-site test menu includes COVID-19 PCR, antigen, and antibody testing. All test kits used are approved for use under FDA EUA (Emergency Use Authorization). For PCR and antigen testing, you may either self-collect or our staff can collect the anterior nasal swab. The swab collection method is non-invasive. The swab enters the nostril no more than ¾ of an inch (1.5 cm). We do not collect nasopharyngeal swabs, which can enter the nostril up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) or until there is resistance in the nasal cavity.
Fees include both collection and testing (Contact us for multiple test discount):
COVID Molecular PCR: $275 (≈30 mins)
COVID Antigen: $80 (≈15 mins)
COVID Antibody (IgG and IgM): $80 (≈15mins)
Can I use the COVID test for international travel?
Navigating testing requirements for international travel can be challenging due to frequent changes to regulations and requirements, therefore we recommend checking with the airline and traveling agency prior to departure for the most to date requirements. Both the COVID molecular (PCR) and antigen test we offer meet the CDC International travel requirement.
Is Acorn Laboratory a trusted partner for the State of Hawaii?
No, we are currently on the waiting list for the Hawaii trusted partner program.
Are all rapid COVID-19 molecular tests the same?
We offer Accula PCR testing which is considered the gold-standard for molecular testing. Its accuracy is comparable or better than the standard lab-based PCR. Additional information can be found here
Are all rapid COVID-19 antigen tests the same?
We offer Abbott BinaxNOW COVID antigen testing which has one of the lowest limits of detection (LoD) among all FDA EUA antigen kits.
Can the antibody test be used to determine immunity post-vaccination?
Following CDC recommendations, the COVID-19 antibody test is currently not recommended to determine immunity to COVID-19 following vaccination. This test also should not be used to decide if you need to be vaccinated.
Can the antibody test be used to determine if I have a current infection?
No, the antibody test cannot be used to diagnose a current infection. Antigen and molecular tests should be used instead.
Payment and billing
Payment is due at the time of scheduling. We accept credit, debit, or Zelle in advance. If a cancellation is necessary, our policy requires notifying us at least 48 hours prior to your appointment in order to qualify for a refund. Please contact us for on-site payment options.
Regarding COVID tests, a detailed receipt will be provided to you for insurance reimbursement claims. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, insurance companies are required to reimburse you for the cost of testing if testing is medically necessary. COVID testing for travel, entertainment, or back to school/work may not be eligible for reimbursement. Contact your health insurance for details about eligibility and forms required for reimbursement.
If you are uninsured, we can file a claim on your behalf through the Federal HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program for testing that is medically necessary. No costs will be incurred if your claim is approved.
You may qualify for reimbursement from Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) under “laboratory fee.” Contact your program administrator for more information regarding eligibility.
COVID-19 Safety precautions
Our staff has been vaccinated for COVID, are regularly tested for COVID, and utilize proper personal protective equipment such as gloves, face shield, lab coat, and surgical mask.