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Department of Health Services

COVID-19 Information
County Of Sonoma › Health and Human Services › Health Services › Divisions › Public Health › Disease Control › COVID-19 › Testing
COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 testing

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or you have symptoms, request a test from your health care provider or use an over-the-counter antigen test purchased at a local pharmacy.

When to get tested?

  • If you have symptoms, vaccinated or not, get tested immediately if you’re feeling any COVID-19 symptoms.
  • If you were exposed, test within 3-5 days after last exposure and wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings and when near those at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease.

PCR and antigen tests

Molecular tests are also known as PCR tests. The PCR molecular test is accurate and usually does not need to be repeated. Average turnaround time is one to three days, depending on lab processing.

  • If you test positive with a PCR test, isolate as described on our Isolation page. If possible, you can also contact your health care provider for guidance.

Antigen tests are also known as rapid tests or at-home tests. With antigen tests, positive results are usually accurate, though negative tests may need to be confirmed. Average turnaround time is quite fast, ranging 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the test and/or tester.

  • If you test positive with an antigen test, isolate as described on our Isolation page. If possible, you can also contact your health care provider for guidance.
  • If you have COVID-19, an antigen test is no longer recommended for ending isolation after day five. IF you are fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicines) AND have no or improving symptoms you can end your isolation period.
  • If ending isolation before day 10, it is strongly recommended you wear a mask until after day 10 UNLESS you get two sequential negative antigen tests one day or more apart.

While waiting for your test results, continue to practice physical distancing, wear a face covering when near other people who are not in your household, and wash your hands often. If you do not have symptoms and have not been advised by a medical professional to quarantine at home, you may resume your normal activities. If you are experiencing symptoms, stay home, and keep your distance from others. For more information, see our Isolation page