COVID-19 Testing

This service allows anyone to be tested safely, without leaving their vehicles.

About the test: The test takes less than five minutes...

• Patients drive up to the testing site.
• The test is performed by our highly-trained colleagues outfitted in protective clothing, including a gown, goggles, mask and gloves.
• The test is conducted by swabbing the inside of both nostrils.
• The colleague collects the sample and it is sent for evaluation.
• After testing, patients are given follow-up instructions and information about self-isolation.

Getting your results: Patients will receive their results through MyChart or by phone within 3-4 days (depending on high testing demands in other parts of the country, it could be delayed up to 10 days). If you don't have a MyChart account, it's easy to set one up. More post-test information here.

If you are confirmed positive: You should remain in home isolation and contact your healthcare professional immediately to determine your next steps. If you must leave the house, wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. For more post-test information, including pre-surgery and employer-offered testing, click here.

Patients now have the option to schedule an appointment for a drive-through COVID test. The appointment can be scheduled by your physician or self-scheduled online.

Appointment scheduling is available at six of the nine drive-up testing centers conveniently located throughout the state. To easily schedule your appointment, click here. When you arrive for your scheduled test, you will be guided to a lane designated for appointments, significantly reducing your wait time.

While scheduling an appointment is preferred, we understand that not everyone has the technological capabilities for self-scheduling. All testing sites will continue to test patients who arrive without an appointment.

Locations accepting appointments: Hartford, Newington, Norwich, Torrington, Willimantic, Windsor Locks
Locations NOT accepting appointments: Bridgeport, Meriden, Westport

Note: Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment

Effective Jan. 18, Pre-Op patients and symptomatic EMS Personnel ONLY from 8-10 a.m.

From 8-10 a.m. each day (except Westport and Windsor Locks) testing is only available for patients who require COVID-19 pre-op testing (testing before a scheduled surgery or medical procedure) and symptomatic Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Appointments are not necessary.

If you don’t fall into those categories, please do not arrive during the first two hours of operations. Those who do will be asked to return after 10 a.m.

Thank you for your continued understanding as we work to continually adapt and adjust to the rapidly changing COVID-19 environment.

What you should do after your test:

• If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a facemask. Stay home from work, school, and away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
• If you must leave the house, wear a facemask when you are around other people or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.

How you will receive your results:

• If your test was ordered by your Primary Care Provider, they may call you with a negative or positive result within 4 days.

Please check with your surgeon and MyChartPLUS, prior to surgery for test results.

What you should do after your test:

• If you test positive or have symptoms of a COVID infection, as much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
• If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a facemask. Stay home from work, school, and away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
• If you must leave the house, wear a facemask when you are around other people or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
• Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.
• If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.
• For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Get rest and stay hydrated.
• Cover your cough and sneezes.
• Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, and bedding.
• Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.
• If you are confirmed to have COVID-19, you should remain on home isolation precautions until the risk of spread to others is thought to be low. The decision of when to stop this isolation should be made in consultation with your doctor.

How you will receive your results:

• If you test positive, you will receive a call with your test results within 4 days.
• If your test was ordered by your PCP, they may call you with a negative or positive result within 4 days
• Negative results will be available within 4 days, electronically, via MyChartPLUS, Hartford HealthCare’s patient portal.
• For more information you may call the Community Care Center @ 860.972.8100 if you have further questions about your test result.

What you should do after your test:

• Cover your cough and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels and bedding.

How you will receive your results:

• If you are tested by Hartford Healthcare at your job or in a community center, and signed a consent to allow your results to be given to personnel affiliated with the work or community site, your results will be sent directly to the designated person within 4 days of the nasal swab being obtained. They will reach out to you with your results.
• Negative results will be available within 7 days, electronically, via MyChartPLUS, Hartford HealthCare’s patient portal.