COVID-19 Testing
Find a UW Medicine COVID-19 testing site near you.
When should you get tested for COVID-19?
Please use the following guidance on when to seek testing for COVID-19:
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms: get tested as soon as you can and stay home until you have the results.
- If you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19 and do NOT have symptoms: Please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest COVID-19 guidelines.
- If you tested positive with a home antigen test: you do not need to be tested with a lab test at a test site to confirm the result; presume that you have COVID-19 and self-isolate according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
If you are otherwise healthy with mild symptoms and cannot find testing availability, you should presume that you have COVID-19 and you should self-isolate according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Please DO NOT go to the emergency department only for a COVID-19 test.
Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and when to seek emergency medical attention.
COVID-19 testing options
UW Medicine offers drive-through and walk-up testing for COVID-19. The test used is either a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
We do not offer rapid tests for COVID-19.
For information about the COVID-19 testing process, including turnaround times at lab testing sites, read the four steps of COVID-19 testing. For more information on testing, consult the CDC.
COVID-19 testing locations
Please review the information at each location below for the latest updates. During times of high testing volumes, testing sites may require appointments and limit reasons for testing.
Please check other COVID-19 testing locations for additional testing availability.
Ash Way Park and Ride
16327 Ash Way Lynnwood, WA 98087
Sun-Fri 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: Drive-through and on foot
Info line: 855.520.7540
Auburn
1101 Outlet Collection Way, SE Parking Lot, Auburn, WA 98001
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
Ballard
1145 NW Market St. Seattle, WA 98107
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
Bellevue College
1B Parking Lot, 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Open every day 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: Drive-through and on foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
Downtown Seattle
401 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
Westlake park, pop-up tent
Open every day 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
Harborview
319 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Sun-Fri 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
Rainier Beach
5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
Shoreline
15499 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98115
Sun-Fri 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
University District
4113 Franklin Pl NE, E04 parking lot, Seattle, WA 98105
University of Washington parking lot
Open every day 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
West Seattle
2801 SW Thistle St, Seattle, WA 98126
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot
Info line: 833.562.1212
Other COVID-19 testing options
In-person tests
To find other COVID-19 testing locations, visit King County Public Health or Washington State Department of Health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also has COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator where people are able to get tested and – if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them – receive a prescription from a health care provider, and have their prescription filled all at one location.
At-home antigen tests
Free rapid at-home antigen test kits are available through the Washington State Department of Health.
Please note that rapid at-home antigen tests fail to detect some symptomatic, and most asymptomatic (no symptoms) COVID-19 cases. UW Medicine recommends using home antigen tests only if you have symptoms. They cannot be used for pre-procedure testing.
Report your positive at-home test results
People who use at-home test kits and receive a positive result should call the state COVID-19 hotline, 1.800.525.0127 then press # (press 7 for Spanish), as soon as they receive results. Language assistance is available.
Testing for the visually impaired
Those with visual impairment can work with a visual interpreter to complete any type of COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR at-home test through the National Federation of the Blind. Get help from a visual interpreter.
Translated Testing Information
View King County Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 information in multiple languages.
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Рекомендации органов общественного здравоохранения по борьбе с COVID-19| Russian
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Talooyinka waaxda caafimaadka dadweynaha ee lagu joojinayo COVID-19| Somali
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Mga rekomendasyon ng pampublikong kalusugan para pahintuin ang COVID-19| Tagalog
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Additional languages available on the King County website.
Holiday hours
Testing locations will follow this holiday schedule:
| Holiday | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 16 | Bellevue, Harborview, Shoreline and University District open; all other sites closed. |
| Presidents Day | Monday, February 20 | Bellevue, Harborview, Shoreline and University District open; all other sites closed |
The four steps of COVID-19 test
Before the test
You must bring a form of identification with you to your appointment -- such as a driver's license or passport -- to confirm your identity. All patients should wear a mask and arrive five minutes before their scheduled test time.
