For more information on what to do while you wait, read our follow-up instructions. While you're waiting for test results, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, you should self-quarantine at home. Test results may take longer than average. Visit the UW Virology COVID-19 Dashboard to see daily testing volumes and average result times. Please wait 72 hours before calling the laboratory if you haven’t received your results. This code allows you to use a computer or mobile device to go online and access your test results. You will be given a QR (quick response) code. Some patients experience a slight nosebleed, which can be controlled using tissue and pressure. The process can be uncomfortable but is rarely painful. A healthcare provider will put a cotton swab up both nostrils, one after the other, for 10-15 seconds each. The UW Medical Center - Northwest and Harborview sites will have a healthcare provider conduct the swab. Watch this video to see the directed and assisted swab testing process from start to finish. Some locations are directed and assisted swab sites, where individuals conduct their own swab, while being supervised by a healthcare provider. If driving, remain in your car with your windows closed until a healthcare professional signals you to lower your car window. If walk-up, please maintain 6 feet of distance from other individuals. You will be directed to line up and verify your name and date of birth. All patients should wear a mask and arrive five minutes before their scheduled test time. You must bring a form of identification with you to your appointment - such as a driver's license or passport - to confirm your identity. Those with visual impairment can work with a visual interpreter to complete any type of COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR at-home test through the National Federation of the Blind. People who use at-home test kits and receive a positive result should call the state COVID-19 hotline, 1.800.525.0127 then press # (press 7 for Spanish), as soon as they receive results. Report your positive at-home test results UW Medicine recommends using home antigen tests only if you have symptoms. They cannot be used for pre-procedure testing. Please note that rapid at-home antigen tests fail to detect some symptomatic, and most asymptomatic (no symptoms) COVID-19 cases. Postal Service and Washington State Department of Health.
At-home antigen testsįree rapid at-home antigen test kits are available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also has COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator where people are able to get tested and – if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them – receive a prescription from a health care provider, and have their prescription filled all at one location. To find other COVID-19 testing locations, visit King County Public Health or Washington State Department of Health.
Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and when to seek emergency medical attention. Please DO NOT go to the emergency department only for a COVID-19 test. If you are otherwise healthy with mild symptoms and cannot find testing availability, you should presume that you have COVID-19 and you should self-isolate according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. If you tested positive with a home antigen test: you do not need to be tested with a lab test at a test site to confirm the result presume that you have COVID-19 and self-isolate according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.If you are seeking care during your quarantine, contact your clinic prior to your visit. If you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19 and do NOT have symptoms: quarantine according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and get tested on day 5, if possible.If you have COVID-19 symptoms: get tested as soon as you can and stay home until you have the results.If you are having a procedure or surgery: follow your clinic’s directions on if testing is required and when to get tested.Please use the following guidance on when to seek testing for COVID-19: