COVID-19 testing information

What you need to know about testing for COVID-19 in Massachusetts.

Getting a test for COVID-19 gives you information that you can use to:

• Talk to your healthcare provider about getting treatment if you test positive; and
• Taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Should I be tested?

Consider testing if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 (due to older age or certain medical conditions), or before spending time with others who may be at higher risk. You may also consider testing if you were exposed to someone with COVID-19.

During the winter respiratory virus season, you can consider taking a test for both COVID-19 and flu.

Many respiratory infections, including flu, cause symptoms similar to COVID-19. If you test negative for COVID-19, you may have another infection that can cause severe illness and be spread to others, so use caution and follow steps to prevent spread when spending time with individuals who may be at higher risk for severe illness.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of sense of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• In elderly, chronically ill, or debilitated individuals such as residents of a long-term care facility, symptoms of COVID-19 may be subtle such as changes in mental status or in blood glucose control

How do I know if I have been exposed to COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 are most able to spread it to others during the first 5 days of their infection but may be able spread it up to 2 days before symptom onset or their positive test, and for up to10 days after. You may have been exposed to COVID-19 if you spent time with someone during this period of their infection.

What are the different types of COVID-19 viral testing?

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test: A PCR test is a test usually administered by a healthcare provider, where a swab of your nose, throat, or a saliva sample is taken and then sent to a lab. Results for a PCR test can take several days to come back.
• Rapid antigen test (self-test or at-home test): A rapid antigen test is a COVID-19 test that can be bought at a pharmacy, retail store or online. It can be taken without having to visit a doctor’s office and is usually taken at home. You can get results in as little as 15 minutes. 
  • Some rapid antigen tests give you results for both COVID-19 and flu. Consider using a product that tests for both, especially during the winter respiratory virus season.
  • Make sure to follow all the instructions and check the expiration date before performing self-tests.  Many expiration dates have been extended by the FDA.

For more information, visit COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know | CDC.

Where can I get a test?

• Rapid antigen (self-tests or at-home) tests may be found at a pharmacy, retail store or online and are an acceptable alternative to PCR tests in most situations.  
• PCR tests are generally administered by a medical provider and are typically available in urgent care centers, community health centers, and other health care locations, like a primary care office. They may also be available in retail pharmacy clinics. Please do not go to the emergency department for COVID-19 testing unless you are severely ill. 

Is there a cost?

Since the end of the public health emergency in 2023, it can be challenging to find free COVID-19 rapid antigen (self-test or at-home) tests. Some health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing rapid antigen tests. 

PCR testing for symptomatic individuals and close contacts is usually available at no cost to you:

• If you are insured, your insurance will likely cover the cost
• If you are uninsured and have symptoms of COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, there are test sites in the Commonwealth that will test uninsured individuals for free. Visit TestingLocator.cdc.gov to find a no-cost COVID-19 testing location near you.
  • If you are uninsured and do not know whether the site offers free testing, please call the site to confirm before making an appointment

What do I do if my test is positive?

Stay home if you test positive for COVID-19. Staying home helps protect others from getting sick. Follow the recommendationsto prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Consider treatment

• If you have any symptoms, and any of these conditions that put you at higher risk for severe disease, contact your health care provider right away to determine if a COVID-19 treatment is right for you.
• COVID-19 treatments require a prescription from a healthcare provider. If you test positive for COVID-19 and do not have a regular health care provider, this COVID-19 treatment locator tool may list some locations that offer prescribing services for those who don’t have a regular healthcare provider. You can also use the locator tool to find out what treatments are available for pick-up at your local pharmacies, clinics, and other locations 

Monitor your symptoms

• If you feel like you need medical care, please wear a mask when visiting your doctor or urgent care center.
• You should only go to the hospital emergency department for emergency care. Seeking care at the emergency department for non-emergent or routine healthcare needs, including mild COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 testing, diverts critical resources away from other patients who have serious emergencies.
• Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, call 9-1-1 to seek emergency medical care immediately:
  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

*This is not a list of all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

My rapid antigen (self-tests or at-home) was negative, what does that mean?

A negative test result means the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found, and you may not have a COVID-19 infection.  You may have another viral infection or illness, or it may be too early in your infection to detect COVID-19. Consider testing again for COVID-19 with a self-test in about 48 hours, especially if you know you were exposed to someone else with COVID-19 or talk to your healthcare provider.

If you have symptoms and test negative on a self-test, you should still take everyday preventative actions to prevent spreading an illness to others.

How often should I repeat my rapid antigen (self-tests or at-home)?

Some rapid antigen (self-tests or at-home) are designed to be repeated. Repeated (sometimes called serial) self-testing is when a person tests themselves multiple times for COVID-19, or on a routine basis, such as every few days. By testing more frequently, you might detect the virus that causes COVID-19 more quickly and could reduce the spread of infection. Some self-tests include instructions for performing repeat testing, including the number of days between tests. No matter which test you are taking, please read and follow the instructions carefully. 

Is testing available in nursing homes?

Yes. Learn more on Long-Term Care COVID-19 Family Information Center.

Resources

For further information, visit the CDC’s webpage Testing for COVID-19.

You can also call the MDPH infectious disease epidemiology line, 617-983-6800, which is available 24/7 for any questions.