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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 should call their healthcare provider for guidance and separate themselves from others. Anyone who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for 14 days from the last date they were exposed. 

You should wait about seven days after you think you were exposed before you get tested to make sure there is enough of the virus for the test to find COVID-19 in your body. Even if you test negative for COVID-19 before the end of two weeks of quarantine, you should still stay home for the full 14 days, in case you get sick after your test. Find out where you can get tested at 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

The CovidLine is a free hotline for COVID-19 screening and telehealth service for Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas County residents who may not have insurance. CovidLine Telephone Hotline:

• Local: 720-902-9449
• Toll-free: 855-963-3721

Colorado COVID Symptom Support Tool

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

As testing capacity continues to expand, health care providers may consider testing people who have no symptoms. The goal of testing would be to identify COVID-19 positive people who were not aware they were infected. Asymptomatic testing might be helpful with anyone who is:

•     working in a high-risk occupation, such as health care workers or first responders.
•     living in long-term care facilities or other institutionalized settings.
•     who were in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19.

However, test results must be interpreted carefully. A positive test should be treated as a case of COVID-19 and those people need to stay home and away from others for 10 days after the test was collected (assuming no symptoms develop).

A negative test on a particular day does not guarantee that a person will not develop COVID-19 at any point in the future. In addition, a negative test cannot clear someone from quarantine if they had been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19. Find where you can get tested at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing

3. What is the difference between the tests available?

Watch this video to learn about the difference between the tests available. It is important for you to get tested if you were around someone who has COVID-19 even if you are symptom-free. Find where you can get tested at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing

Learn more about testing basics by reviewing the FDA testing fact sheet. 

Rapid-testing FAQS

4. 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

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

Check with your healthcare provider if you think you have been re-exposed.

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 at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing

6. 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.

Currently, we do not test or directly collect samples for testing. 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 testing site page
• 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.

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

8. Are some private providers testing?

Private provider testing for the public

The following private providers have indicated that they are able to provide COVID-19 testing. For more information, please contact these companies directly. Because they are private providers and not operated by the State of Colorado, neither the state nor the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is responsible for the information about or operations of these testing sites:

National Jewish Health Testing Zip Clinic Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine NextCare Urgent Care Walgreens UCHealth

AfterOurs Urgent Care Testing Sites King Soopers Little Clinic Rocky Mountain Urgent Care CareNow Urgent Care OnPoint Urgent Care Colorado COVID-19 Drive-Up

You can find additional testing locations at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing.

9. 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 additional provider and lab costs. Ask about pricing if you plan on paying out of pocket.	Some testing sites will waive the cost for testing. Try to visit one of the free testing sites listed in the "Upcoming Testing Events" tab on this page. Ask about pricing if you plan on paying out of pocket. 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)

10. What about antibody/serologic testing?

Use caution when deciding to get tested for COVID-19 antibodies. The tests being marketed vary greatly in quality and accuracy and it is difficult for the public to determine which tests are better. 

Beware of emails and posts selling antibody tests. There are multiple scams or unscrupulous companies trying to mislead the public with misinformation. At this time, the FDA has not authorized any COVID-19 test to be completely used and processed at home.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting research studies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to evaluate certain antibody tests and those results have not been released.

At this time, antibody tests should not be used to diagnosis current COVID-19 infection. Having a positive antibody test does not necessarily mean that you have immune protection against infection. 

Regardless of an antibody test result, follow the same guidelines for protecting yourself against COVID-19 and follow stay-at-home instructions if you have symptoms. 

Review the FDA Testing Basics fact sheet to learn more about the different types of tests. Find where you can get tested at www.tchd.org/COVID-19Testing

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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. 

17. 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 actice 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. 

18. When can rapid antigen testing be useful?

Rapid antigen testing can be useful to quickly help determine if you have COVID-19. 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. 

19. Where can I go to get rapid testing?

Rapid testing is widely available in the Denver Metro Area. Many urgent care centers offer rapid testing. We encourage you to call the site before you go to find out if they offer rapid testing. 

To find a location near you, visit the 2-1-1 website. Enter your zip code in the search bar and the results will be sorted so that the sites closest to you will appear first. 

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

• What type of rapid test are you offering, molecular or antigen?
• Is the rapid test being offered authorized by 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?

21. What if I am being tested 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 traveling at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Page.