Testing saves lives. Testing allows people to take precautions, like isolating, in a timely manner to stop the virus from spreading; infected people without symptoms can still spread the virus. Testing also helps public health officials identify and respond to outbreaks, and to track new variants of the virus.
Anyone can get tested for COVID-19, no matter your age. DOH updated COVID-19 testing guidance as of Dec. 5, 2022, to allow the safe use of at-home rapid antigen testing for children under 2 years of age. We recommend that children under 2 years of age are tested by a parent or caregiver. Please see the instructions for use that come with the test for specific directions on testing children. For example, iHealth instructions state: “With children, the maximum depth of insertion into the nostril may be less than 3/4 of an inch, and you may need to have a second person to hold the child’s head while swabbing.”
The WA State Department of Health website maintains a directory of testing sites available in each county, with operating hours and requirements. You can also check with your local health department or district. For additional information on testing sites, call the DOH information line: 1-800-525-0127. Language assistance is available.
The current tests available include rapid antigen tests, molecular tests (both lab-based and point of care), and some home self-tests. Supply of any particular test varies according to demand and manufacturer capacity.
Before you throw away your expired COVID-19 tests, be sure to check if the shelf life was extended. This one-page information sheet has expiration details by test type, as well as helpful information on quality controls to ensure the test is working properly. You can expect the tests to continue to receive expiration date extensions as additional performance data is tracked by the FDA.
If you have questions, check out our frequently asked questions about expired COVID-19 tests (PDF).
You may need to isolate prior to taking your test and after receiving your results. See the COVID-19 Symptom Decision Trees (PDF) for information on what to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms. See What To Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19 (PDF) for information on what to do if you test positive, including isolating.
Stay home as much as possible if you have symptoms. If you test positive for COVID-19, the good news is there are steps you can take to help keep yourself and others safe. Further information can be found here: What To Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19 (PDF).