What are the different COVID-19 Tests?

There are three types of tests available for COVID-19: molecular (NAAT and PCR), antigen, and antibody (serology) testing. Molecular and antigen tests detect whether a person is currently infected, and serology detects whether a person had an infection in the past and has antibodies now.

What is the difference between the tests?

• PCR tests look for the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in the nose, throat, or other areas in the respiratory tract, to determine if the person has an active infection. In most cases, a nasal or throat swab is taken by a health care provider and tested. Sometimes the test can be run while you wait, and sometimes the swab needs to be sent to a lab for testing. A positive PCR test means that the tested person has an active COVID-19 infection.

• Antigen tests look for pieces of proteins that make up the SARS-CoV-2 virus to determine if the person has an active infection. These tests are available over the counter and at health clinics. In most cases, a nasal or throat swab is taken and tested. Sometimes the test can be run while you wait, and sometimes the swab needs to be sent to a lab for testing. A positive antigen test means that the tested person has an active COVID-19 infection. These tests are often qualitative, meaning positive or negative, not quantitative (level of disease). If you use an at-home test and it is positive, please call DCH 509-524-2647 for instructions on reporting results.

• Serology/Antibody tests look for antibodies of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the blood to determine a past infection. In most cases, a blood sample is taken and sent to a lab for testing. A positive antibody test means that the tested person had COVID-19 in the past and that their immune system developed antibodies to fight it off.

• At-home COVID-19 test Self-collection kits and self-tests are available either by prescription or over-the-counter (without a prescription) in a pharmacy or retail store. Currently available self-collection kits and self-tests check for current infection, meaning whether you have COVID-19 right now. These tests are typically antigen tests, and please follow these guidelines when using an at-home test. The tested person can report positive results to the Department of Health by calling 1-800-525-0127.

Will my insurance cover COVID-19 testing or is there a copay?

Yes. Most health insurance plans will cover testing and treatment for medically-necessary services related to COVID-19. If you are concerned about whether or not you should test, read the guidance from the Department of Health and call your provider first. Copays and deductibles will still apply if you need treatment or a clinic visit.

Who should get a test?

Anyone experiencing even mild COVID-like symptoms should isolate themselves away from others and call their health care provider. Getting tested as soon as possible is essential to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Anyone with the following symptoms should contact their provider to be evaluated for a test or find a testing option in the community:

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fever or chills

• Muscle or body aches

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• New loss of taste or smell

• Fatigue

It is important to isolate yourself as soon as you develop symptoms, even before you test, because if you have COVID-19, you are already contagious.

If you have been in close contact for a combined total of 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period with someone who has COVID-19, it’s important to get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms. It’s best to get tested 5-7 days after that exposure and no earlier than 48 hours unless you develop symptoms. It typically takes 5-7 days after exposure for the test to report more accurate test results. If you develop symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. Learn more on this “What to do” fact sheet.

Seek medical care immediately if someone has emergency warning signs of COVID-19:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion

• Inability to wake or stay awake

• Bluish lips or face

This list is not all possible symptoms. If you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider to evaluate your symptoms and determine if you need a test.

We urge anyone who feels they should be tested to get a test.

Where do I go to get tested locally?

If you need to get tested, contact your medical provider to determine whether you meet the testing criteria. They will direct you to the next steps. Please visit our testing site page for locations.

Are there any drive-thru testing locations near me?

Yes, please visit our testesting site pageting site page for information. In addition to some pharmacies offering drive-thru options, there is a free walk-through-style community site at Providence Southgate in Walla Walla.

My test was negative. Am I safe to travel or see friends or family?

Not necessarily. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, a negative test could mean that the virus had not replicated inside your body enough to produce a positive result on the day of your test. It does not mean you are clear of COVID-19 after possible exposure, and only a negative test following a 14-day quarantine would guarantee you are free of COVID-19.

What can you use as proof of vaccination?

• A CDC vaccine card or photo of your vaccine card.

• Documented proof of vaccination from medical records or vaccine provider.

• Proof of vaccination from another state or county.

• Printed certificate or digital record from MyIRMobile.com or other apps.

• Printed certificate or digital record from WA Verify or other apps.

NOTE: Documentation of medical or religious exemptions not accepted.

What if you can’t find your vaccination record?

If you lost your CDC vaccination card, try these options to find your vaccination record:

• Sign up for MyIR at wa.MyIR.net. Look up your vaccination record, then print or take a screenshot. If your records don’t show up, call 833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357).

• Sign up for WA Verify at WAVerify.doh.wa.gov. Look up your vaccination record, then print or take a screenshot. If your records don’t show up, call 833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357).

• Ask your provider. If you received your vaccine at your health care provider, the provider’s office should be able to give you a copy of your record.

• Ask at the vaccination site. Go back to the location where you were vaccinated and ask a clinic supervisor to look up your record and create a new card.

For questions about your immunization record, email: waiisrecords@doh.wa.gov.

What type of negative COVID test is acceptable as an alternative to proof of vaccination?

Any COVID-19 test administered by a testing provider can be used. Testing providers are required to use FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 tests. The negative result must be within the past 72 hours.

Rapid tests used without the supervision of a testing provider will not be accepted.

(Some examples of types of FDA-approved or authorized include: PCR, TMA, NAAT, molecular, antigen, and lateral flow.)

Religious or medical exemptions are not allowed. Instead, a negative test could be accepted as an alternative to proof of vaccination.

The CDC recommends that children and adolescents age 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for children and adolescents age 5 and up, as a 2-dose series taken 3 weeks apart. The dose for children age 5-11 is one-third of the dosage of the vaccine for older adolescents and adults.

Vaccination is the best way to protect children age 5 and older from COVID-19. COVID-19 has become one of the top 10 causes of pediatric death, and tens of thousands of children and teens have been hospitalized with COVID-19. While children and adolescents are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, it is still possible.

Vaccinating younger children protects them from getting COVID-19 and reduces their risk of severe disease, hospitalizations, or developing long-term COVID-19 complications. National data shows that 1/3 of kids hospitalized for COVID-19 have needed intensive care treatment.

Locally, there have been over 3000 reported COVID-19 cases among youth in Benton and Franklin counties, 16 hospitalizations, and three deaths since the pandemic began.

The vaccine is safe and effective. Before being authorized for children, scientists and medical experts completed their review of safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials of thousands of children. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was rigorously tested and reviewed, and over 11 million adolescents ages 12-17 have already safely received the COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine helps prevent transmission. As a community, the more people that are vaccinated, the safer we will all be and the less chance that new variants of the virus will emerge. Children can spread COVID to others if they get infected. That’s particularly a worry when they are around higher-risk groups, like grandparents, other family members, or caregivers who may have medical conditions.

We also can’t lose sight of the many real, indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of children, including social and emotional health and educational gaps.

Please visit the Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine for kids page.

Take precautions anytime you feel sick by staying away from others, and wearing a face mask if you must get within six feet of someone else. Contact your doctor and let them know that you think you have COVID-19 symptoms and would like to get tested for the virus.

Are Quarantine and Isolation different?

Yes, they are different!

• Quarantine is for people who are not currently showing symptoms but are at increased risk for having been exposed to an infectious disease. Quarantine is for people who could become sick and spread the infection to others.

• Isolation is used for people who are currently ill and able to spread the disease and who need to stay away from others in order to avoid infecting them.

Do I need to quarantine myself if a family member is sick?

Since efforts have moved to community mitigation, if a family or household member has been diagnosed with COVID-19, we recommend you quarantine yourself as you are considered a Close Contact. Do not go to work or school if you have been caring for a sick individual. Visit our “what to do if you are sick or exposed page”

Do I need a doctor’s note, or to ask my employee to bring a doctor’s note, if they have potentially been exposed to COVID-19?

Washington State Department of Health wants employers to emphasize workplace illness precautions but does not recommend requiring a health care provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work.. If an employee has tested positive for COVID-19, they should isolate for 10 days past symptom onset or test date, whichever was sooner, and not return to work unless they have been fever-free for 24 hours and other symptoms have improved.

Employee illness precautions should include:

Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work for 24 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms get better, whichever is longer. Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies. Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies. Do not require a health care provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work, as health care providers may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way. Maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual.

Can I be re-infected with COVID-19?

It is currently unknown how long COVID-19 immunity lasts after the initial infection with the disease. Cases of reinfection with COVID-19 have been reported. We are still learning more about COVID-19 reinfection. Learn more from the CDC.

Why do you conduct case investigation of COVID-19 patients and what happens?

Case investigation and contact tracing are common public health practices used to stop the spread of communicable diseases. Contact tracing is being used for COVID-19 because the disease is highly infectious and can spread quickly. This is an effective measure to protect the health of the community and enable businesses to open and remain open.

Contact tracers will not shame or share your information with anyone you identify as close contact.

When public health learns that someone has tested positive for COVID-19, an interviewer reaches out to talk to that person, usually by phone – this is known as a case investigation.

Staff asks every person for their date of birth, address, race, and ethnicity, and other questions. Interviewers will never ask for or write down immigration status, Social Security number, financial information or marital status. The information will be treated like a private medical record. It is strictly confidential and will not be shared with other agencies, including immigration officials.

Every person interviewed receives guidance about how to keep themselves and others safe. Interviewers can also help connect people with resources they may need while they stay home for 14 days to ensure they are not sick (quarantine) or stay home to recover from being sick (isolation). Here is an infographic explaining our investigation process.

WaNotify is a free app that runs in the background of your phone and shares time and spacial information with other phones with the app running within your vicinity. If you or someone else test positive for COVID-19, you can request to enter a code which will signal your phone to send an anonymous alert to other phones that meet the definition of a close contact. This allows them to watch for symptoms and test if they desire.

What is contact tracing?

Contact tracing involves calling people who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 to provide guidance and support. This helps us slow the spread of the virus. Interviewers do not reveal the name of the person who tested positive for COVID-19 when speaking with close contacts. These calls help us keep our families and communities safe. Contact tracers also help people exposed to the virus.

This document explains more about the contact tracing process.