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1. WHAT TYPE OF TEST IS PERFORMED AT SNOHOMISH HEALTH DISTRICT TESTING SITES

Diagnostic RT-PCR self-swab nasal tests are done at Snohomish Health District testing locations. The FDA approved NAAT COVID-19 tests are processed by a CLIA-certified lab. The Snohomish Health District does not perform rapid COVID-19 tests.

2. HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

A website has been set up (click here) where people will be asked screening questions and sign up for an appointment. If there are multiple people who will be coming in the same vehicle to be tested, each of them should register. 

People who are being tested should arrive on-time and no more than 15 minutes before their appointment, and they will remain in their cars the entire time. Individuals must have an appointment and photo ID ready when arriving at the testing site. 

3. IS THERE A COST FOR BEING TESTED AT THE DRIVE-THRU SITES?

• When you sign up for an appointment you will be asked to provide your insurance information. The lab will bill your insurance for the cost of the test. Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act insurance companies are required to cover medically necessary testing. We encourage you to review your own insurance coverage, especially if you are being tested for non-medical reasons, such as travel. Northwest Labs may reach out to you to verify insurance information or collect additional information needed for billing.
• If you do not have health insurance you can still sign up for an appointment, you will not be billed for the cost of the test.

4. WHEN AND HOW WILL I RECEIVE RESULTS?

Results will be available online with a personal identification code or QR code provided to you at the testing appointment. Use the website and instructions on that card to access your results. They are typically available in 2-3 calendar days.

• COVID-19 Testing Information: What should you do while you wait for test results (PDF)
• COVID-19 Información de Prueba: ¿Qué debe hacer mientras espera los resultados de la prueba?

5. I WAS TOLD MY TEST WAS POSITIVE/NEGATIVE, BUT HOW DO I GET DOCUMENTATION FOR MY EMPLOYER?

For those tested after April 13, your test results will be made available by the Snohomish Health District. You will receive instructions from staff on how to get those sent to you, or you can email covidtesting@snohd.org for assistance.

6. IS THIS THE ONLY TESTING OPTION?

No. Drive-thru testing expanded on other testing options, but did not replace existing testing offered by many local healthcare providers. We still encourage you to contact your medical provider by phone or online if you have symptoms. They may refer you for testing, but remember, not everyone needs to be tested and most people can recover at home.

7. ARE PEOPLE TESTED FOR OTHER ILLNESSES, TOO?

No. This is specifically for COVID-19 testing.

8. WHY ISN’T EVERYONE BEING TESTED?

We have limited resources for testing (testing kits, staff, personal protective equipment for medical providers). We have to prioritize.

This testing option is not meant to replace or eliminate other testing avenues offered by many local healthcare providers. The goal is to supplement those options in order to ease some of the pressure on the existing system.

People still should contact their medical provider for guidance and assessment if they have any of these symptoms, or other health concerns. For medical emergencies, they should call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you may have COVID-19.

There is no vaccine or cure at this time. Read more about what to do if you have COVID-19.

9. WHAT ABOUT TESTING FOR TRAVEL?

• Test results are expected within 3-4 business days. This is a flexible timeline depending on the lab’s workload. For those needing travel testing, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to get results in the 72-hour timeframe required by some destinations. Please carefully research the requirements of your destination state or country.
• Those needing travel testing should consider calling around to providers and labs to ask about their offerings. Our website provides a list of testing providers in Snohomish County. Check with your insurance provider about coverage for travel testing.