#COVID TESTING HOW TO#

Those who do not fit these criteria will be charged a fee.

Samples for PCR tests are typically taken from saliva or nose swabs.Most Walgreens locations are participating in a Federal program to provide free PCR testing to individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, those who have been exposed to COVID-19, and those who are at high-risk of severe outcomes, including pregnant people.

Specimen collection can be conducted by a health care provider or through a self-collection process.

PCR tests are always processed in a laboratory, which means the results will typically take between 24-72 hours.

PCR tests can detect infection in both symptomatic and asymptomatic people.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests detect viral RNA, or the genetic material of the virus and are considered a gold standard for the detection of COVID-19. If you're at high risk for severe disease, treatment within the first 5 days of symptoms is important even if you only have mild symptoms right now.

#COVID TESTING HOW TO#

Learn more about treatment options and how to access medicines either through your health care provider or at one of Maine's test-to-treat sites. If you've tested positive and have symptoms, early treatment to prevent severe disease may be available for you. People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, or territorial health department.People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.The date of the last close contact is considered day 0. People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection at least 5 days after they last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.Current US CDC guidance indicates the following people should get tested for COVID-19:

Covid testing