Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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How to Get a COVID-19 Test in DC

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Are you exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19? Have you since been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus? You need to get a coronavirus test as soon as possible. 

As part of the Washington, DC initiative to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals who are 3 years or older and show any symptoms or have come into known contact with the coronavirus are urged to get tested immediately. 

How to Find a Testing Location

Go to Your Primary Care Provider (If Possible)

The DC Department of Health has made it increasingly easy for people to take a COVID-19 test and receive their results quickly. To keep your healthcare records up to date and receive the care you need, you’re encouraged to get tested at your primary care provider where possible. 

A complete list of care providers that offer coronavirus testing in the DC area is below (correct as of publication).  

Site Address
Community of Hope 2155 Champlain St NW. Washington, DC 20009
GW University Medical Center 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
All Care Family Medicine & Urgent Care 1710 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Family and Medical Counseling Service 2041 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Mary’s Center 2333 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009
Unity Health Care 1500 Galen Street SE

Washington, DC 20020

Whitman-Walker Health 1525 14th Street, NW
Medstar Health Find a Medstar Health testing center near you
Sibley Memorial Hospital 5255 Loughboro Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016
Howard University Hospital 2041 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20060
Bread for the City 1525 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Walgreens  1401 Rhode Island Ave, NE
District Urgent Care 4903 Georgia Avenue, NW
Farragut Medical and Travel Care 815 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Is your primary care provider not on this list? No stress — you can still get a test using the options below. 

How to Take a COVID-19 Test at Home in DC

There are a few companies in the DC metro area offering COVID-19 tests at home. This is likely the best option for people who have symptoms or have been exposed to the coronavirus. If you think you might have coronavirus, you should avoid crowded spaces such as public testing sites.

The at-home testing companies below may charge an out-of-pocket fee for uninsured individuals. If you have health insurance, they can bill your provider for the testing kit. You may also be able to receive government assistance to help pay for this at-home test.

Company How to Take an At-Home Test
Ready Responders To schedule an at-home test, call (202) 602-0814. Ready Responders operate seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM. They only offer rapid antigen testing with results in 15 minutes. 
Pixel by LabCorp They will deliver at-home testing kits at no cost to your door. Visit the LabCorp website to see your options. 
Safeway Pharmacy  They are offering at-home COVID-19 saliva tests. Visit their website to schedule a test

Give Yourself a COVID-19 Test

The District of Columbia has implemented the Test Yourself DC program to ensure the safety of all DC residents and healthcare workers. You can take a COVID-19 test at home without waiting in line at a mass testing site. You can pick up and drop off your at-home testing kit at one of the library locations below. 

Pick-up centers are open from Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. You can drop off your at-home testing kit before 8 PM, seven days a week. 

Site Location
Ward 1, Mt. Pleasant 3160 16th Street NW, 20010
Ward 2, Georgetown 3260 R Street NW, 20007
Ward 2, MLK Central Library  901 G Street NW, 20001
Ward 2, West End 2301 L Street NW, 20037
Ward 3, Chevy Chase 5625 Connecticut Avenue NW 20015
Ward 3, Cleveland Park 3310 Connecticut Avenue NW 20008
Ward 3, Tenley-Friendship 4450 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 20016
Ward 4, Petworth  4200 Kansas Avenue NW, 20011
Ward 4, Shepherd Park 7420 Georgia Avenue NW, 20012
Ward 5, Woodridge  1801 Hamlin St. NE, 20018
Ward 6, Shaw 1630 7th Street NW, 20001
Ward 7, Benning 3935 Benning Road NE, 20032
Ward 7, Capitol View 5001 Central Avenue SE, 20019
Ward 7, Francis A. Gregory  3660 Alabama Avenue SE, 20020
Ward 8, Anacostia 1800 Good Hope Road SE, 20020
Ward 8, Bellevue 115 Atlantic Street SW, 20032

Do I Need to Make an Appointment to Get a COVID-19 Test in DC?

Since the closure of mass testing sites in Washington DC, you will need to make an appointment for testing at a private healthcare facility or your primary care physician. 

What to Expect During Your COVID-19 Test in DC

During your test, you’ll receive a nasal swab, and your test will be sent to a facility to process the results. Information on how to receive testing results will be provided to you after completion at the testing site. You’ll typically receive your results within 5 to 7 days and are strongly encouraged to quarantine while you wait. 

Do I Need to Quarantine After Taking a COVID-19 Test in DC? 

The District of Columbia has recently launched the Need a Test? Get a Test. Then Quarantine campaign, which requires people to isolate themselves while they await test results to prevent spreading COVID-19 throughout the community. This will help the DC metro community stay safe while every person is tested and vaccinated.


The District ensures that everyone over the age of 12 can receive a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge. No one will be turned away or refused at any DC public testing facility. Let’s do our part to help ReOpen Washington, DC.

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