NOTE: Negative OTC test results cannot be used for shortened quarantine and/or return to learn.
Do I need to get a COVID-19 test if I have been fully vaccinated?
Yes, even if you are fully vaccinated you should get a COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Do I need to report my over-the-counter (OTC) test results to anyone?
Yes, you must report your OTC results (positive or negative) to Public Health. You can report online.
What do I do if my OTC results are POSITIVE?
A POSITIVE result means the virus was detected in your specimen submitted for testing. If your test result is POSITIVE, please tell your health care provider right away so they can help you interpret results and determine next steps. A POSITIVE result for a symptomatic person may need to be confirmed with a PCR test if the person has a low risk of infection (low community transmission, no known exposure to an infected person, fully vaccinated, or had COVID-19 within the past 3 months).
What do I do if my results are NEGATIVE?
A NEGATIVE result means the virus was NOT detected in your specimen submitted for testing. A NEGATIVE result for a symptomatic person should be confirmed with a PCR test but may not be needed if the person has a low risk of infection (low community transmission, no known exposure to an infected person, fully vaccinated, or had COVID-19 within the past 3 months). Please talk with your health care provider if you need help interpreting results or determining next steps.
What if I have symptoms and my OTC test is NEGATIVE and my PCR test is POSITIVE?
It is very likely that you are POSITIVE for COVID-19. Please talk with you health care provider right away. You should follow CDC’s guidance for isolation.
What if I have symptoms and my OTC test is NEGATIVE and my PCR test is NEGATIVE?
Follow CDC’s guidance for quarantine only if you have had close contact or suspected exposure to a person with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
What if I have symptoms and my OTC test is POSITIVE and my PCR test is NEGATIVE?
It is very likely you are POSITIVE for COVID-19. Please talk with your health care provider. You should follow CDC’s guidance for isolation.
What if I do NOT have symptoms and my OTC test is POSITIVE and my PCR test is POSITIVE?
It is very likely you are POSITIVE for COVID-19. Please talk with you health care provider right away and follow CDC’s guidance for isolation.
What if I do NOT have symptoms and my OTC test is NEGATIVE?
It is very likely you are NEGATIVE for COVID-19. A person without symptoms who has received a NEGATIVE result should follow CDC’s guidance for quarantine only if they have had close contact or suspected exposure to a person with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.