At Inova we prioritize COVID-19 testing for patients exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. Testing asymptomatic individuals is rarely performed and only under specific circumstances. Inova modifies its testing guidance as appropriate based on transmissibility, the current state of the pandemic and latest scientific evidence.
COVID-19 Testing Questions
How can I get tested for COVID-19?
- Make an appointment at a Virginia Department of Health testing site or local pharmacy
- Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 sets of 4 free at-home tests. To order your free at-home tests, visit covidtests.gov or special.usps.com/testkits
- Purchase an at-home test kit at a local retailer
Note: Do not visit the Emergency Department for testing if you are asymptomatic or are experiencing mild symptoms.
I’m worried I have COVID-19. Should I go to an Inova Emergency Room to be tested or go see my doctor?
If it is not an emergency please seek advice from your regular healthcare provider to determine if medical evaluation is needed.
If you do not have a regular healthcare provider, call 855-464-3627 to schedule an in-person or virtual visit with a primary care physician.
As always, if you develop symptoms of a respiratory infection, you should:
- Be aware of ways to manage respiratory symptoms
- Seek advice from your regular healthcare provider to determine if a medical evaluation is needed.
- Contact a local urgent care center or emergency department if you feel it is an emergency and you cannot wait. Ask for instructions regarding accessing the care site.
- Inform the operator of your COVID-19 concern if you call 911.
- Practice “social distancing” by avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.
- Put on a cloth face-covering or mask or cloth face covering before leaving your home. If you do not have one, you can easily make one from a piece of cloth and two rubber bands.
Can I get tested at an Inova Primary Care location?
Inova Primary Care is offering COVID-19 testing for established patients with moderate symptoms. An evaluation is required.
Does Inova provide pre-procedural COVID-19 testing?
Inova Pre-Procedural Testing Sites provide testing for individuals required to get a COVID-19 test before an upcoming surgery or procedure. Patients must have a physician's order and schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment using Inova's MyChart patient portal.
Please complete your pre-procedural COVID-19 test three to four days before your scheduled procedure to ensure your results are back in time. If not, your surgery or procedure could be cancelled or rescheduled.
Inova Pre-Procedural COVID-19 Testing Sites:
Inova Laboratories – Alexandria
4660 Kenmore Ave., #212
Alexandria, VA 22304
Hours: Monday – Friday, 12 to 4 p.m.
Inova Laboratories – Merrifield
2832 Juniper St.
Fairfax, VA 22031
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Are there COVID-19 services for Medicaid and uninsured patients?
Yes. All members of Northern Virginia’s culturally diverse communities are welcome at the Inova Cares Clinics for Families (ICCF) located in Alexandria (4700 King St.), Annandale (7617 Little River Tpk.), Manassas (8051 Sudley Rd.), and Sterling (46440 Benedict Dr.).
Inova Cares Clinics provide primary care services for patients who qualify for Medicaid, FAMIS or Inova’s Financial Assistance Program, and the uninsured. Inova assists patients who qualify for Medicaid with the enrollment application process. Financial assistance/charity care options will be explored for patients who do not qualify for Medicaid.
COVID-19 Services for Medicaid / Uninsured Patients
Are there mandatory COVID reporting requirements?
Yes. State law requires reporting of coronavirus infections to the Virginia Department of Health (Sections 32.1-36 and 32.1-37 of the Code of Virginia and 12 VAC 5-90-80 of the Board of Health Regulations for Disease Reporting and Control).
How do I get my COVID-19 test results?
If you got a PCR test at Inova, your results will be available through Inova's MyChart patient portal within 24-48 hours. You may also receive your test results through an automated phone call or text.
What should I do as I wait for my COVID-19 test results?
While waiting for the results of your test, stay away from others, including those living in your household. Continue to monitor your symptoms and based on the results of your test, follow CDC guidance regarding quarantine, isolation and masking recommendations.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or persistent pain or pressure in the chest, seek immediate emergency medical care.
While there is no single step to stop the spread of COVID-19, we must use the tools we have to protect ourselves and others. Get vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask, and get tested.
Can you help me understand my COVID-19 test results?
If you have been tested for COVID-19 and your results are available, please review the following information to learn more about your results and what this means for you:
LAB RESULT | WHAT IT MEANS |
"Not Detected" or "Negative" | You do not have COVID-19 |
"Detected" or "Positive" | You have COVID-19 |
"Presumptive Positive" | You should treat this as if you were positive for COVID-19 |
"Invalid" | There was an issue with your sample and you would want to treat this as a positive until you obtain further guidance from your provider. |
Download our printable guide for more information on follow-up steps
Return to Work Forms
An evaluation is required if you are in need of your provider completing a Return-to-Work form because of your health-related absence from COVID-19. Please schedule an appointment through MyChart. Virtual visits are preferred.