Testing
Should 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?
- Check out our page What to Do if You are Sick or Possibly Exposed for next steps.
- If you or your child has a positive at-home test, you can report your result to help Public Health better understand the level of COVID in our community.
Testing Options
Testing Options in Dane County and Surrounding Areas
- Rapid Tests and Other Testing Options
- South Madison Public Health Clinic
- Testing and Travel
- Bring Mass Testing to You
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. On Saturday, July 2 we will close at 2 pm. On July 20, August 17, and September 21 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.
- 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
- If you plan to travel internationally, read our fact sheet carefully for international travel documentation.
- Check your destination’s COVID-19 requirements and restrictions frequently, as many countries change their requirements often with no advance notice.
At-Home Testing
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Via Your Mailbox. Residential households in the U.S. can order free at-home tests from USPS.com. Get details on the USPS website. If you or your child has a positive at-home test, you can report your result to help Public Health better understand the level of COVID in our community. Please enter separate surveys for each individual who tested positive via a home test.
- At-home testing. You can get at-home tests in stores, pharmacies, and online.
- Insurance companies, Medicaid (BadgerCare), and Medicare are required to reimburse up to eight tests per month, per member. Learn more from your insurance provider.
- These tests can provide quick results but can be less reliable so they should be followed up by a PCR test within 48 hours if possible, especially if you have symptoms and a negative at-home test or no symptoms and a positive at-home test. Negative at-home tests cannot be used for travel purposes. Anyone with symptoms and/or a positive at-home test should isolate. If you are receiving a follow up PCR test, isolate until you receive your PCR results.
- If you or your child has a positive at-home test, you can report your result to help Public Health better understand the level of COVID in our community. Please enter separate surveys for each individual who tested positive via a home test.
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.