Free COVID-19 Testing Through Public Health

Para obtener información sobre las pruebas de COVID-19, haga clic aquí.

There are several ways to get a free COVID-19 test through public health.

For PCR testing (see information below about the difference between PCR and rapid tests), you can:

  • Visit one of our public health testing sites to be swabbed for a PCR test. These nasal swab specimens are sent to a laboratory for analysis, and results are typically available within 48 hours.
  • Use one of our self-test kiosks. Kiosks are located in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh Counties and are operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The kiosks dispense tests kits that allow you to collect your own specimen. Simply deposit the specimen bag back in the kiosk and a laboratory will analyze the specimen, with results in about 48 hours.

For rapid antigen tests, you can:

  • Pick up free over-the-counter rapid antigen tests at your county health department. These tests can be taken at home, with results in less than 30 minutes.

Click a button below for more information about each option.

Differences between PCR/Laboratory testing and Rapid/Antigen testing

A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using samples that come from your nose or mouth. There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests.

PCR/Laboratory Tests:

  • Specimen is sent to laboratory for analysis
  • Results usually available in 1-3 days
  • Results are reliable for people with and without symptoms
  • No follow-up test required

Antigen/Rapid Tests:

  • Specimen is analyzed using at-home test kit
  • Results usually available in 15-30 minutes
  • Results may be less reliable for people without symptoms
  • Follow-up test may be recommended