Testing

someone's code is scanned on their phone ahead of testing at alliant energy centerShould I get tested?

  • Regardless of your vaccination status, if you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you should get tested at least 5 days after your exposure, if possible.
  • Regardless of your vaccination status, if you have symptoms, you should get tested.

What should I do if I test positive? 

Testing Options

Testing Options in Dane County and Surrounding Areas

South Madison Public Health Clinic

  • Location: 2230 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53713
  • Hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 8 am–1pm and 2 pm–4pm. Please note we are closed from 1– 2 pm for lunch. Note that on April 20, May 18, and June 15 our testing hours are 8 am–12:30 pm.
  • Who we can test: Anyone one year old and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Transportation: Free rides are available. Call (608) 243-0420 to schedule a ride. This is not an on-demand service; you will be scheduling an appointment to get a free ride.
  • Other details: You do not need an ID. You won't be asked for your immigration status. Spanish interpreters are available onsite. Our clinic rooms are accessible for people using wheelchairs. 

Making An Appointment and Registering

To get tested at our clinic by making an appointment and registering. If you need help booking an appointment, please call (608) 242-6328. Registration should happen no more than 72 hours before your appointment so we have current information about symptoms you may be experiencing.

Step 1. Make a testing appointment

Step 2. Register online

Getting Your Results

Limit contact with others while you wait. Until you have your test results, limit contact with others. This is very important, especially if you have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or if you have symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat.

Expect a Call or Email with Your Results. People tested at our test sites with a PCR test usually hear back in 24-72 hours, but test results can take longer. We cannot expedite test results.

  • For negative and positive results: you will be emailed a secure link. You will be prompted to enter your name and date of birth to verify your identity, and then can view and print your results. If you didn’t provide an email address, you will be called with your results. Your results will include your full name, date of birth, result, result date, and test ID number if you need proof of your test. If you do not view your test results within three days, you will receive a call.
  • If you test positive, expect us to reach out. We try to reach everyone who has a positive COVID test by phone call or text survey to provide isolation instructions. If you receive a phone call or text and would like to verify it is from our agency, you can call (608) 266-4821.
  • Expect an email with the option to set up a MyChart account. Everyone will receive an email allowing them to set up a My Chart account to view results. This is optional.
  • If you have a question or haven't received results: If it has been at least 5 days since you got tested at and you haven't received your results, call the Wisconsin COVID-19 Results Line at (866) 419-6988.
  • Consider making an appointment to get vaccinated.

Testing and Travel

Bring Mass Testing to You

  • Businesses, workplaces, schools, event organizers, etc. might be interested in hosting a large-scale testing event due to an outbreak or other short-term need.
  • If that describes your organization, there are three companies that are coordinating on-site mass testing locally.
  • Send us an email, and we will connect you.