Testing

Test results are only shared with the referring healthcare provider and Marin HHS.  Marin HHS does not release any identifying information about individuals.  The only information publicly reported is age range and gender.

Source: Marin HHS

While not common, sometimes a person can get a false negative test result. This could be for a number of reasons including that the person was infected very shortly before the test so there was not enough of a viral load the body to trigger a positive result.

If you continue feeling sick or develop symptoms after the test you should isolate yourself and contact your healthcare provider.

For detailed guidance see Post-Test Isolation Guidance

Source:  Marin HHS

If you test positive, even if you do not feel sick, you should immediately isolate yourself in a room/bathroom of your home away from anyone else you live with.  Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and take all hygiene and disinfectant precautions to prevent anyone else from getting sick.  See the Quarantine and Isolation guidance for details.

It currently takes 3-5 business days to get the results from a COVID-19 test.  Depending on your testing location, a Marin County Public Health Nurse or your doctor will call you with your test results. 

While you are waiting on your results, you must self-quarantine:

• Do not leave your home:  Except for a medical emergency, you should not leave your home.  A household member or friend should handle any outside activities that are allowed under the shelter-in-place order, such as grocery shopping.
• Quarantine yourself to a small space in your home: If possible, designate a room and bathroom that only you will use until you know your test results.  The smaller the area, the easier it will be to disinfect it properly.

For detailed guidance see Post-Test Isolation Guidance

If you know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 you should quarantine yourself in your home and contact your healthcare provider.  If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 415) 473-7191.

Even if your healthcare provider decides you do not need to be tested, you should remain quarantined until 15 after your exposure to make sure you do not develop symptoms.

Source: Marin HHS

Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19.

Here is some information that might help in making decisions about seeking care or testing.

• Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home.
• There is no treatment specifically approved for this virus.
• Testing results may be helpful to inform decision-making about who you come in contact with.

Decisions about testing are based on a variety of factors including risk factors for serious illness, age, occupation, local epidemiology, and where the person is in their illness.

Clinicians should work with Marin HHS to coordinate testing through public health laboratories, or work with clinical or commercial laboratories. All test results should be reported back to Marin HHS.

Visit CDC’s COVID-19 Testing Guidance for more information

Source:  Marin HHS, CDC

Marin County Public Health does not recommend testing asymptomatic patients at this time.  Testing resources remain limited.  If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please contact your health care provider who may refer you for testing. Please note that testing is prioritized for symptomatic older adults or adults with chronic conditions at risk for severe illness and health care workers / first responders. 

The majority of people will have mild illness that is best treated at home.  However, those with serious illness will be treated regardless of insurance status.  Advisors will work with uninsured patients to find the best options for coverage.

Some resources for uninsured people include:

• Check with your local community health center or hospital to see if fees for testing can be waived.
• See if you’re eligible for Medi-Cal.
• See if you’re eligible for Covered California.
• See if you are eligible for care at a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center.

Source: Marin HHS

Our drive-through test site and other local testing locations are not advertised because all testing in Marin is by referral only. If you have COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, you should contact your medical provider to discuss whether you are a candidate for testing.

As defined by the CDC, a Person Under Investigation (PUI) is any person currently under investigation for having the virus that causes COVID-19. A Person Under Investigation should be directed to COVID testing and quarantine under the guidance of their health care professional or Marin Public Health.

Source:  CDC, Marin HHS

Follow the guidance of your doctor which may be specific to your individual health needs. In general, if you have symptoms, stay at home for at least 7 days after your symptoms have resolved.

Source: Marin HHS