COVID-19 testing

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.
• You can purchase self-tests at pharmacies, retail stores, or online. You may also order up to four free tests from covidtests.gov (starting September 25). 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

• Free tests are available through covidtests.gov (starting September 25).
• You can also purchase self-tests at pharmacies, retail stores, or online. Some private health insurance companies may reimburse for at-home tests. Contact your insurance directly to verify your insurance coverage.
• Low- or no-cost COVID-19 tests are available to everyone in the U.S., including people who are uninsured, at health centers and select pharmacies. Contact your health care provider or find a free or low-cost testing site in King County. If you have insurance, contact your insurance company before scheduling a test to see if testing is covered.

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.
• For food or assistance while isolating or quarantining, visit Care Connect Washington or call or text the program hotline, 1-833-453-0336.