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COVID-19 Testing

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1. Should I get tested?

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, should call their healthcare provider for guidance and separate themselves from others. Non-vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for 14 days from the last date they were exposed.

The CDC recommends COVID-19 Testing for:

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Those who are not fully vaccinated and have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• People who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings.
• People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider, or state, tribal, local, or territorial health department.
• The CDC recommends fully vaccinated people who have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 5 - 7 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. See more on the CDC’s webpage: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

Public health recommends a full 14-day quarantine as the best way to reduce disease spread. However, CDC has two alternative options for shortening quarantine if you are having hardship by staying home. An exposed person may shorten quarantine in the following situations: 

• Quarantine can end after Day 10 if no symptoms have developed during daily monitoring; a test is not required. 
• Quarantine can end after Day 7 if no symptoms have developed during daily monitoring and if you have a negative molecular or antigen test. The test must be collected within 2 days of the planned end of quarantine (in other words, 5 days after exposure), and a negative test result must be back before ending quarantine.
• Under no circumstances should the quarantine end before 7 days have fully passed.

If you have received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine and at least 14 days have passed since the final dose, you do not have to quarantine. However, you must monitor yourself for symptoms and if symptoms develop, isolate and get tested for COVID.

For information about testing sites in the area, visit www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing

Individuals with insurance

Call or email your healthcare provider, or a telehealth line or nurseline, to get their advice before going to any health facility.

Individuals with no insurance

Contact a free telehealth line or nurseline service

Get text messages that support how to manage your symptoms, access care, and more by using the Colorado COVID Symptom Support tool. Review general questions and answers on the state’s FAQ page.

2. Where can I get tested?

Call your health care provider before going to the clinic or hospital to be tested. Ask your provider or local clinic if they offer telehealth visits, or call one of Colorado’s nurselines. Your healthcare provider may send you to a place that has testing available. Some testing sites require a referral and to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Check the details of each testing site online for the most up-to-date information.  

Testing Sites

• Review the TCHD COVID-19 testing web page with a listing of FREE testing sites.
• View the state's map of testing sites near you. 
• Find additional testing locations at 2-1-1 by searching your zip code a list of testing sites near you. 
• Some of the FREE testing sites offer walk-up options and do not require that you have a car. Check individual testing site information before going.

Community Health Centers 

These clinics accept patients regardless of insurance status.

• STRIDE Community Health Center provides telehealth and testing for the general public
• Clinica Family Health provides telehealth and testing for current patients and the general public at their Lafayette location
• Salud Family Health Centers provides telehealth and testing for current patients.
• Peak Vista Community Health Centers provides telehealth and testing for current patients and the general public in El Paso County.
• Sheridan Health Services provides an initial assessment by phone, televideo, or in-person.

3. What should I know about At-Home testing?

We have published at updated guide to At-Home COVID-19 Testing. In it you will find information on potential costs, the type of tests, and different testing providers. 

4. Who can order the free Binax At-Home Rapid Testing

Colorado is Distributing Free Rapid COVID-19 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Self Tests Directly to People’s Homes

The program uses Abbott BinaxNOW™ rapid antigen tests that show results within 15 minutes. To make sure Coloradans have the tools they need to keep their families safe, CDPHE is providing free over-the-counter tests. There are separate enrollment forms for individuals and organizations. Visit the CDPHE website for more information and details.

Complete the Enrollment Form and Get Your COVID-19 Test Kit Delivered to You 

Visit the CDPHE Binax At-Home website, to read their disclaimer and  enroll in the program.

Once you have your test results, please follow these instructions on how to interpret and report your results.

If you are interested in receiving multiple kits, you will need to reorder tests each month. Tests do not automatically ship on a monthly basis. If you have symptoms, you should get tested immediately and isolate. You may visit Testing for COVID-19 for a list of more than 100 free state-sponsored COVID-19 testing sites across the state.

5. How can I get to a testing site if I don’t have transportation?

A transportation guide for a variety of services is maintained by the Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council. This includes the Mile High United Way Ride United program, which is also available through the Mile High United Way 2-1-1 Help Center and phone lines.

6. If I have no symptoms, should I get tested for COVID-19?

The CDC recommends COVID-19 Testing for: 

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Those who are not fully vaccinated and have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• People who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings.
• People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider, or state, tribal, local, or territorial health department.
• The CDC recommends fully vaccinated people who have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 5 - 7 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. See more on the CDC’s webpage: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

CDC recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional. 

More is available information on who should get tested and when from the CDC. 

