CDCCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Testing
Test for Current InfectionViral tests check samples from your respiratory system (such as swabs of the inside of the nose) to tell you if you currently have an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Some tests are point-of-care tests, meaning results may be available at the testing site in less than an hour. Other tests must be sent to a laboratory to analyze, a process that takes 1-2 days once received by the lab.
If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, no matter the type of test, you still should take preventive measures to
protect yourself and others.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.htmlHOW TO DECIDE IF YOU SHOULD GET A VIRAL TEST Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Here is some information that might help you make decisions about getting a viral test.
* Most people have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. They may not need to be tested.
* At this time, there is no treatment specifically approved for people who have COVID-19.
CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or
healthcare providers.
Guidance LINKhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.htmlHOW TO GET A VIRAL TESTCOVID-19 testing differs by location. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
You can also visit your state or localexternal icon health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
State & Territorial Health Department Websiteshttps://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.htmlDirectory of Local Health Departmentshttps://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directoryAlthough
supplies of tests are increasing, it may still be difficult to find a place to get tested.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two viral tests that let you collect either a nasal swabexternal icon or a saliva sampleexternal icon at home. However, you will still need to send your sample to a laboratory for analysis.
Nasal Swab LINK https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-test-patient-home-sample-collectionSaliva Sample LINKhttps://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-diagnostic-test-using-home-collection-salivaWHAT TO DO AFTER A VIRAL TESTTo get your test result, please check with the group that performed your test, such as your healthcare provider or your health department. Check the CDC website to locate your health department information. How long it will take to get your test results back depends on the test used.
Locate Your Health Department Information.
https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.htmlIf you test positive for COVID-19, know what protective steps to take
If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.htmlIf you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. It is possible that you were very early in your infection when your sample was collected and that you could test positive later. Or you could be exposed later and then develop illness. In other words, a negative test result does not mean you won’t get sick later. This means you could still spread the virus.
Guidance on Interpreting COVID-19 Test Results pdf icon[610 KB]:
A guide for interpreting test results and determining what actions to take.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Testing-Guidance.pdfFOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALSFor information on evaluating and testing, see
recommendations for reporting, testing, and specimen collectionhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.htmlMORE INFORMATIONHHS Community Based Viral Testing Sites for COVID-19https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.htmlCDC: Frequently Asked Questions on Symptoms & Testinghttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#Symptoms-&-TestingU.S. Food and Drug Administration FAQs on Viral Testing for SARS-CoV-2https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/faqs-testing-sars-cov-2?utm_campaign=2020-03-13%20Mar%2013%20Update%3A%20New%20Information%20on%20Diagnostic%20Testing%20for%20SARS-CoV-2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=EloquaPage Last Reviewed: May 10, 2020
Content source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases