COVID-19 Testing Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What should I do if I'm experiencing severe symptoms?
If you or a family member are experiencing severe symptoms, please call your doctor. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
Why am I being asked for my health insurance information?
If you have insurance, we will try to bill your insurance carrier for the cost of the test. We cannot guarantee that any specific carrier will cover the test in full or in part. We will charge the credit card you provide if your insurance covers none or only part of the cost of the test.
When can I be tested?
Testing is by appointment only and is subject to availability.
Am I required to show ID?
Yes. Bring a form of personal identification to your test. This helps ensure that your test results are matched to the right person. Your identity and your test results are protected by federal law and will not be shared with any other agencies for purposes of law enforcement or immigration.
Is the test invasive?
We use a nasal swab that must be inserted only about 2 cm into the nostril, until some resistance is met. You will collect your nasal sample yourself under the supervision of a healthcare professional. For antibody testing, we will be drawing a small blood sample following a finger prick.
Is the test accurate?
A PCR test is typically highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated.
For an antigen test, positive results are usually highly accurate but a negative test may need to be confirmed with a PCR test.
Antibody tests should not be used to determine active infection and the test outcome relies heavily on when a person is tested following illness. We advise waiting at least 2 weeks following the start of symptoms or positive antigen or PCR test to check for antibodies.
Can I schedule an appointment if I am not a resident of San Diego County?
Yes. Testing is available for anyone.
How do I cancel my appointment?
You may cancel your appointment by clicking on the ‘Cancel’ button on your home page.
When do I need to arrive for my appointment?
Please arrive at the scheduled time listed on your confirmation email.
Can I bring other people with me?
If you’re signing up for yourself and someone else, simply complete the signup process for yourself and then click the ‘Add another person to my appointment’ button.
Each patient must have their own appointment. If you are witnessing COVID-19 symptoms in multiple family members, please make individual appointments for each person.
Can I have other people in my car when I arrive for testing?
Yes, but please do not expose others if you suspect you are ill. If someone else in your car would like to be tested they must be added to your appointment.You can add other people to an appointment by clicking on the ‘Add another person to my appointment’ button. Only those with appointments will be tested.
How long will the test take?
The testing process should not take more than 10 minutes. Results will be available same-day.