A negative test on a particular day does not guarantee that a person will not develop COVID-19 at any point in the future. Quarantine can end after Day 7 if no symptoms have developed during daily monitoring and if you have a negative molecular or antigen test. The test must be collected within 2 days of the planned end of quarantine (in other words, 5 days after exposure), and a negative test result must be back before ending quarantine Find where you can get tested at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing.

7. What is the difference between the tests available?

Watch this video to learn about the difference between the tests available.  

• Find where you can get tested at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing
• Learn more about testing basics by reviewing the FDA testing fact sheet and Rapid-testing FAQS. 
• Learn about when to get tested even if you don’t have symptoms.

8. Should I get tested if I think I have been re-infected?

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure as long as they do not develop new symptoms. Check with your healthcare provider if you think you have been re-exposed after 3 months of your last positive COVID-19 test and have developed symptoms.

As COVID-19 continues to circulate, individuals who had a positive COVID-19 test may be re-exposed to the virus. Many questions about immunity after infection remain and scientific studies are underway to determine whether someone who had an infection before can get be reinfected. Find where you can get tested.

9. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. 

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Find where you can get tested at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing

10. Where can I get ongoing care including primary care if I am uninsured?

These community health centers provide primary care services as well as COVID-19 testing services.

Community Health Centers 

These clinics accept patients regardless of insurance status.

• STRIDE Community Health Center provides telehealth and testing for the general public
• Clinica Family Health provides telehealth and testing for current patients and the general public at their Lafayette location
• Salud Family Health Centers provide telehealth and testing for current patients.
• Peak Vista Community Health Centers provide telehealth and testing for current patients and the general public in El Paso County.

Other FREE testing locations are listed on our testing site at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing.

11. How much does it cost to get a COVID-19 test?

COVID-19 testing is covered by all major insurance plans. Contact your health insurer for specific information. If you do not have insurance, review our list of free testing sites.

With Insurance	Without Insurance
Work with providers that are in-network for testing.  Try to find a provider in-network.  Out-of-network cost for testing can range from $100 to $200. In addition to the testing fee, some sites have provider and lab costs. Ask about pricing if you plan to pay  out of pocket.	Some testing sites will waive the cost for testing. Try to visit one of the free testing sites listed on our main free testing sites page. Always ask about pricing if you plan to pay out of pocket at non-free testing sites. Testing can range from $100 to $200. In addition to the testing fee, some sites have additional provider and lab costs.

For assistance with disputing medical bills first contact your insurer, and if problems continue to exist you can reach out  to the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative’s (CCHI) Consumer Assistance Program or the Colorado Division of Insurance. Find where you can get tested at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing

Additional Testing Cost Resources

• Policy Directives for COVID-19 Testing During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
• Frequently asked questions regarding the FFCRA, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act)

12. What about antibody/serologic testing?

Antibody tests look for past infection

Antibody or serology tests look for antibodies in your blood to determine if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Antibodies are created by your body’s immune system soon after you have been infected or vaccinated.
• Antibodies help you fight off infections and can protect you from getting that disease again. How long this protection may last is different for each disease and each person.

 A COVID-19 antibody test should not be used to diagnose a current infection with the virus. It can take up to 1 to 3 weeks after the infection for your body to make antibodies.

A positive COVID-19 antibody test means past infection

A positive antibody test is presumed to mean a person has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 at some point in the past. It does not mean they are currently infected.

You may test positive for antibodies even if you have never had symptoms of COVID-19. This can happen if you had an infection without symptoms, which is called an asymptomatic infection.

How long antibody protection lasts is uncertain

Having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 may provide protection from getting infected with the virus again. But even if it does, we do not know how much protection the antibodies may provide or how long this protection may last. 

You should continue to protect yourself and others since you could get infected with the virus again.

• Get a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
• Stay away from others who are sick.
• If you have not been fully vaccinated, please wear a mask when around others.

A negative COVID-19 antibody test means no antibodies detected

A negative antibody tests means you may not have ever had COVID-19 infection. Or, you could have had a current infection or been recently infected and your body had not made antibodies at the time your blood was drawn for the test.

Learn more

Read more about testing for past COVID-19 infections on the CDC website. 

13. Where can I find more testing resources and information?

Find where you can get tested at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing.

Additional testing resources and information

• Testing for COVID-19, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
• Testing for COVID-19, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• COVID-19 and Insurance in Colorado: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/covid-19-and-insurance

14. What should I bring when I get tested?

Most testing sites ask that you bring the following items to get tested: 

• A mask to protect yourself and the provider
• Proof of registration if you pre-registered
• A photo ID (if you have one) or proof of address
• Your medical insurance card (if you have one)

 Review the testing site’s website before you get tested. Not all items are required at every site and some sites may require additional information.

