COVID-19 Testing, Testing — Get Results in 1, 2, 3 - Kaiser Permanente

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, PCR tests were almost always used to detect the virus. Over the past 2 years, antigen tests have become widely available, making it easier and faster to get test results at home.

In most cases, home antigen tests or self-tests — the kind sold over the counter where you swab yourself — are your best option. You can use these tests when you:

• Have symptoms (if your result is negative, retest 24 to 48 hours after your first test)
• Have been exposed (if you don't have symptoms, test 5 days after your exposure)
• Plan to travel, gather with others, or spend time with people who may be at high risk
• Need to show a negative test result to return to work

Home antigen tests offer a quick result (30 minutes or less) and don't require a trip to a medical facility. They are an easy way to find out whether you have COVID-19 and could infect others. If your test result is positive, stay home and isolate, and contact your doctor if you need guidance or support.

"Self-tests have been shown to provide accurate results, even against the virus's many variants," Dr. Robbins said.

How to get no-cost at-home self-tests

There are a variety of ways to access this convenient testing option at no cost to you. Every home in the United States can order free self-tests from the federal government by signing up at covid.gov/tests.

If you're a Kaiser Permanente member, you can:

• Get no-cost self-tests at a Kaiser Permanente pharmacy. 
• Log onto your kp.org account to order 4 self-tests at a time to be delivered to your home at no cost. If you don't have a kp.org account, you can create one.
• Get no-cost self-tests from participating retail pharmacies. Medicare members can visit Medicare.gov for participating pharmacies and present your Medicare ID card at the pharmacy counter. All other members can visit Costco, Rite Aid, and Walmart, and show your photo ID and Kaiser Permanente ID card at the pharmacy counter.

If you need a PCR test, we've got you covered

Or course, there are a few circumstances that may require an in-person PCR test.

For example, your doctor may tell you to get a PCR test before a medical procedure or hospital admission. You or a family member may also need to show a negative PCR test result before attending certain events or activities.

If you're a Kaiser Permanente member, choosing Kaiser Permanente for your PCR test ensures that your test result gets added to your medical record. Your care team can then follow up with clinical guidance, if needed.

When you get a PCR test at a Kaiser Permanente facility, you'll usually get your results in 1 to 2 days, often more quickly.

Visit kp.org/covidtests to learn how to schedule a PCR test near you.