TESTING FAQs
Find answers to questions about the COVID-19 testing. Information is provided from the Centers for Disease Control, DHSS Alaska, and other experts.
Find answers to questions about the COVID-19 testing. Information is provided from the Centers for Disease Control, DHSS Alaska, and other experts.
Find answers to questions about the COVID-19 testing. Information is provided from the Centers for Disease Control, DHSS Alaska, and other experts.
If you have symptoms or are exposed to someone with COVID-19, getting tested is key in fighting COVID-19. Testing is essential in helping slow the spread of the virus by identifying those who have the virus and enabling treatment or quarantining.
Who should get tested for current infection?
CDC recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.
What if I receive a positive test result?
If you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, take the following steps to protect others regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status: Isolate at home and isolate away from others for at least 10 days.
Learn more about what to do if you test positive: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
What if I receive a negative test result?
If you test negative for the virus that causes COVID-19, the virus was not detected.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19:
If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, and you were exposed to a person with COVID-19:
If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have a known exposure to a person with COVID-19:
What types of tests are available?
COVID-19 tests are available that can test for current infection or past infection.
Can someone test negative and later test positive on a viral test for COVID-19?
Yes, it is possible. You may test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during this illness. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then. Even if you test negative, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others. See Testing for Current Infection for more information.
Importance of COVID-19 Testing
Traveling & Testing
Alaska COVID-19 Testing
Protecting Our Children Against COVID-19
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