COVID-19 Testing

Schedule your appointment at the COVID-19 Testing Site at Harborview or the COVID-19 Testing Site at UW Medical Center – Northwest. You can usually schedule a test within 24-48 hours. Patients must be at least 14 years old to be tested at our UW Medical Center – Northwest location. Children of all ages may be tested at the COVID-19 Testing Site at Harborview.

You must bring a form of identification with you to your appointment — such as a driver’s license or passport — to confirm your identity. Both walk-up and drive-up patients should wear a mask and arrive five minutes before their scheduled test time.  

Drive-up patients: Drive-up patients will see signs directing you where to go. To help with traffic flow, please be on time and do not arrive more than 10 minutes prior to your appointment.

Pull up to the testing area and remain in your car with your windows closed. A healthcare provider will signal you when it’s time to lower your car window. You will be asked to verify your name and date of birth.

Walk-up patients: Walk-up patients should not use public transportation or ride share services (to avoid possible transmission). You will be directed to line up. Please maintain 6 feet of distance from other individuals. You will be asked to verify your name and date of birth.

A healthcare provider will put a cotton swab up both nostrils, one after the other, for 10-15 seconds each. This method is called a nasopharyngeal swab because the sample is collected from the upper part of the throat behind the nose known as the nasopharynx.

The process can be uncomfortable but is rarely painful. Some patients experience a slight nosebleed, which can be controlled using tissue and pressure.

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 – usually within 24-48 hours.

While you’re waiting for test results, 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.

No, please do not leave your vehicle.  A healthcare provider will take your nose swab while you remain in your car. 

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.

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.

Turnaround time for COVID-19 testing varies; it may take up to 24 to 48 hours to receive your test results, although results may be available sooner. We recommend signing up for eCare, if you don't already have an account, to get your results faster.

For more information on what to do while you wait, read our follow-up instructions.

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 Respiratory Urgent Care Clinics.

Our UW Medicine providers will evaluate your symptoms, rule out other illnesses and can give the COVID-19 test as needed.

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Yes, UW Medicine offers antibody testing for those interested in checking for a past COVID-19 infection.

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.

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