Testing
Testing is Open to
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Anyone 5 years and older at Alliant Energy Center.
- The digital COVID Connect system used at this site is for 5 years and up.
- Anyone 5-17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.
- Anyone 4 years and older at South Madison.
- Paper registration forms can be used at this site to test 4 year olds who cannot be processed in the COVID Connect system.
- Anyone 4-17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.
We do have a few recommendations (see below). If you're able to be tested at your doctor's office, we encourage you to do so.
We recommend testing for:
- People who have had close contact (within 6 feet for about 15 minutes) with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
- Please wait 3-5 days after a possible exposure to get tested, unless you are experiencing symptoms.
- People with COVID-19 symptoms
- People who have regular exposure to a large number of people (e.g., people who work in grocery stores)
- People who work closely with high-risk populations (e.g., healthcare workers, people who work with people who are incarcerated, people who work in long-term care facilities)
We do not recommend testing for:
- People who plan to attend a gathering and "want to make sure they're okay." Testing only tells you if you had COVID on the day you were tested. A negative test does not necessarily mean it is safe to gather with others.
- People who are getting tested frequently. We do not recommend routine, repeated testing just for peace of mind. Tests cost about $100 each and are in limited supply.
We cannot test:
- People who want a flu shot at the Alliant Energy Center drive through flu clinic on the same day.
- Children younger than 5 years old.
- People under 18 years without a parent or guardian present.
There are Many Options for COVID-19 Testing in Dane County
Your Healthcare Provider
If you have health insurance, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider to see if they are able to test you.
Area Pharmacies
Try an area pharmacy: see the Department of Health Services' website for these options.
UW-Madison
- For students and staff: UW-Madison has testing available on campus for students and staff members.
- For community members: UW-Madison has rapid testing available to community members ages five and older. Appointments are required. See their website for details. Note Spanish language interpreters are not available.
Alliant Energy Center
This community testing site is open Tuesday through Saturday for people ages 5 and older. See below for more information.
South Madison Community Test Site
This community testing site is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for people ages 4 and older. See below for more information.
Alliant Energy Center
Alliant Energy Center: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713
Current Wait Time:
For updates on the current wait time on Tuesdays through Fridays, see our Twitter feed. Saturdays typically have a wait time of less than an hour.
Hours:
- Tuesdays* and Thursdays from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
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*The past few Tuesdays we have had substantial wait times and have had to close the gates early to make sure everyone is tested in a timely manner. Be advised that gates may close at 6pm or earlier if the wait time is over two hours. Check our Twitter for the latest updates.
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- Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm
- The test site is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
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If lines and overflow parking are at capacity, gates may close before the scheduled end time to ensure everyone is tested in a timely manner. In certain other circumstances, testing may be limited to people with symptoms or who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
- The test site will be open until at least December 31, 2020.
Holiday Hours:
- Thursday, November 26: Closed.
- Friday, November 27: Open 8:00am - 4:00pm.
- Thursday, December 24: Open 8:00am - 4:00pm.
- Friday, December 25: Closed.
- Thursday, December 31: Open 8:00am - 4:00pm.
If it has been at least 5 days since you got tested at the Alliant Energy Center and you haven't received your results, call the Wisconsin COVID-19 Results Line at (866) 419-6988.
If You Can, Pre-Register First
We encourage you to pre-register as close as possible to your planned testing time to make sure we have your most current symptoms. After you pre-register, you'll receive a QR code (it's like a bar code). You can pre-register on a computer at home and print out your QR code or you can pre-register on a smart phone and show the QR code on your device. As of September 8, you need to pre-register each time you visit the test site and will be issued a new QR code that is unique for each visit.
Follow these instructions on how to register. If you don't register online, you will still be tested. Staff will register you, but it will take more time. This document outlines the questions you'll be asked when you pre-register.
- If you come with other family members, each person must register individually. You can use the same email address for multiple people. You will be emailed one QR code for each person registered.
- You'll be asked your name, birthday, address, phone number, race, ethnicity, and gender. By asking for race, ethnicity, and gender we can better identify possible disparities.
