Learn more about COVID-19 testing sites available in the District.
Priority Groups for Testing
The District has identified these priority groups for testing effective April 21, 2020:
Priority 1: Hospitalized patients and healthcare facility workers with COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient. This ensures optimal care options for all hospitalized patients, lessens the risk of healthcare-associated infections, and maintains the integrity of the US healthcare system. Many of the patients in this group are currently receiving testing within hospitals and through their health systems’ occupational health programs.
Priority 2: Patients in long-term care facilities with symptoms or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient; patients over the age of 65 with symptoms or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient; patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease who also have symptoms or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient; and first responders with symptoms or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient. This priority ensures those at highest risk of complication of infection are rapidly identified and appropriately triaged.
Priority 3: Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms; individuals who do not meet any of the above categories but have symptoms; healthcare facility workers and first responders; and individuals in detention centers and individuals experiencing homelessness with symptoms. This priority will allow us to test individuals, as resources allow, to decrease community spread, and ensure the health of essential workers.
The District’s non-priority testing group includes individuals without symptoms and who do not meet the testing criteria.
United Medical Center (UMC) and University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC) Bertie Backus Campus COVID-19 Testing Sites
Why is the District of Columbia offering COVID-19 testing at United Medical Center (UMC) and University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC) Bertie Backus Campus?
The District of Columbia is offering free, appointment-required testing for DC residents, individuals that work in a healthcare facility located in DC, and first responders of DC Government that are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion, body aches, chills, runny nose).
Who can receive a COVID-19 test at UMC and UDC-CC Bertie Backus Campus?
- Healthcare facility workers with COVID-19 symptoms or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient and employed within the District of Columbia
- District residents over the age of 65 with symptoms or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient
- District residents with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease who also have symptoms or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient
- District residents with an order for testing from their healthcare provider
- First responders with symptoms or history of exposure to laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patient and employed within the District of Columbia
- Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms who are employed within the District of Columbia
- District residents who do not meet any of the above categories but have symptoms
- Healthcare facility workers and first responders who are employed within the District of Columbia
What are the testing dates and times?
| United Medical Center* 1310 Southern Avenue, SE |
UDC-CC Bertie Backus Campus* 5171 South Dakota Avenue, NE |
| Monday, Wednesday, Fridays 10 am – 2 pm | Tuesdays, Thursdays 10 am – 2 pm |
| Drive thru and walk-up | Drive thru and walk-up |
|
Vehicles should enter via 13th Street, SE and be prepared to wait between 45-75 minutes (please plan accordingly, bathrooms will not be provided on-site). |
Vehicles should enter on Hamilton St NE, turn onto 7th St NE, and enter the parking long on Galloway St NE. be prepared to wait between 45-75 minutes (please plan accordingly, bathrooms will not be provided on-site). |
* appointment required
Do I need to make an appointment?
- Yes. An appointment is required and must be scheduled through the Testing Triage Call Center by calling 1-855-363-0333.
- The Testing Triage Call Center hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
- The Call Center evaluation will include individuals answering pre-screening questions regarding their signs and symptoms.
- If the individual meets the testing criteria, the individual will receive additional information about testing and what to bring to the site on the day of their appointment.
- There is no on-site registration at UMC or UDC-CC Bertie Backus Campus. An individual who does not pre-register will not receive a test.
What will an individual need to bring to the test site?
The individual that meets the testing criteria and receives an appointment, must bring the following:
- The testing confirmation email from DC Health, via electronic (i.e., on their phone or a device) or printed copy AND,
- A valid, government-issued photo ID showing proof of residency in the District of Columbia.
- If an individual does not have a valid District of Columbia government-issued ID, they must bring any government issued ID with a bill (e.g., utility, cell phone, lease, bank statement, etc.) marked to their current address.
- First responders and healthcare workers who work in the District of Columbia will be asked to provide proof of employment (e.g., badge).
What is the process for COVID-19 testing?
You will receive a nasal swab. During this test you may feel some discomfort, including nose irritation or minor bleeding. All are normal.
What should I do while I wait to be swabbed?
- Drive-thru testing: Stay in your car at all times and keep your windows rolled up, unless asked to roll your window down for testing.
- Walk-up testing: If you are walking, please remain 6 feet from other individuals while you wait and cover your cough and sneeze.
When will my results be ready?
After testing, an individual will learn results within 3-5 days. After the test, the individual will receive a letter with the information on how to receive your results.
Who will be processing this information?
The DC Public Health Laboratory is processing the tests taken at this site. DC Health will have access to your test results. For patient privacy, results will NOT be available via phone.
What should you do while you wait for results?
Because your results are unknown immediately after testing, it’s critical you stay home. Staying home until your results are known helps stop potential spread in our community.
- Do not go to work or spend time in public places. Work from home if you can. Do not go to restaurants to pick-up or carry out food, avoid visits to essential businesses, etc.
- Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home. Stay in a specific room and if possible, a designated bathroom away from others in your home.
- Wear a facemask when around other people or pets, at home and outside.
- Wash your hands, multiple times a day, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid sharing household items like dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding.
- Maintaining your mental health while you wait is important. Certified clinicians are available 24/7 through the DC Department of Behavioral Health’s mental health hotline: 1-888-793-4357.
How is testing prioritized?
After a doctor’s evaluation, only individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms that have pre-registered will be tested. If you are not symptomatic, there is much less of a risk that you are spreading the disease and, if you are carrying COVID-19, testing could result in a false negative. Those showing signs and symptoms must be rapidly identified so that they can take the appropriate actions, including preventing further spread in our community.
Is this the only testing option?
No. This testing site expands options available within the District, and it does not replace existing testing offered by many local healthcare providers. We still encourage you to contact your medical provider by phone or online if you have symptoms. Only a doctor can refer you for testing, but remember, not everyone needs to be tested and most people can recover at home.
Why isn’t everyone being tested?
Resources for testing are limited (testing kits, staff, personal protective equipment for medical providers). Testing must be prioritized. For people who have mild symptoms, a positive test result would not change how they should handle their illness. There is currently no vaccine or cure.
If your symptoms worsen, please seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face.