COVID-19 Testing Guidance

Testing guidelines

• COVID-19 Testing Guidance | Doc, updated August 7, 2020 
• COVID-19 Testing Ordering and Resulting Guidance | Doc, August 1, 2020 
• Notification to Test Contacts Regardless of Symptoms | Doc, May 11, 2020 
• Pooled Testing Frequently Asked Questions, November 24, 2020

BinaxNOW Antigen tests are rapid antigen tests which can be performed at point-of-care to supplement molecular testing and help mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more: BinaxNOW Antigen Test Abstract | Graph, published November 23, 2020.

Guidance for municipal leaders

The Command Center has developed a guidance for municipal leaders looking to establish testing programs in their communities.

• Guidance and FAQ for Municipal Testing Programs
• Model Standing Order for COVID-19 Testing
• User Guide for COVID-19 At-Home Testing Program

Guidance for laboratories

DPH has outlined guidance for clinical laboratories regarding COVID-19, specimen collection, testing, and submission to the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory: COVID-19 Guidance: Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory FAQ PDF | Doc

Guidance for on-site testing locations

To all healthcare sites or facilities that are currently performing or planning to perform COVID-19 testing on-site: please be aware that this is a notifiable disease and results must be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health within 24 hours. Contact [e-mail]  at the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences for assistance.

What to report:

• Isolation of coronavirus from a clinical specimen; or
• Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a clinical specimen using a molecular amplification detection test; or
• Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen in a clinical specimen; or
• Detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in serum, plasma, or whole blood.
• All results (positive, negative, equivocal) should be reported.

DPH Guidance: 

• COVID-19 Testing Guidance | Doc, August 7
• Notification to Test Contacts Regardless of Symptoms | Doc, May 11
• COVID-19 Testing Ordering and Resulting Guidance | Doc, August 1

Guidance for long-term care facilities

BinaxNOW Antigen tests are rapid antigen tests which can be performed at point-of-care to supplement molecular testing and help mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Information: BinaxNOW Antigen Test Abstract | Graph
• Guidance: BinaxNOW Rapid Point of Care COVID-19 Testing for Long-Term Care Facilities
• Request form: Long-term Care Facility Resource Request Form for BinaxNOW

Testing supplies

If your lab partner or existing supplier is not able to provide you with sufficient test kits to maximize daily capacity, you can request kits (swabs and transport media) from the Department of Public Health by filling out this form: Resource Request Form for Testing Supplies and submitting it via email to your Regional HMCC. Regional HMCC contact info can be found on Learn about HMCC. Please consult with your lab before requesting kits to ensure you request the proper supplies.

Testing sites

• Visit the interactive testing map to view testing sites in Massachusetts.
  • You can also download a full list of sites: MA COVID-19 Testing Sites PDF | Doc

Testing options for Entities

Entities include employers, long term care and assisted living residences, homeless shelters, etc.

Individuals who have a COVID-19 symptom or are a close contact of an individual who is COVID-19 positive should be tested. This testing should be covered by insurance. Please visit our interactive testing map to find a convenient testing site.

Some entities, such as employers or long term care and assisted living residences, may wish to make testing available for asymptomatic individuals with no known exposure. This type of testing is unlikely to be covered by insurance and will need to be paid for privately. Many community health centers (CHCs) and local hospitals (listed above under “Testing Sites”) are providing this kind of testing. In addition, the providers below have indicated that they offer this type of testing. Please check the boxes below and click “Search” to determine which provider(s) may fit your needs. When your results are shown, click the name of the provider to see more information about them and how to contact them.

If you are a testing provider and would like to be added to this list of testing options for entities, please complete the COVID-19 Testing Resource Submission Form. This list will be updated regularly.

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Testing at independent senior housing

Testing at Independent Senior Housing: Frequently Asked Questions