Testing Details for Alliant Energy Center
- For anyone 5 years and older.
- No appointments
- Free
- No ID is needed and you won't be asked for your immigration status.
- Anyone 5-17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.
- Spanish and Hmong interpreters are available onsite.
- You do not need to live in Dane County.
- This test involves swabbing a sample from about one inch inside your nose. It will only tell us if you have COVID-19 right now. It does not tell us if you had COVID-19 in the past.
Transportation
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You can drive, bike, or walk to the site
- If you drive, you cannot use the walk-up lane. The walk-up lane is reserved for those who bike or walk to the Alliant Energy Center.
- You can have multiple family members in your car to be tested.
- For a free ride to the site, call the Public Health Transportation Line at (608) 243-0420. A transportation company will then call you to schedule the ride. It’s required that you wear a cloth face covering when using this service.
- You can leave the line at any time. If you need help finding an exit, please let a staff person know and they can guide you.
Status Updates
Throughout the day, Tuesday through Friday, we update approximate wait times for COVID testing on Twitter .
Severe weather
Testing will continue through severe weather up to and including a tornado watch. In the event of a tornado warning, we will pause operations (including closing exterior doors) and shelter in place until the watch has expired and it is safe to resume operations.
Getting Your Results from Alliant Energy Center
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
Results can take 3-7 business days or 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.
- 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 the Alliant Energy Center and you haven't received your results, call the Wisconsin COVID-19 Results Line at (866) 419-6988.
Don't Let Your Guard Down
Remember that your test is a snapshot in time. COVID-19 is circulating in our community, and you could still be exposed to the virus in the future. Don’t let your guard down—keep up the strong prevention measures you’ve been taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
South Madison Community Test Site
Village on Park: Public Health WIC Clinic at 2230 S. Park Street, Madison, WI 53713
- Mondays and Fridays, 8:00am – 4:00pm
- Wednesdays, 12:00pm – 8:00pm
- Testing is open until at least December 31, 2020.
Holiday Hours:
- Wednesday, November 25: Open 8:00am - 4:00pm
- Thursday, November 26: Closed.
- Friday, November 27: Open 8:00am - 4:00pm
- Thursday, December 24: Closed.
- Friday, December 25: Closed.
- Thursday, December 31: Closed.
If You Can, Make an Appointment
- Appointments will be scheduled in 15 minute time slots
- Appointments can be scheduled by calling the appointment scheduling line: 608-243-0302
- All clients will receive confirmation e-mails (if an email was provided) and an appointment reminder the day prior to their scheduled test
- Scheduling staff are not able to answer medical questions or provide medical advice.
- If you have more than one person in your household wanting testing:
- Please try and schedule appointments for all household members within the same time slot(s); up to two household members per time slot will be allowed
- If you have more than 2 household members, schedule consecutive time slots (e.g., 12:00pm and 12:15pm).
Testing Details for South Madison Test Site
- For anyone 4 years and older.
- Free
- No ID is needed and you won't be asked for your immigration status.
- Anyone 4-17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.
- If your child struggles to complete the test, after a short period of time, we will request that they get tested at a doctor’s office or try again another day.
- Paper registration forms can be used at this site to test 4 year olds. The Alliant test site cannot test people under 5 years of age because the digital COVID Connect system does not allow it.
- Spanish and Hmong interpreters are available onsite.
- You do not need to live in Dane County.
- This test involves swabbing a sample from about one inch inside your nose. It will only tell us if you have COVID-19 right now. It does not tell us if you had COVID-19 in the past.
Transportation
- This is not drive-up testing. You will need to enter the building.
- For a free ride to the site, call the Public Health Transportation Line at (608) 243-0420. A transportation company will then call you to schedule the ride. It’s required that you wear a cloth face covering when using this service.
Getting Your Results from South Madison Test Site
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
Results can take 3-7 business days or 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.
- 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.
Don't Let Your Guard Down
Remember that your test is a snapshot in time. COVID-19 is circulating in our community, and you could still be exposed to the virus in the future. Don’t let your guard down—keep up the strong prevention measures you’ve been taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19.