COVID-19 Testing
On this page:
Testing options
Who should get tested
Waiting for your test results
Test types and data
Testing options
There are several COVID-19 testing options available, including community (rapid and saliva) and at-home testing. Many COVID-19 tests are free, but a health care provider may charge for their time.
Find options for state community rapid and saliva testing, as well as some clinics. If you go to your clinic, call ahead to see if they can test you. For more information about testing options, including low- and no-cost testing, visit Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Testing.
- Order Your Free At-Home Rapid Tests
Every home in Minnesota is eligible to order two rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits (four tests total) for free, while supplies last.
- Community Testing
What to expect at the state's no-cost rapid and saliva community testing sites.
- COVID-19 Self-testing
What to know about tests that give results at home. - COVID-19 Vault Saliva Testing at Home
Includes instructions for using these tests. Ordering of tests ended on March 31. Vault PCR tests can be used until they expire, or until Dec. 31, whichever is first.
Who should get tested
These people should get tested for COVID-19:
- Get tested regardless of vaccination status.
- If you have had COVID-19 in the prior three months, you still need to get tested if you develop new symptoms. You should take a COVID-19 antigen test instead of a PCR or other molecular test (for example, a PCR or NAAT test) because molecular tests can continue to detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) even after you have recovered from your illness.
- If your test is negative, get a second antigen test in 24 to 48 hours or, if you are using a home antigen test that comes with two tests in the package, you should use the second test within the time period stated in the manufacturer's instructions for use.
If you leave your home to get a test, wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from other people.
- Get tested five days after the last time you were close to a person with COVID-19.
- If you start to have any symptoms, get tested immediately.
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months you do not need to get tested after close contact with a person with COVID-19. Get tested immediately if you start to have new symptoms. You should take a COVID-19 antigen test instead of a PCR or other molecular test (for example, a PCR or NAAT test) since molecular tests can continue to detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) even after you have recovered from your illness.
- If your test is negative, get a second antigen test in 24 to 48 hours or, if you are using a home antigen test that comes with two tests in the package, you should use the second test in the time period stated in the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Visit Close Contacts and Quarantine for more information about what to do if you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, including quarantine.
You should also follow Masks: COVID-19.
Travel within the United States
- Visit CDC: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 for more information on vaccination and testing requirements.
International travel
- Visit CDC: International Travel for more information vaccination and testing requirements.
An example of a high-risk event is a large gathering or event where people are not wearing masks and are not able to stay 6 feet apart.
- Whether or not you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, you should get tested five days after the high-risk event, especially if you may have come in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
- If you develop any symptoms, get tested right away.
This may include first responders, health care workers, child care providers, teachers, coaches, and retail staff.
- Even if you do not have symptoms or you have not had close contact to someone known to have COVID-19, you should still get tested according to setting-specific guidance or your employer's guidance.
Setting-specific guidance for testing includes:
- For guidance on regular testing for staff or school-age kids refer to CDC: Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools: Screening Testing.
- For guidance on child care settings refer to CDC: COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs: Screening Testing
- College and trade-school students and staff should follow testing recommendations in COVID-19 Response Toolkit for Institutions of Higher Education (PDF).
- For guidance on health care workers, refer to Health Care Worker Isolation and Quarantine Recommendations.
People who are immunocompromised may not respond as well to COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your health care provider for testing recommendations.
Follow testing requests from health care providers or public health workers. Specific recommendations may be provided for cases and contacts associated with outbreaks or clusters.
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COVID-19 Testing Recommendations (PDF) Testing grid based on vaccination status. |
Did you receive a text, email, or phone call about getting tested? Visit COVID-19 Messages from the State of Minnesota for more information.
Waiting for your test results
It can take several days for test results to come back. The place that did your testing will get the results to you.
Test types and data
- Types of COVID-19 Tests
More in-depth look at viral tests, sometimes called diagnostic tests, and antibody tests, also called serology tests.
- COVID-19 Community Testing Data
Reports from some of the community testing events.