Screening and testing

Screening and testing

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Steps for COVID-19 testing

effective 9/29/20

Step 1 icon

Schedule an appointment to find out if testing is right for you

A provider can assess your situation and determine if testing is the right option for you. Use one of our virtual care offerings, or schedule in-person appointment if you:

  • have symptoms including:
    • fever or chills
    • cough
    • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • fatigue (tiredness)
    • muscle or body aches
    • headache
    • new loss of taste or smell
    • sore throat
    • congestion or runny nose
    • nausea or vomiting
    • diarrhea
  • have had a COVID-19 exposure 
    1. you have been in contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, or
    2. you have been contacted by a public health agency about an exposure.
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Get tested

  1. At an in-person appointment, you can receive a test immediately as part of your appointment.
  2. Following a virtual evaluation, your care team can direct you to one of our convenient locations.
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Test results

The fastest way to see your test results is through your Allina Health account. This free online account makes it easier than ever to review your results and communicate with your clinic, hospital and provider. Sign up for an account to learn about all of the benefits of an Allina Health account.

We take every effort to get results processed as soon as possible, but it may take up to a week to receive your test results.

How can I get COVID-19 antibody testing?

A COVID-19 antibody test has recently been approved by the FDA and Allina Health Laboratory Services.

Allina Health now offers COVID-19 antibody (serology) testing for inpatients who meet certain guidelines. In addition, antibody testing in the clinic setting may also be considered for patients who:

  • have symptoms of COVID-19 that began more than 14 days ago and:
    • had a past negative COVID-19 test result
    • have never had a COVID-19 test 

If you think you meet the criteria above, your next step is to schedule a virtual visit with your provider, who will decide whether you are a good candidate for antibody testing and who can explain your test results after they come in.

Results from the COVID-19 antibody test can help determine whether your symptoms are due to COVID-19, but cannot tell if you are immune to COVID-19.

Learn more about antibody testing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s antibody testing page.

COVID-19 testing and treatment costs

Allina Health is not collecting copays and deductibles for diagnostic COVID-19 tests. However, copays and deductibles may apply to the charge for your pre-test appointment.

Many employers and health insurers are required to pay for diagnostic COVID-19 testing. You are encouraged to contact your insurance company for specific out-of-pocket cost questions and additional charges that could be incurred at the time of service. Patients will not be charged a fee for a COVID-19 test if they are uninsured and unable to pay

To learn more about COVID-19 testing, related billing and more; visit our COVID-19 frequently asked questions page.