COVID-19 testing: What you need to know
Getting a COVID-19 test is one of the most important ways to help stop the spread of COVID-19. When you know you have the disease, you can make the best decisions to limit transmission to others.
COVID-19 tests detect the active virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). There are two types of tests that can detect a COVID-19 infection: the antigen test and the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.
Types of COVID-19 tests
Antigen test
An antigen test detects proteins on the surface of the virus called antigens.
Antigen tests provide rapid results, typically within 15-30 minutes, and can be done at home. They are less sensitive to active COVID-19 virus than a PCR test. During times when there are a lot of people with COVID-19 (like this omicron surge), a positive antigen test is very likely to be COVID-19, but a negative antigen test is less reassuring since false negative results are more common with antigen tests.
Antigen tests are most accurate when used within a few days of the start of symptoms or at least 5 days after exposure. This is the timeframe when the largest amount of virus is present in your body.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
A PCR test detects the presence of the actual virus’s genetic material. These tests can be collected through a nasal or saliva test. PCR is the most reliable and most accurate type of COVID-19 test.
A PCR test is analyzed by a medical professional and can take several days to get a result. UI Hospitals & Clinics provides COVID-19 results within 24-36 hours.
When to get tested
Knowing when to get a COVID-19 test can be tricky. Depending on whether you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, the ideal time to get a COVID-19 test may be different.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms you should get tested as soon as possible. Symptoms may be very mild, especially if you’re vaccinated.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should be tested at least 5 days after the exposure.
Where to get tested
If you need a COVID-19 test, complete our MyChart self-checker to determine your next steps.
In general, COVID-19 tests are available at the following locations.
Health care providers:
Most health care providers, including UI Health Care, provide PCR tests.
Test Iowa:
Test Iowa kits provide free of charge saliva PCR tests to the community at multiple locations including UI QuickCare and UI Urgent Care clinics.
Antigen tests:
At-home antigen tests are available online or at local pharmacies. Households can order up to four COVID-19 tests free of charge online. These tests will be shipped to you through the U.S. Postal Service.
Local pharmacies:
Local pharmacies may have at-home antigen tests and/or Test Iowa kits available for pick-up.