COVID-19 Testing
When should you get tested for COVID-19?
Please use the following guidance on when to seek testing for COVID-19:
- If you are having a procedure or surgery: follow your clinic’s directions on if testing is required and when to get tested.
- 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.
COVID-19 testing locations
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.
Please review the information at each location for the latest information. 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.
Note that UW Medicine providers can only access test results from Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center – Northwest.
For information about the COVID-19 testing process, including turnaround times at lab testing sites, read the four steps of COVID-19 testing.
Ash Way Park and Ride
16327 Ash Way Lynnwood, WA 98087
Sunday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: Drive-through and on foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 855.520.7540
Auburn
2400 Perimeter Rd, Auburn, WA 98001
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: Drive-through and on foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 833.562.1212
Aurora
12040 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: Drive-through and on foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 833.562.1212
Ballard
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; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 833.562.1212
Harborview
319 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Open every day 8 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Holiday hours | Prepare for your appointment
Appointment required | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: Testing in preparation for travel, events or gatherings may be scheduled up to 14 days in advance; Shelter screening and patients without homes may still walk up for testing.
Kent-Des Moines
2400 S 240th St, S-1 parking lot, Des Moines, WA 98198 (Highline Community College)
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 833.562.1212
Pasco
3110 W. Argent Rd., Pasco WA 99301
Fri-Tues 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
Rainier Beach
5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
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; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 833.562.1212
South Seattle (SODO)
3820 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: Drive-through and on foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
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
Opening at 10am on Sunday, June 26
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 833.562.1212
UWMC – Northwest
1510 North 115th St, Seattle, WA 98133
Open every day 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Holiday hours | Prepare for your appointment
Appointment required | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: Testing in preparation for travel, events or gatherings may be scheduled up to 14 days in advance
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; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 833.562.1212
Yakima
810 S. 14th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
Tues-Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Holiday hours
Appointment encouraged | Directed/assisted swab
Testing: On foot; no testing in preparation for surgery
Info line: 833.562.3622
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 U.S. Postal Service and 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.
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
Some 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 UW Medical Center - Northwest and Harborview sites will have a healthcare provider conduct the swab. A healthcare provider will put a cotton swab up both nostrils, one after the other, for 10-15 seconds each. 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. For more information on what to do while you wait, read our follow-up instructions.
If your COVID-19 test result is positive or inconclusive, a healthcare provider will call you to let you know.
For test results within King County, if patients are having trouble accessing their results, they can call 206.477.3977 between 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Interpretation is available.
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.
Most health insurance plans will cover testing, however if tested at UW Medical Center – Northwest or Harborview these plans may apply portions of the COVID-19 test cost ($155-$230) to your deductible or coinsurance:
- Employer plans that are self-funded
- Out-of-state Medicaid
- Medicare
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- United Health Care
- Federal employee health plans
- Health plans for members of the military or veterans
- Uniform Medical Plan for state and school employees
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
For uninsured patients going to UW Medical Center – Northwest or Harborview, UW Medicine representatives will be available to assist you with screening for financial assistance options. Please call the UW Medicine Financial Access Clearance Team at 206.598.4388 for more information or if you have any other questions.
All other sites provide free COVID-19 testing 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.
Pre-surgery instructions
If your clinic told you that you need a COVID-19 test prior to surgery, it should be scheduled with your patient care coordinator. If you need to schedule, call the Contact Center at 206.520.8700 or call your clinic.
Pre-surgery testing must take place at UW Medical Center – Northwest or Harborview Medical Center.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to leave my car?
When you go through drive-through testing, please do not leave your vehicle. A healthcare provider will take your nose swab while you remain in your car.
Can someone drive me to the testing site?
If possible, please drive yourself to maintain good physical distancing. However, this is not required. You may still get tested if you're the passenger instead of the driver. Multiple people who need testing may drive together.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes, please bring identification, such as a driver's license or passport so we can verify your identity. You do not need to show your insurance card or register your vehicle.
How long is the typical wait at the drive-through?
Wait times vary by location.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my testing appointment?
For Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center Northwest testing locations
If you need to cancel or reschedule your testing appointment at Harborview Medical Center or UW Medical Center — Northwest, please call 206.520.8700. You may also reschedule or cancel your appointment through your MyChart account; instructions can be found on the "Visits" page within MyChart.
For all other testing locations
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment at a testing location other than Harborview Medical Center or UW Medical Center — Northwest, click on the link provided to you in your confirmation email or in the Solv application.
When will I receive my test results?
Turnaround time for COVID-19 testing varies; it may take up to 72 hours to receive your test results, although results may be available sooner.
For those who get tested at UW Medical Center — Northwest or Harborview Medical Center, if you sign up for a MyChart account, you can get your test results there.
For more information on what to do while you wait, read our follow-up instructions.
When should someone visit an urgent care clinic?
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.
Our UW Medicine providers will evaluate your symptoms, rule out other illnesses and can give the COVID-19 test as needed.
Can I get a COVID-19 antibody test at UW Medicine?
Yes, UW Medicine offers antibody testing. The antibody test is not the same as a nasal swab test and does not check to see if you have a current COVID-19 infection. People who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT get an antibody test.
Can children be seen at the test sites?
Yes, children can be seen at the sites, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What if I don't want to swab myself or my own child?
If you are not comfortable doing a swab on yourself or your child, a healthcare provider will perform the swab for you.