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1. What are my options for COVID-19 testing?

Most Kansans can choose to get tested at a free COVID-19 testing site or by using a test kit at home. Some Kansans may also be able to receive tests through their school, workplace, or long-term care facility. A variety of testing options are available:

• Mass Testing Sites offer free PCR testing. 
  
  
• Community Testing Partners include pharmacies, clinics, local health departments, and hospitals that have enrolled with KDHE to offer free testing. Testing may include PCR and/or antigen tests.
  
  
• Volunteer Testing Partners offer free antigen tests. 
  
  
• Local Health Department and ICATT sites offer free PCR and/or antigen testing. 
  
  
• At home tests: Individuals can also use an at-home rapid test. There are several ways to get at-home COVID-19 tests:
  • At-home COVID-19 rapid tests are now available for free from the federal government at covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233. All households are eligible to order 4 free at-home tests, which will typically ship within 7-12 days.
    
    
  • At-home rapid tests can also be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy. For Kansans with a health insurance plan, these tests can be purchased at no cost or reimbursed through your health plan as of January 15, 2022. Check with your health plan for details and keep your receipt to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. For Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries, please check with your plan or state agency for information. 
    
    
  • At-home tests may be available through federally-supported health centers, Volunteer Testing Partners, and other organizations in your community as well.  
    
    
  • Learn  how to use your over the counter COVID-19 test (PDF). Español (PDF).

2. How do I find & use an at-home COVID-19 test kit?

Kansans can test for COVID-19 using an at-home rapid test kit. There are several ways to get this type of test:

• All households in the U.S. are eligible to order 4 free at-home test kits from the federal government by visiting covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233. Kits typically ship within 7-12 days.
  
  
• At-home rapid tests can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy. For Kansans with a health insurance plan, these tests can be purchased at no cost or reimbursed through your health plan as of January 15, 2022. Check with your health plan for details and keep your receipt to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. For Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries, check with your plan or state agency for information. 
  
  
• At-home tests may be available through federally-supported health centers, Volunteer Testing Partners, and other organizations in your community.  
  
  
• Learn how to use your over the counter COVID-19 test (PDF). Español (PDF).

3. What's the difference between a PCR & Antigen test?

There are two types of diagnostic tests for COVID-19: PCR and antigen.

 PCR tests detect the virus's genetic material.

• PCR are the most accurate tests for detecting the virus that causes COVID-19.
• They are given with a nasal swab, oral (throat) swab, or by taking a saliva sample.
• PCR tests are used whether or not you have symptoms.
• There are at-home versions and point of care versions, as well as versions analyzed in a laboratory. 
• A positive PCR or other molecular amplification test result is considered a confirmed case of COVID-19.

 Antigen tests look for the presence of specific proteins found on the surface of the virus.

• Antigen tests typically produce results within 15-30 minutes, more quickly than the PCR test.
• The preferred test to use immediately before attending events where people may not be distancing or wearing masks. It's also preferred for people who need a negative test to go back to work after having COVID-19, or have recently recovered from COVID-19 and suspect that they may be reinfected.
• Antigen tests can identify people who are infectious and could spread COVID-19 to someone else. 
• They may not be as accurate, especially for people who do not have symptoms.
• Antigen tests are given with a nasal swab.
• There are at-home antigen tests as well as point of care versions. Some types of antigen tests are analyzed in a laboratory and take longer to get results.
• A positive antigen test result is considered a probable case of COVID-19. 

 For more information on types of tests, visit the FDA COVID-19 Testing Basics page. 

4. Who should get tested?

People who have COVID-19 can spread it to others even if they don’t have symptoms. Anyone who because of their job or social life has contact with the public should consider getting tested periodically, even if you don’t have symptoms or a known exposure. The following people should get tested:

• Adults and children who have symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of how mild their symptoms are and whether they have been vaccinated or not. Symptoms include:
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever or chills
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cough 
  • Fatigue 
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
• Anyone – vaccinated or not – who meets any of the following criteria: 
  • Had close contact with someone with probable or confirmed COVID-19 
  • Attended an event identified as a cluster because multiple people at the event developed COVID-19
  • Taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19, such as attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings 
  •  Needs a COVID-19 test for travel or in order to attend an event
  • Provides direct care to those at risk for infection
  • Lives or works in congregate settings such as long-term care facilities or correctional facilities, or anyone who visits residents of those settings 
  • Have an on-site testing program through their school or workplace 
  • Have been asked or referred to get testing 

5. When should I get a COVID-19 test?

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 disease, test yourself immediately. Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and anyone can have symptoms, even if you are vaccinated. Symptoms include: 

• New loss of taste or smell
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever or chills
• Muscle or body aches
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cough 
• Fatigue 
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea

• If you think you had close contact to someone with COVID-19 or may have been exposed to COVID-19 during travel, test yourself 5 days or later after your last exposure to the person with COVID-19 or 5 days or later after you return from travel.  
  
  
• If you are going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or aren’t up to date on their COVID-⁠19 vaccines, test right before you go.

6. Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

Most Kansans can choose to get tested by their healthcare provider or at a local pharmacy, by visiting a free COVID-19 testing site or by using an at home test kit. Some Kansans may also be able to receive tests through their school, workplace, or long-term care facility. 

7. What should I do while I wait for my test results?

While you wait for your test results, follow guidance for what to do If You Have or Suspect COVID-19. Isolate yourself from others and monitor your symptoms. If your symptoms get worse, seek medical care. 

8. What does my test result mean?

Generally, a negative result means the test did not detect the virus that causes COVID-19. A positive result means the test did detect the virus that causes COVID-19 and you are very likely to have COVID-19. Follow KDHE’s guidance for what to do if you have or suspect you have COVID-19. 

 Even if you receive a negative result, you should keep practicing preventive measures, such as distancing, washing hands, and wearing a mask to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

 If you are sick, you should stay home and isolate from others, even if you receive a negative test result. Talk with your health care provider to determine if you should be retested or for advice on managing your symptoms.

9. What should I do if I test positive?

Follow KDHE’s guidance for what to do if you have or suspect you have COVID-19. 

 If you test positive on an at-home rapid antigen test, please note that because these tests are not observed to ensure they were done properly, your local health department or KDHE cannot give you a letter releasing you from work. If your employer requires a letter, you will need to get an antigen or PCR test that is either done by or observed by a healthcare professional.

10. When should I test if I am already in home isolation because I have COVID-19 or am in home quarantine because I was exposed to COVID-19?

If you already tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating at home for 5 full days from when your symptoms started, or from when your positive sample was taken if you don't have symptoms, you can test yourself on day 6 if the test you were provided is an antigen test. Do not use a PCR test for this purpose.  

1. First, make sure that your symptoms have improved AND you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Then, you should test. 
2. If your result is negative, you can leave your home, but you should wear a well-fitting mask when around other people for 5 more days. You should also avoid travel and avoid being around people who are at high risk for developing severe disease. 
3. If your result is positive, you should stay home for 5 more days. 
   • At the end of the 5 additional days, you may leave your house if your symptoms have improved AND you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. 

If you already know that you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19 while they were contagious and you are in quarantine at home for 5 full days after your last exposure, you can test yourself on day 6. 

1. If your result is negative, you can leave your home, but you should wear a well-fitting mask when around other people for 5 more days. You should also avoid travel and avoid being around people who are at high risk for developing severe disease. 
2. If your result is positive, you should stay home for 5 more days. 
   • At the end of the 5 additional days, you may leave your house if your symptoms have improved AND you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. 
   • You should wear a well-fitting mask when around other people for 5 more days. You should also avoid travel and avoid being around people who are at high risk for developing severe disease.