COVID-19 testing
Testing saves lives and lets people know if they need to take precautions, like isolating, to stop the virus from spreading; infected people without symptoms can still spread the virus. Testing also helps public health officials identify and respond to outbreaks, and to track new variants of the virus.
Guidance
If you feel sick or have COVID‑19 symptoms, get tested right away, even if you're vaccinated. If you test positive, most treatments for COVID‑19 must start within 5 days of feeling sick.
When to test
- If you feel sick. COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms, so if you’re not feeling well, it’s best to get tested as soon as possible.
- If you are exposed to someone who has COVID-19, seek testing 5 days after exposure regardless of vaccination status. If symptoms develop, do not wait 5 days and get tested immediately, or consider retesting if you have already been tested. See the Isolation and Quarantine page for detailed guidance.
- Businesses and organizations may have testing and/or vaccination requirements before entering an establishment or event. Call ahead or check their website before you visit.
- Before and/or after travel. Check the CDC’s latest travel guidance when planning your travel. (English only)
- Before gathering with a large group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
Who can test
Anyone can get tested for COVID‑19, no matter your age. We recommend that children under 2 years of age are tested by a parent or caregiver. Follow the instructions in the box for directions on testing children.
Testing options
There are two main types of tests that can tell if you have COVID-19:
- PCR or NAAT test, also called molecular tests.
- Self-tests. These are also sometimes called antigen, at-home, or rapid tests.
PCR or NAAT tests
- Generally, both rapid self-tests and PCR/NAAT tests are available through a healthcare provider, clinic, or lab. Rapid test results are available in 15‑30 minutes. PCR/NAAT results are available within 72 hours.
- Before you go, check the website of the location you plan to visit. Masking may be required. You will be asked to provide your ID and insurance card (if you have insurance), but it is not required to be tested.
- Find a free or low-cost testing site in King County.
Self-testing
- Rapid self-tests, also called at-home tests or antigen tests, tell you if you have COVID‑19 in 15 to 30 minutes. They may miss early infection. If you have COVID‑19 symptoms and test negative, repeat your test in 24 to 48 hours.
- Self-tests can be purchased at a pharmacy, retail stores, or online. No insurance or prescription is required.
- Follow the instructions inside the self-test box for the most accurate results. Video instructions in other languages are available on our YouTube Playlist.
- Many brands of tests have extended their expiration dates. If your self-test has an expired date, go to Washington State Department of Health’s Rapid Antigen Test Date Extensions document (English only) to look up your brand of test. This document also explains how to check if your test is working properly.
- If you test positive using a self-test or are concerned you have a false positive, consider repeating testing (two negative tests in a row taken 24 hours to 48 hours apart). If your confirmation test is positive, continue to isolate from others for 5 days from when you initially tested positive or when your symptoms started.
Costs
- No cost COVID‑19 testing may be available for uninsured patients who meet federal eligibility criteria. If you have insurance, contact your insurance company before scheduling a test to see if testing is covered. Find a free or low-cost testing site in King County.
- Self-tests can be purchased at a pharmacy, retail stores, or online. Although it is no longer required, some private health insurance companies may reimburse for at-home tests. Contact your insurance directly to verify your insurance coverage.
Testing positive
If your test is positive:
- You most likely have COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms
- You don’t have to confirm the result by going to a lab, clinic, or testing site
- You do not need another test to seek treatment
What to do:
- Isolate for 5 days. Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days after leaving isolation.
- If you are at higher risk from the disease, consider early treatment options.
- Tell your close contacts and household members you have tested positive.
- Notify your employer or school. See support for workers.
- Report rapid test results to Washington State Department of Health:
- Report by phone. Call 1-800-525-0127 and press # (speak the language you need when the call is connected).
- For food or assistance while isolating or quarantining, visit Care Connect Washington or call or text the program hotline, 1-833-453-0336.
- Answer the call or text from contact tracing. Your phone will identify the caller as "WA Health."
COVID-19 testing sites by location
See the list below for free or low-cost COVID-19 testing available throughout King County.
You will be asked to provide your ID and insurance card (if you have insurance), but it is not required to be tested.
These sites are not operated by King County and there may be a cost for their testing services. Please check their website for more information.
Note: sites marked with an asterisk (*) provide free testing to those who are uninsured. Please confirm costs directly with testing site when visiting other locations.
Select a city below to find a testing site near you.
SeaMar Community Health Centers (multiple locations)
Search for no-cost COVID-19 testing (multiple locations)
Search for a Test to Treat clinic (multiple locations)
SeaMar Community Health Centers (multiple locations)
Search for no-cost COVID-19 testing (multiple locations)
Search for a Test to Treat clinic (multiple locations)
SeaMar Community Health Centers (multiple locations)
Search for no-cost COVID-19 testing (multiple locations)
Search for a Test to Treat clinic (multiple locations)
SeaMar Community Health Centers (multiple locations)
Search for no-cost COVID-19 testing (multiple locations)
Search for a Test to Treat clinic (multiple locations)
Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT)
The Polyclinic (multiple locations)
SeaMar Community Health Centers (multiple locations)
Search for no-cost COVID-19 testing (multiple locations)
Search for a Test to Treat clinic (multiple locations)
SeaMar Community Health Centers (multiple locations)
Search for no-cost COVID-19 testing (multiple locations)
Search for a Test to Treat clinic (multiple locations)
Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) (multiple locations)
SeaMar Community Health Centers (multiple locations)
Snoqualmie Valley Hospital* (Snoqualmie)
Vashon BePrepared (Vashon Island)
Search for no-cost COVID-19 testing (multiple locations)
Search for a Test to Treat clinic (multiple locations)
Glossary terms
Select a tab below to view definition
Antigen tests, sometimes called a "self-test", “rapid test” or “home test,” detect virus proteins in the body. Antigen self-tests use saliva and nasal swab samples. Results take 15-30 minutes.
Certain groups of people are considered high risk and are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID‑19. People over 60, unvaccinated people, people with underlying health issues, and pregnant people may be at higher risk.
Isolation means staying separate from all people who don't have COVID‑19, even within your home.
Tests that detect if COVID‑19 genetic material is in the body. These tests are done on samples collected via a nasal swab (from the nose). These tests include PCR and TMA.
Quarantine means staying at home with no visitors, away from people outside your home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. If possible, stay away from people in your household who are at high risk for COVID‑19 (unvaccinated, older people, or those with medical conditions).
Testing that is repeated at different points in time is referred to as serial testing. Some self-tests are designed to be used in a series 24 to 48 hours apart. Serial testing may be more likely to detect infection among close contacts of a COVID‑19 case than testing done at a single point in time.