COVID-19 Testing Options
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 two public health testing sites in Chatham and Liberty Counties 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 for COVID and influenza, 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 or one of our participating partner locations. These tests can be taken at home, with results in less than 30 minutes.
Click a box 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