December 31, 2020
Testing capabilities for COVID-19 have increased dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. Currently, anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms (which now includes fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches and chills, or decreased sense of smell or taste) should be tested for COVID-19.
There are many options for testing in Utah, including drive-thru locations operated by Intermountain Healthcare, the University of Utah Health, Steward Health Care, and TestUtah. For more information on how to access testing at these sites and to make your experience at these sites go as smooth as possible, click on the links below:
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after you have been tested for COVID-19?
Your sample will be sent to a lab to be tested. The lab will get your sample within 24 hours after it has been taken. When your sample gets to the lab, it will be tested for COVID-19.
How long does it take to get my test results back?
If positive, it may take up to 3 days for you to get your test results. If you are negative for COVID-19, it may take longer because those who test positive are called first. People who are in the hospital and healthcare workers who test positive may also be called first before people who test negative.
Who will call me with my test results (not TestUtah.com)?
A healthcare provider who took your sample or someone from the health department will call you back with your test results. The health department will only call you if you test positive for COVID-19. When the health department calls you, they will ask you about who you have been in close contact with since you got sick. This helps them to know who may also need to be tested for COVID-19.
If you have not been called about your test results within 3 days, call the healthcare provider who took your sample.
If I was tested by TestUtah.com how will I get my results?
If you were tested through TestUtah.com, you should receive your results in your Silicon Slopes account. This may take up to 3 days. If your account doesn’t show a result yet, then the test is still in process. If you don’t have an account or don’t remember how to access it, call the TestUtah helpline at 801-683-0790.
What should I do while I wait for my test results?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 like a fever, cough, or trouble breathing you should self-isolate. This means you stay home except to get medical care.
If I test negative for COVID-19, do I need to be tested again?
A negative test does not mean you won’t ever get sick with COVID-19. If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably did not have the virus at the time of your test. This does not mean you will not get sick. It is possible that you were very early in your infection and that you could test positive later, or you could be exposed later and then get sick.
If you test negative for COVID-19, you should still practice social distancing. Social distancing means to stay away from other people as much as you can. Social distancing is important because it slows the spread of COVID-19. Avoiding crowds protects you and your family. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people. Stay home as much as possible.
What if I test negative yet I was told to quarantine due to a known exposure to COVID-19?
If your test is negative for COVID-19 and you have been told to quarantine because you had a known exposure to COVID-19, you must finish your 14 day quarantine. It may take up to 14 days to know if you will get sick. Call a doctor if your symptoms get worse. If your symptoms get worse, you may need to be tested again for COVID-19. You could still get sick with COVID-19.
Do I need a doctor’s note to go back to work if my test is negative?
No. The Utah Department of Health does not recommend employers require evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to return to work. If you do not have symptoms or have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19, there is no reason to stay home from work. Your employer should provide you with direction on how state and local stay at home rules impact your work.