COVID-19 Testing Information

Please only seek testing at hospitals or clinics if you are in need of medical attention. If you are testing due to exposures, surveillance, travel, and/or mild symptoms, please go to one of Polk County's drive-through sites. Testing site hours are 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM every day (including weekends). Registration will take place on-site.

Additionally, every household in the US is eligible to order 4 free at-home COIVD tests.

Types of COVID-19 Tests

There are two different types of tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests. A diagnostic test tells you if you have a current infection. An antibody tests might tell you if you had a past COVID-19 infection.

Diagnostic Tests

A diagnostic test can show if you have an active COVID-19 infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. Currently there are two types of diagnostic tests–molecular tests, such as PCR tests, that detect the virus’s genetic material, and antigen tests that detect specific proteins from the virus.

Molecular COVID-19 Test

A molecular test, commonly called a PCR test, detects the virus's genetic material. Broadlawns offers two types of molecular testing: nasopharyngeal swab or nasal swab. Results are usually available within 1-3 days. Molecular tests are typically very accurate and do not need to be repeated.

Antigen COVID-19 Test

An antigen test detects certain proteins in the virus. Broadlawns offers antigen testing via a nasal swab that goes just inside your nose. Results may be returned very quickly (15-30 minutes), depending on the test. This testing is only offered for symptomatic persons within the first 5 days of symptom onset.

Antibody COVID-19 Test

An antibody test uses a blood sample to determine whether you had COVID-19 in the past and now have antibodies against the virus.