[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/how-to-get-tested-for-covid-19\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/how-to-get-tested-for-covid-19\/","headline":"How to Get Tested for COVID-19 at UPMC","name":"How to Get Tested for COVID-19 at UPMC","description":"If you believe you've been exposed to COVID-19 and wish to get tested, follow these steps to get tested at UPMC.","datePublished":"2022-01-26","dateModified":"2025-08-14","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/GettyImages-1297810407.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/GettyImages-1297810407.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/how-to-get-tested-for-covid-19\/","about":["COVID-19"],"wordCount":651,"articleBody":"Disclaimer: At UPMC\u00a0HealthBeat, we strive to provide the most up-to-date facts in our stories when we publish them. We also make updates to our content as information changes. However, education about COVID-19 can shift quickly based on new data, emerging variants, or other factors. The information in this story was accurate as of\u00a0its\u00a0publish date. We also encourage you to visit other reliable websites for updated information, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and your state and local governments.\u00a0As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the need for testing is increasing.The spread of the\u00a0Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant\u00a0caused rising case numbers throughout the United States.If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested. Do not go to work or school without getting tested if you have symptoms.At UPMC, we offer testing for COVID-19. Here\u2019s how to get tested at one of our locations and what you can expect when you get there.Can I go to the Emergency Department for a COVID-19 test?If you think you\u2019ve been exposed to COVID-19 and have no symptoms or mild symptoms with no breathing problems,\u00a0you should not go to the Emergency Department (ED) for testing.\u00a0Instead, you should schedule a test at one of our designated testing locations.Going to the ED with no symptoms or mild symptoms may cause long wait times. Also, test results do not come back more quickly.If you have breathing problems or other severe symptoms, then you should go to the ED. Call 911 or visit the nearest ED if you have severe symptoms.COVID-19 testing process at UPMCIf you believe you\u2019ve been exposed to COVID-19 and have no symptoms or mild symptoms, you can schedule a test at UPMC.Here\u2019s how to schedule a test and get tested:UPMC Locations in PennsylvaniaIf you live in western, central, or north central Pennsylvania, you can schedule a test at one of our COVID-19 testing locations or at your personal care provider\u2019s office. If you live in western or central Pennsylvania, you also can schedule a test at a\u00a0UPMC Urgent Care location.You need a doctor\u2019s referral or prescription to get tested.Step 1: Get a medical order for testing.You need a doctor\u2019s referral or medical order to get a COVID-19 test. Call your personal care provider (PCP) for an evaluation over the phone. If a test is necessary, they can order a test for you electronically or with a written prescription. You can ask your PCP if they offer COVID-19 testing in their office.If you don\u2019t have a PCP, or if you\u2019re not a UPMC patient, you still can get a doctor\u2019s order for testing.\u00a0Learn more.Step 2: Schedule a test.Once you have an order from a provider, you can schedule a test. We offer testing locations throughout\u00a0Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and West Virginia.To schedule an appointment at the location closest to you, call the office or\u00a0schedule online.Step 3: Get tested.On the day of your test, bring your identification, your insurance card, and your written testing prescription if you have one.Remember to wear a mask and follow all other facility protocols. Ask if there are any testing instructions specific to that site.Step 4: Get your results.Test results may be available in 24 to 48 hours. It could be longer or shorter than that depending on the volume of tests.You can access your test results in your UPMC patient portal.If you don\u2019t have access to a patient portal, a UPMC provider will call with your results.UPMC Western MarylandFor UPMC Western Maryland patients, COVID-19 testing is available at select UPMC Primary Care offices and UPMC Walk-in Care locations.Editor's Note: This video was originally published on January 26, 2022, and was last reviewed on August 14, 2025."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Get Tested for COVID-19 at UPMC","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/how-to-get-tested-for-covid-19\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]