Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Results: How Long Do They Take?

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How long does it take to get COVID-19 test results?

Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Amanda Barrell on September 8, 2020

What to know
Results timeline
When to get tested
Procedure
Where to get a test
Summary

It can take anything from a few hours to several days to receive COVID-19 test results. The length of time will vary depending on the type of test and where it took place.

The novel coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2, is very contagious. Some people who catch SARS-CoV-2 develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which affects the respiratory system.

Most people who contract the virus will experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, some people will develop severe COVID-19, which can sometimes be fatal. Older people and those with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk.

Coronavirus resources

For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.

What do I need to know?

a medical professional putting a coronavirus swab test into a bag to later be sent to a lab for results — The time it takes for results to return depends on the type of COVID-19 test.

The test can tell people whether they currently have an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people should get a SARS-CoV-2 test if:

they have the symptoms of COVID-19
they have spent at least 15 minutes within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2
their doctor has recommended a test

Everyone in the United States can get a free test, regardless of immigration status.

Learn more about coronavirus testing here.

How long do the results take?

How long it takes to get the results of a COVID-19 test varies. In most cases, it takes a few days to a week.

The time frame can depend on the state and area in which a person undergoes testing. The county of Los Angeles aim to get the results to people within 3–5 days. The Virginia Department of Health have said that it will take a few days, and the Minnesota Department of Health have said several days.

The best way to find out how long it will take in any particular area is to go to the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) website and look at the “search by state” option. People can then follow the links to see the local COVID-19 testing policy, which will include the length of time they can expect to wait for the results.

If someone is in the hospital with suspected COVID-19, doctors will ask for a point of care (POC) test, which can deliver results within minutes. However, POC testing for COVID-19 may not detect all active infections and can deliver false negatives, making the results unreliable.

When should you get tested?

Scientists are not yet sure of the answer to this question.

The incubation period — the length of time between getting the infection and showing symptoms — could be up to 14 days.

Learn more about how long it takes for COVID-19 symptoms to appear.

The current advice is that anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus should get a test.

The symptoms to look out for include:

fever or chills
cough
sore throat
extreme tiredness
shortness of breath
headaches
body aches
muscle aches
loss of taste or smell
runny or stuffy nose
nausea and vomiting
diarrhea

Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms here.

What does the procedure involve?

To test for SARS-CoV-2, scientists need a sample of the mucus from the inside of a person’s nose. Sometimes, a healthcare professional will collect the sample. In other cases, the person will collect the sample themselves.

The CDC have published instructions for people who need to collect the sample themselves.

According to their guidance, a person should follow these steps:

Open the kit and read the instructions.
Wash the hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Take the swab from the container without touching the soft end.
Tilt the head back.
Push the swab gently about 1–1.5 inches into the nostril or until it can go no further.
Twist the swab slowly for 15 seconds, rubbing it on the inside of the nostril.
Remove the swab.
Using the same swab, repeat the process in the other nostril.
Put the swab into the sterile tube.
Snap the end of the swab at the line, then put the cap on the tube.
Wash the hands again.

Where can you go to get tested?

Testing is available free of charge at health centers and community testing sites. Some pharmacies are also offering SARS-CoV-2 tests, including:

CVS Health
Kroger
Rite Aid
Walgreens

To find a local testing facility, people can go to the HSS website and use the search function.

Summary

The length of time it takes to receive COVID-19 test results varies across the U.S. On average, it tends to take between a few days and a week.

If someone has a COVID-19 test in the hospital, they will usually get the result the same day.

Anyone in the U.S. who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 should get a test.

Tests are available for free from health centers, community testing sites, and some pharmacies.

Public Health
Flu / Cold / SARS
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Medical Devices / Diagnostics
COVID-19

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Community-based testing sites for COVID-19. (2020).https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. (2020).https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/testing/index.html#types-of-testing
Guidance — proposed use of point-of-care (POC) testing platforms for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) [Fact sheet]. (n.d.).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/OASH-COVID-19-guidance-testing-platforms.pdf
How to collect your deep nasal swab sample for COVID-19 testing. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/COVID-19-testing-deep-nasal-self-swab.pdf
Symptoms of coronavirus. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Test for current infection. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/diagnostic-testing.html
Testing. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/index.html
Testing for COVID-19. (2020).https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/frequently-asked-questions/testing-for-covid-19/
What to do while you wait for a COVID-19 test result. (2020).https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/waiting.pdf
What you need to know about COVID-19. (n.d.).https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing-faq/

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Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Amanda Barrell on September 8, 2020

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Results: How Long Do They Take?

Coronavirus resources

What do I need to know?

How long do the results take?

When should you get tested?

What does the procedure involve?

Where can you go to get tested?

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

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