When you arrive
You will be directed to line up and verify your name and date of birth. If walk-up, please maintain 6 feet of distance from other individuals. If driving, remain in your car with your windows closed until a healthcare professional signals you to lower your car window.
During the test
Locations are directed and assisted swab sites, where individuals conduct their own swab, while being supervised by a healthcare provider. Watch this video to see the directed and assisted swab testing process from start to finish.
The process can be uncomfortable but is rarely painful. Some patients experience a slight nosebleed, which can be controlled using tissue and pressure.
After the test
You will be given a QR (quick response) code. This code allows you to use a computer or mobile device to go online and access your test results. Please wait 72 hours before calling the laboratory if you haven’t received your results.
Visit the UW Virology COVID-19 Dashboard to see daily testing volumes and average result times. Test results may take longer than average.
While you're waiting for test results, if you have been exposed to someone with COVID or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, you should self-quarantine at home.
If your COVID-19 test result is positive or inconclusive, a healthcare provider will call you to let you know.
How billing for your COVID-19 test works
Insured patients
Your insurance and billing information is gathered at the time that you make your COVID-19 testing appointment.
More information about health insurance and COVID-19 is available on the Insurance Commissioner's website. Please contact your insurance company for questions specific to your particular plan.
Uninsured patients
All sites provide testing without out-of-pocket expense, regardless of immigration or insurance status. They are open for drive-thru or walk/wheel-ups to anyone who cannot access a COVID-19 test through their regular healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get tested for COVID-19?
Please use the following guidance on when to seek testing for COVID-19:
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms: get tested as soon as you can and stay home until you have the results.
- If you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19 and do NOT have symptoms: quarantine according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and get tested on day 5, if possible. If you are seeking care during your quarantine, contact your clinic prior to your visit.
- If you tested positive with a home antigen test: you do not need to be tested with a lab test at a test site to confirm the result; presume that you have COVID-19 and self-isolate according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
If you are otherwise healthy with mild symptoms and cannot find testing availability, you should presume that you have COVID-19 and you should self-isolate according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Please DO NOT go to the emergency department only for a COVID-19 test.
Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and when to seek emergency medical attention.
Where and how can I book a COVID-19 test?
Are COVID tests free?
For insured patients, UW medicine will bill your insurance. You will have no out-of-pocket costs associated with this test. Please provide your insurance information when booking your appointment in Solv. For uninsured patients, all sites provide COVID-19 testing regardless of immigration or insurance status.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my COVID-19 testing appointment?
For all COVID-19 testing locations, click on the link provided to you in your confirmation email or in the Solv application.
What type of COVID-19 tests does UW Medicine offer?
UW Medicine offers nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 testing. We do not offer rapid tests.
For more information on testing, consult the CDC.
When will I receive my COVID-19 test results?
The amount of time it takes to receive COVID-19 test results may vary. It may take up to 72 hours to receive your test results, or they may be available sooner.
For more information on what to do while you wait, read our follow-up instructions at: www.uwmedicine.org/coronavirus/testing/follow-up-instructions.
Do I need to bring ID and insurance information to my COVID-19 testing appointment?
Will I need to leave my car to get a COVID-19 test?
Can someone drive me to the COVID-19 testing site?
How long is the typical wait at the COVID-19 drive-through testing sites?
Wait times at COVID-19 testing sites can vary by location.
When should I visit an urgent care clinic instead of taking a COVID-19 test?
If you are experiencing any new symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough or shortness of breath but aren't sure if you should get tested, please visit one of our urgent care clinics: uwmedicine.org/services/urgent-care.
Our UW Medicine providers will evaluate your symptoms, rule out other illnesses and can give the COVID-19 test as needed.
Can children be seen at the COVID-19 test sites?
What if I don't want to swab myself or my own child during a COVID-19 test?
Can I get a COVID-19 antibody test at UW Medicine?
What do I need to know about COVID-19 travel requirements?
King County has detailed information about travel requirements on their COVID-19 testing page: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/testing/faq.aspx#travel.
Go to the King County COVID-19 testing page to learn more about travel requirements.