TESTING
COVID-19 TeSTING
Free COVID-19 Test Kits - Available Now!
1. Visit https://www.covidtests.gov and fill out the form with your contact information
2. Orders will be shipped for free starting late January 2022 (within7-12 days of ordering)
Residents of Washington State can also order additional free test kits here: https://sayyescovidhometest.org
General Information
General information regarding COVID-19 testing can be found at the Washington State Department of Health site below
Washington State Department of Health
Xét nghiệm COVID-19 (Vietnamese)
As of right now there are two main types of COVID-19 testing, nasal and nasopharyngeal swab testing. The testing kit is similar to a flu swab test and it may cause some discomfort. UC Davis offers some more information and visuals on how the test is conducted. Depending only how and where you get tested, the results can vary in how long they can take to come back.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: What you should know
HOW CAN I GET TESTED?
During these times where testing is limited, typically those who have developed COVID-19 symptoms are eligible for testing. The CDC has a very useful online Self-Checker tool to help people assess their symptoms and determine whether they should get tested.
Symptoms, Testing, and Self-Checker Tool
If you have developed symptoms or are a high risk individual and believe you need to be tested for COVID-19, contact your primary care physician on further steps and testing options in your area. Check with your provider to determine the cost of testing or whether it is covered by health insurance.
If you suspect you have COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19, we recommend following these safety guidelines from the CDC. Below you can find these in either English or Vietnamese.
10 things you can do to manage your health at home
10 things you can do to manage your health at home (Vietnamese)
Here is a resource that can guide you on how to register for free COVID-19 testing:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT covid-19 tESTING
These links below provide helpful graphics and important information about COVID-19 testing, such as how it works, and the further implications in regards to testing.
What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Testing (Infographic)
ANTIBODY TESTING
Here is some important information regarding antibody testing for COVID-19:
-
A positive antibody test only indicates that an individual was infected with SARS-CoV-2, virus that causes COVID-19, sometime in the past, does not necessarily mean person is currently infected
-
Antibodies start to develop 1-3 weeks post infection
-
Currently unknown if presence of antibodies may be protective from further infections
-
Can test positive for antibodies even with asymptomatic infection
-
If an individual tests negative this does not necessarily mean they do not have an infection, antibodies develop 1-3 weeks post infection, could have just contracted SARS-CoV-2 recently and not developed antibodies yet
CDC - Using Antibody Tests for COVID-19
TESTING locations
Below we highlight a few organizations you can find local COVID-19 testing centers in Washington State and nationwide. At the bottom of the page you can also find interactive maps that can help you find other testing locations near you.
Disclaimer: Some of these locations in the table below may not be available anymore, to find the most up-to-date information, please visit the organization's site or the links at the bottom of the page.
Drive-thru,
Appointment only
Those experiencing symptoms, do not have to be a pre-existing ICHS patient
Organization
Type
Available for
Location
Drive-thru,
Appointment only
UW Medicine patients and community first responders
Additional Info
-
International District Clinic (Seattle, WA)
-
Shoreline Clinic
-
Greater Seattle Area
-
Free Drive-up and Walk-up testing
-
No appointment necessary
Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 3pm
Testing for those experiencing symptoms who are at highest risk for severe illness from the disease and don't have regular access to health care
Testing also available for health care providers, workers in congregate care settings, and people working in critical infrastructure occupations
Downtown Seattle
Address:
2124 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98121
-
Free testing
-
Over-the-phone evaluation with SeaMar provider and appointment required
Times vary by location
-
Testing is free for all family members, health insurance is not required
-
All welcomed, do not have to be a Sea Mar patient
PacMed registered or newly registered patients
Drive-thru,
Appointment only
-
Beacon Hill (Seattle, WA)
-
Northgate
-
Renton
-
Federal Way
-
Bellevue
-
South Park
-
White Center
-
Kent
-
Free Drive-up and Walk-up testing
-
No appointment necessary
Fridays only from 10 - 3pm
-
Those experiencing symptoms can come to the site, speak with medical staff from UW Medicine and, if qualified for testing, get tested on-site
-
No cost for testing, will bill insurance if you have health insurance
South Seattle College North Parking Lot, Entry 1
Address:
6000 16th Ave S.W, Seattle, WA 98106
(West Seattle)
Over-the-phone evaluation required
Available for those experiencing cold or
flu-like symptoms
King County
Appointment only
Those experiencing symptoms
-
Washington
-
Oregon
-
California
-
Montana
-
Alaska
-
Texas
-
Drive-up testing only
-
Appointment only, can be scheduled same day or up to two days in advance
-
Those experiencing symptoms
-
Should be no out-of-pocket cost for patients, but check your health plan and/or insurance
-
Insurance not needed at certain locations
CVS Minute Clinic
-
Available testing sites in states that are outside of Washington
-
Appointment only
-
COVID testing and antibody testing
-
Those experiencing symptoms
-
Interpretive services available
-
Meridian (North Seattle)
-
Rainier Beach (South Seattle)
-
High Point (West Seattle)
-
Vashon Island
Find a Neighborcare Health Clinic
*Antibody testing requires a phone call with a medical provider to asses the type of testing*
You can also find more COVID-19 testing locations that are free or of low cost below. Here are additional links that reference and provide more information on some of the testing locations mentioned above:
Kingcounty.gov - Free Open Access COVID-19 Testing Locations
Below are a few interactive tools you can use to find a COVID-19 Test Site if the ones listed above are not within your local area: