When should you take a test for COVID-19?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or known exposure, you should take a test regardless of vaccination status.
Take an at-home COVID-19 test
Home antigen tests are a quick and easy option if you're having symptoms of COVID-19. A positive result is considered reliable if you have symptoms. If you test negative but are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your primary care doctor to determine if further testing is recommended. If you don’t have a doctor, contact Ohio State Urgent Care to be evaluated for COVID-19.
Rapid at-home tests are readily available at most retail pharmacies, such as CVS, Kroger or Walgreens.
Get tested at Ohio State
If you haven’t taken a rapid test or are unsure of the results, contact your doctor to be evaluated for COVID-19.
If you don't have a primary care provider, call 614-293-3200 to be scheduled at one of our Urgent Care locations for evaluation and testing.
Your doctor can evaluate you for COVID-19, and may recommend enhanced testing called polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Testing positive for COVID-19
If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, there are several steps you can take to protect others and aid your recovery:
- Avoid spreading the virus to others by staying home from work or school
- If possible, separate yourself from others in your home by staying in a separate room and using a separate bathroom
- Contact your doctor to see if you qualify for certain antiviral treatments
- Go to the hospital immediately if you have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pain or pressure in your chest or have bluish lips