Pruebas de detección del COVID-19

Why You Should Get Tested

Testing saves lives. Testing allows people to take precautions, such as quarantining, in a timely manner to prevent the spread of the virus. Infected people without symptoms can continue to spread the virus. The tests also help public health officials identify and respond to outbreaks and track new variants of the virus. Testing is an important component to help you return to regular activities.

Researchers from the University of Washington and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) found that COVID-19 testing and tracking through Notifica WA likely prevented about 6,000 cases between December 2020 and March 2021.

When to get tested

Get tested when 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.

Get tested if you were with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Get tested right away if you have symptoms. If you don't have symptoms, wait five days after exposure, and then get tested.

In Washington, businesses and event venues may have testing or vaccination requirements to enter an establishment or gathering. Call ahead or check the website of these locations before you go to them.

You may need to get tested before or after you travel. Check the latest CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) travel guidelines.

When you are meeting with a group of people, especially those who are at risk for severe illness or who may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.

Where to get tested

For more information about testing centers, call 211. Over-the-counter test kits can also be ordered and purchased at pharmacies to get tested conveniently at home.

Cost

Insurance providers will now reimburse families for up to eight tests per month. Learn more about insurance reimbursement.

Testing done at county or state testing sites is at no cost to you. Many tests, especially for people with symptoms, can be billed to insurance or receive a grant from the Department of Health.

You can also buy at-home tests at local stores and pharmacies or online. No insurance or prescription is required.

Types of tests

Currently available tests include rapid antigen tests, molecular tests (both laboratory and point-of-care), and some at-home tests. The supply of a particular test varies depending on the demand and capacity of the manufacturer.

COVID-19 Testing: What Do They Mean? (PDF)

How to take a home test

It's important to follow the instructions inside the rapid home test kit for more accurate results. Some brands also offer how-to videos. For more information on best practices, see CDC's tips for home testing.

False negative results can be obtained with rapid tests. Some kits may include two tests (you must follow the instructions on the box to know when to do each).

What to do if you think your tests are overdue

Before throwing away your expired COVID-19 tests, be sure to check if the expiration date was extended. This one-page fact sheet contains the details of expiration by test type, as well as helpful information about quality checks to ensure that the tests are working properly. You can expect tests to continue to receive extensions on expiration dates as the FDA follows up on additional performance data.

How the tests are performed

Most tests are done with a nasal swab. Some tests may be done by collecting saliva. More details can be found on the COVID-19 testing FAQ page.

When to isolate or quarantine

You may need to isolate or quarantine before you take the test and after you receive your results. It will depend on how advanced you are with respect to the vaccination schedule and the symptoms you have. The most recent CDC guidance explains this on a case-by-case basis. You can also follow our guidance for those who have symptoms or are exposed to COVID-19.  

Tracking

If you have symptoms, stay home as much as you can. If you've tested positive for COVID-19, the good news is that you can take certain steps to take care of yourself and others. More information can be found here: What to do if you get a positive result.