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Testing

Last updated  3/6/2023

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It’s important to know how and when to get tested for COVID-19. Testing can give you peace of mind, provide you with information you need to make decisions about your health and help slow the spread within our community.

Community-based organizations: click to request home test kits

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Choosing the Right Test

There are two main types of tests you can use to find out if you have COVID-19:

 

Rapid antigen tests (also called home tests):

Click for more information about home tests. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested right away and stay home except to get medical care.

 

These tests:

  • Give results in 15-30 minutes

  • Can be bought over the counter and done at home (they are also offered at many clinics as well)

  • Are very good at detecting an active infection if you have symptoms, but may not detect an infection if you don’t have symptoms

 

Molecular tests

(also called PCR tests, viral RNA tests, nucleic acid tests):

Free molecular COVID-19 tests are available at county sites, State sites and other commercial and healthcare provider sites.

 

These tests:

  • Are very sensitive and accurate, meaning that they can detect an active infection even if you don’t have symptoms

  • Have a slower turnaround time for test results than rapid tests (usually 24-48 hours)

  • Cannot be done at home

  • May remain positive for days or even weeks after the person is no longer infectious

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Choosing
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Getting Tested in Contra Costa County


COVID-19 tests are available at commercial sites, healthcare providers and county health centers. People with health insurance should go to their healthcare provider or a commercial testing site.​ People without insurance can walk into the county health centers for COVID-19 services, go to a no-cost testing site or go to a community-based testing site. 

County Health Centers

  • People without insurance can walk into the county health centers for COVID-19 services.

  • People with CCHP/Medi-Cal/Medicare can schedule through MyChart or by calling 800-495-8885.

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Antioch Health Center

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Bay Point Health Center

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Brentwood Health Center

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Concord Health Center, Building 2

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Martinez Health Center

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George & Cynthia Miller Wellness Center

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North Richmond Center for Health

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Pittsburg Health Center

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West County Health Center

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Other Testing Sites

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Commercial Sites

Healthcare Provider Sites

Commercial Sites
County health centers
other testing sites
healthcare provider sites

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While You're Awaiting Test Results​

  • Take steps to prevent spreading the virus to others, including staying home, separating yourself from other people, wearing a high-quality mask, washing hands frequently and regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.​​

  • Check with your school or workplace for additional instructions about returning when you are better. Click here to view quarantine and isolation instructions for the general public.​

  • Get medical help right away if you start feeling sicker, especially if you have trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, begin to feel confused, cannot stay awake, or develop bluish lips or face.​​

  • Call your health provider if your symptoms do not get better in a few days. Tell them you got tested for COVID-19.  If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the Contra Costa Health Advice Nurse at 1-877-661-6230, option 1.

     

While waiting

COVID-19 Treatments:

If you test positive for COVID-19, treatment may be available. Contact your healthcare provider or call the Contra Costa County Health Advice Nurse at 877-661-6230 right away to talk about treatment, or visit a test-to-treat location. Don’t delay, even if your symptoms are mild right now – treatment must be started within the first few days to be effective. Click here to learn more.

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