COVID-19 Testing
If you are in need of a COVID-19 test and have no symptoms, please seek out a community testing site or home test kit.
If you are very sick, get medical attention immediately. If you develop one of these symptoms, seek emergency care.
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
- New confusion or inability to wake up
- Bluish lips or face
Note there are many other reasons for seeking emergency care. Do not delay care if you are concerned for your safety. If you are unsure what level of care you need, call the Health Link Nurse Line at 540.741.1000 for an assessment and nurse advice.
Who Should Be Tested
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19.
- Most people have mild illness and can recover at home.
- There is no treatment specifically approved for this virus, although there are treatment options which have been authorized by the FDA and been shown to shorten the course and reduce hospitalization and severe disease. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, we encourage you to seek advice from your primary care doctor or our Health Link Nurse Advice Line (540.741.1000) to see if any of these options are right for you.
- Testing results may help you decide to quarantine or limit contact with others.
Decisions for testing are made by a care provider, such as your primary care doctor, emergency room doctor, or urgent care provider. If you meet the criteria for testing, your doctor will put in an order for a COVID-19 test.
How to Get Tested
You may go to Mary Washington Urgent Care for treatment if you need immediate care and to be screened for a COVID-19 test.
Please note: COVID-19 tests at Mary Washington Urgent Care require an office visit. You do not need to have symptoms to be eligible for a test, but our clinicians need to perform an assessment for each patient before testing. If you are in need of a rapid test for travel or other purposes, please check here for a testing location near you.
Mary Washington Laboratories are NOT COVID-19 test sites.
COVID-19 testing for OB patients
Upon your admission to Mary Washington or Stafford Hospital for delivery, you will only be tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms.
What if I test positive for COVID-19 upon admission or prior to my c-section?
We are taking extra steps to make our facilities as safe as possible so we can continue to provide quality care to our patients. If you test positive for COVID-19, special protocols are put in place to keep you, our associates and other patients safe. Except in rare occurrences where mom or baby have severe symptoms and need special care, such as the ICU or NICU, you will not be separated from your baby, even if you test positive for COVID-19.
Reducing the likelihood of exposure prior to delivery is the best way for you to have the delivery experience you’ve anticipated. These include wearing a mask outside of the home, quality handwashing, social distancing, and avoiding crowds especially non-essential outings or gatherings.
For questions, contact your OB or call MWHC Health Link at 540.741.1000.
What to Do After You Are Tested
- Continue self-care at home and try to separate from others in your home. If your conditions worsen, do not delay care. Call your provider or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Test results can take one to three days for results. Results will be sent to your ordering provider. MWHC will call you if you have a positive test result. All positive results are reported to the Virginia Department of Health.
Remember, there is no approved treatment for COVID-19. Many patients treat their symptoms based on their doctor’s recommendations and recover well at home. If you experience worsening symptoms, a high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any other concerning symptom, come to the emergency department immediately.
Self Care Tips
Download this self care tip sheet to help you prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to others.
Fact sheets: Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV
(You will be notified if your test uses this method.)
Healthcare provider fact sheet
Fact sheets: Aptima SARS-CoV-2 test
Fact sheet for tests for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) using
the Aptima SARS-CoV-2 test
(You will be notified if your test uses this method.)
Healthcare provider fact sheet
Fact sheets: Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay - DiaSorin Molecular LLC
(You will be notified if your test uses this method.)
Healthcare provider fact sheet
Fact sheets: BD Veritor TM System for Rapid Detection of Sars-CoV-2 - BD
Fact sheet for tests for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) using the BD Veritor TM System for Rapid Detection of Sars-CoV-2 - BD
(You will be notified if your test uses this method.)