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Where is the test site?
Testing will be in the parking lot of United Medical Center (UMC) at 1310 Southern Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032. Vehicles should enter via 13th Street, SE and be prepared to wait between 45-75 minutes (please plan accordingly, bathrooms will not be provided on-site). Starting Monday, April 6, individuals walking up should enter from Southern Avenue, SE.
When will walk-up testing begin?
Walk-up testing will begin on Monday, April 6 and every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday thereafter. Pre-registration is still required for walk-up testing.
What is the process for COVID-19 testing?
You will receive a nasal swab. During this test you may feel some discomfort, including nose irritation or minor bleeding. All are normal.
What should I do while I wait to be swabbed?
- Drive-thru testing: Stay in your car at all times and keep your windows rolled up, unless asked to roll your window down for testing.
- Walk-up testing: If you are walking, please remain 6 feet from other individuals while you wait and cover your cough and sneeze.
When will my results be ready?
After testing, an individual will learn results within 3-5 days. After the test, the individual will receive a letter with the information on how to receive your results.
Who will be processing this information?
The DC Public Health Laboratory is processing the tests taken at this site. DC Health will have access to your test results. For patient privacy, results will NOT be available via phone.
What should you do while you wait for results?
Because your results are unknown immediately after testing, it’s critical you stay home. Staying home until your results are known helps stop potential spread in our community.
- Do not go to work or spend time in public places. Work from home if you can. Do not go to restaurants to pick-up or carry out food, avoid visits to essential businesses, etc.
- Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home. Stay in a specific room and if possible, a designated bathroom away from others in your home.
- Wear a facemask when around other people or pets, at home and outside.
- Wash your hands, multiple times a day, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid sharing household items like dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding.
- Maintaining your mental health while you wait is important. Certified clinicians are available 24/7 through the DC Department of Behavioral Health’s mental health hotline: 1-888-793-4357.
How is testing prioritized?
After a doctor’s evaluation, only individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms that have pre-registered will be tested. If you are not symptomatic, there is much less of a risk that you are spreading the disease and, if you are carrying COVID-19, testing could result in a false negative. Those showing signs and symptoms must be rapidly identified so that they can take the appropriate actions, including preventing further spread in our community.
Is this the only testing option?
No. This testing site expands options available within the District, and it does not replace existing testing offered by many local healthcare providers. We still encourage you to contact your medical provider by phone or online if you have symptoms. Only a doctor can refer you for testing, but remember, not everyone needs to be tested and most people can recover at home.
Why isn’t everyone being tested?
Resources for testing are limited (testing kits, staff, personal protective equipment for medical providers). Testing must be prioritized. For people who have mild symptoms, a positive test result would not change how they should handle their illness. There is currently no vaccine or cure.
If your symptoms worsen, please seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face.
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