COVID-19 Testing
Pima County has set up a robust COVID-19 testing system, spending more than $50 million on primarily PCR testing since the pandemic began. Over the past few months, PCHD has migrated to using Antigen based testing . This testing provides a rapid result, supporting quicker identification of cases. In addition, this testing is consistent with home and school based testing access.
PCHD is committed to vaccination as opposed to routine testing for unvaccinated individuals. The County is unable to cover the cost of testing for unvaccinated individuals whose employers require regular negative COVID tests. Unvaccinated individuals who seek routine testing based on work or occupation should be able to obtain this testing through their providers, pharmacies, and other testing options.
Through partnerships with Arizona State University, Premier Medical Group (PMG) and Paradigm Labs, Pima County is offering free COVID-19 testing, with some exceptions.
You CAN get tested for free at a Pima County testing site without a doctor's order if:
- You are age 2 or older and have symptoms of COVID-19 or do not have symptoms and are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID. Note: if you had an initial negative test you SHOULD quarantine and retest in 3 to 7 days dependent upon your vaccination status if symptoms persist. Tests can be done with a home test kit or at the County-supported test site.
You CAN NOT get tested at a Pima County testing site if:
- Your testing is needed for occupational or work-required reasons.
- You do not have COVID symptoms and are seeking a repeat test within 14 days of a previous test.
Due to high demand for COVID-19 testing, we encourage University of Arizona students and employees to schedule their free test through the University’s testing program.
There are numerous places to get tested in Pima County. See below for locations.
See bottom of page for explanation of the difference between antigen and PCR testing.
Pima County Health Department free testing centers
88 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson
North side of TEP building
Mon., Wed., Fri.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
|
Test: Nasal swab
(antigen rapid test) |
Walk-up or Registration
Register online now
or by phone at 855-452-2346 |
1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson
Monday: 7 a.m. - noon
Tuesday: noon - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. - noon
Thursday: noon - 6 p.m
Friday:
7 a.m. - noon
Saturday:
7 a.m. - noon
Sunday: 7 a.m. - noon
|
Test: Saliva
(PCR test) |
Appointment Required
Register Now
Agency code: SALIVATEST |
315 W. Irvington Road, Tucson
Tuesday-Saturday
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
|
Test: Nasal swab
(antigen rapid test) |
Walk-up or Registration
Register online now
or by phone at 855-452-2346 |
6009 E. Grant Road, Tucson
For people with no COVID-19 symptoms
Daily
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
|
Test: Nasal swab
(antigen rapid test) |
Walk-up or Registration
Register online now
or by phone at 855-452-2346 |
6011 E. Grant Road, Tucson
For people with COVID-19 symptoms
Daily
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
|
Test: Nasal swab
(antigen rapid test) |
Walk-up or Registration
Register online now
or by phone at 855-452-2346 |
7250 S. Tucson Blvd, Tucson
(bottom level, between baggage
claim carousels 3-5)
Daily
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
|
Test: Nasal Swab
(PCR test) |
Registration only
Register online now
or by phone at 855-452-2346 |
Pima County Health Department free pop-up testing
The testing done at the pop-up sites are the antigen rapid-test nasal swabs.
Review your results here, or find additional information on receiving results.
Friendship Baptist Church
850 N. 11th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705 |
Oct. 23 |
8 am - 1 pm |
At-Home Testing
If you were given a BinaxNow Antigen Self-Test by the Health Department or purchased one individually please report your results here.
Other Private and Healthcare Testing Options
The Arizona Department of Health Services is offering more than 50 places around the state, including many in Pima County, where residents may be tested for COVID-19.
Questions About Testing
Antigen vs. PCR tests
- Antigen tests are fast turnaround tests that look for COVID-19 antigens, or small pieces of protein, in your respiratory tract. These tests are not sufficient for international travel or any facility that requires PCR/NAAT tests.
-
PCR tests are tests that require a laboratory service that look for COVID-19 nucleic acid. These tests are a type of NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) and are sufficient for international travel or facilities that require a PCR/NAAT test.
People who are mildly ill with symptoms of COVID-19 and can recover at home should do so. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, fever of 100.4°F or above) should stay home and stay away from others who live in your home to the greatest extent possible.
If your symptoms are mild, please contact your healthcare provider.
If you develop emergency warning signs of a respiratory infection, get medical attention immediately.
Emergency warning signs include, but are 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.