15. How do I get my results from my test?

The health care provider where you got tested will give you your testing results. Some sites have a phone number or portal for you to access and get your results. 

When you get tested ask how you will be able to get your test results.

16. How soon will I get my results?

Lab turn-around times vary based on where the test is being processed. When you get tested, ask what their test/lab turn-around time is. You can also ask when registering or pre-registering so you will know what to expect. Lab turn-around times can change.

17. What is the difference between a rapid test and quick lab turn-around time?

Rapid, point-of-care

• Diagnostic tests that use a mucus sample from the nose or throat but can be analyzed at the doctor’s office or clinic where the sample is collected and results may be available in minutes. These may be molecular or antigen tests.
  • Note that rapid, point of care test refers to the testing technology being used and is different than the lab turn-around time.

Lab turn-around time

• The amount of time the lab takes to process the test and to be able to provide the results.

18. How are rapid COVID-19 tests different from other tests?

• Rapid tests use a swab from the nose or throat. The swab is analyzed at the doctor’s office or clinic where you are tested. Test results from a rapid test should be available in one hour or less. 
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 tests are still the most accurate. PCR tests also use a swab from the nose or throat. PCR tests are not rapid and the swab must be sent to a laboratory to analyze the test. Wait times for PCR test results can be as short as 24- 48 hours. If laboratories are overwhelmed it can take a week or more to get results. 
• We encourage you to ask any testing provider how long it will take to get your results and how you will be contacted to get your results. 

19. What are the different types of rapid COVID-19 tests available?

• Molecular: Molecular tests diagnose COVID-19 based on detection of the virus’s genetic material. The rapid molecular test is highly accurate, but the supplies for this test can be limited. 
• Antigen: Antigen tests diagnose COVID-19 based on detecting different parts of the virus. Antigen tests are best used on people who have had COVID-19 symptoms for a few days. However, for people who want to get tested and do not have symptoms, antigen tests have a higher chance of missing an active infection. If you do not have symptoms but got a negative antigen test, your health care provider might order a molecular test to make sure you don’t have COVID-19. 

20. What should I know about rapid testing before getting a rapid test?

Rapid testing can be useful to quickly help determine if you have COVID-19.  Rapid molecular and rapid antigen testing is widely available in the Denver Metro Area. Many urgent care centers and some Walgreens locations offer rapid testing. We encourage you to call the site or visit their website before you go to find out if they offer rapid testing and what type of rapid testing they offer.

Antigen tests with positive results are usually highly accurate. However, negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test. If you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19 but need to be tested, a molecular test may be the better test to use.  

To find a location near you, visit the Colorado COVID Testing Locator. Some free sites offer rapid testing as well as the urgent cares that are listed.

21. What questions should I ask the site that is conducting rapid testing?

• What type of rapid test are you offering, molecular or antigen?
• Does the rapid test being offered have Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA?
• Is the rapid testing covered by insurance?
• Which insurances does the test site accept? You should also check with your insurance company before you are tested that the site and the test will be covered.
• Are there any additional costs associated with the testing that may not be covered by my insurance?
• Are the samples being taken from a state certified CLIA waived vendor and are they sent to a CLIA certified laboratory?

22. What options are there for a homebound person to get tested or vaccinated?

If the family is insured through Medicaid or other insurance. Dispatch Health can provide COVID testing in the home, 720-647-5329.

• They can test if someone is exposed or if experiencing symptoms
• DH bills insurance directly (as an Urgent Care visit) - there is a fee for the service and a fee for the lab work as well.
• If families do not have insurance the cost is $275.00 (visit) + $100.00 (lab work)
• You can call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926) and an agent can help you register for an in-home vaccination. The call line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT. and in multiple languages. If you are unable to make the call, a caregiver, family member, or friend can call on your behalf. 
• Know that arranging an in-home vaccination will take time to coordinate and the visit may be longer than if you got the vaccine through another site.

23. What are the requirements for travel?

Some states and countries require a negative test before entry. Often, these tests must be completed within 24-72 hours before arrival. In some cases, the tests must be a molecular test and rapid antigen tests will not be accepted. Find out which type of test the travel location will accept. It is a good idea to check with your airline before you go to make sure you can enter/exit your destination easily. Learn more about testing requirements at the Centers for Disease Control Testing and Air Travel Webpage.