Trust your testing site
The Pima County-sponsored free testing sites listed below, and any location listed by the state at
www.azhealth.gov/testing, are licensed and trustworthy. The Pima County Health Department (PCHD) does not regulate or license testing providers.
Who should get tested?
- Anyone with symptoms.
- Anyone who has had close contact with an infected person should test at least five days after contact.
- Anyone planning to spend time with someone at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Antigen vs. PCR Testing
ANTIGEN TESTS: Fast turnaround tests that look for COVID-19 antigens, or small pieces of protein, in your respiratory tract.
PCR TESTS: Require laboratory services that look for COVID-19 nucleic acid. They typically take around 24-48 hours to provide results.
How to get free at-home tests
- The federal government has expanded the number of COVID-19 tests each residential address is eligible to receive. If you already placed an order you can now order eight additional tests. If you have not placed an order before you are now eligible to receive 16 tests through this program. Visit www.covidtests.gov to order your free at-home tests.
- Most people with a health plan can go online, or to a pharmacy or store to purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance. Insurers must pay for up to eight tests per covered individual per month. Contact your insurance provider if you have questions. As of April 4, 2022, Medicare beneficiaries may also have up to eight tests per month covered. Click here for more information about this initiative. If covered by Medicare or Medicaid, click here for additional information.
- Click for more information on how to take a self-test and to report results.
Here is the testing eligibility at the Pima County-sponsored sites below:
You CAN get tested for free:
- With or without symptoms of COVID-19
- Without a referral for a doctor
- If you've had a known exposure and are asymptomatic, don't go for testing before Day 5.
You CANNOT get tested for free:
- If your testing is needed for occupational or work-required reasons
- You have had a COVID-19 test administered at a Pima County site within the last 14 days.
Pima County Health Department self-test distribution events - no appointment needed
Pima County Health Department mobile testing events - no appointment needed
There are currently no mobile testing events scheduled. New events will be displayed here when they are scheduled.
Pima County Health Department free testing centers - appointment required
1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson
Tuesday: noon - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: noon - 6 p.m.
Thursday: noon - 6 p.m
Saturday:
7 a.m. - noon
|
Test: Saliva
PCR test offered at no cost to patient |
Appointments recommended;
on-site registration available
Register Now
Agency code: SALIVATEST |
6009 E. Grant Road, Tucson
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
|
Test: Nasal swab
Antigen test offered at no cost to patient
*PCR test offered at cost to patient |
Appointments recommended;
on-site registration available
Make appointment online now
or by phone at 520-901-2969 |
7250 S. Tucson Blvd, Tucson
(bottom level, between baggage
claim carousels 3-5)
Thursday / Friday / Saturday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
|
Test: Nasal Swab
Antigen test offered at no cost to patient
*No PCR test available
*Patients with symptoms should make an appointment at 6009 Grant location. |
Appointments recommended;
on-site registration available
Make appointment online now
or by phone at 502-901-2969 |
How can I get the most accurate results from a COVID-19 self-test?
To get the most accurate results from the rapid self-tests, especially with the rise of new COVID-19 variants such as omicron, they have to be timed right. Testing immediately after exposure is likely yield a negative test result, because the virus needs time to multiply and produce a viral load high enough that the rapid test can detect. Experts advise the best time to administer a rapid test is 3-5 days after exposure. If you have symptoms, using a self-test shortly after symptoms begin, and then repeating it 1-2 days later is more likely to yield an accurate result. If using the test before getting together with others, some health experts suggest taking a rapid test just as you arrive, instead of taking it hours (or days) before. With the rapid self-tests, it is also important to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Read more about
self-testing from the CDC.
Emergency warning signs include, but not limited to:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to wake
- Bluish lips or face
If you have a medical emergency call 9-1-1. Notify the operator that you have or think you might have COVID-19 so first responders can take proper precautions when they arrive.
If your clinician determines you should be tested for COVID-19, they may use the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory guidance to determine if your sample should go through the State Public Health Laboratory or to a commercial laboratory. The turnaround time varies at each lab (typically 3-5 days). Your clinician will get your result and share them with you.