Show All Answers

1. How do I qualify to receive the nasal swab test?

You will answer a series of questions during registration that will determine if the nasal swab test is best for you at this time. These questions cover factors such as whether you have any symptoms or known exposure.

2. What is a COVID-19 Nasal Swab (RT-PCR) Test?

RT-PCR tests work by detecting bits of viral genetic material present in a patient’s mucus, saliva and cells at the very back of their nasal cavity, where the nose meets the throat. This test involves the administration of a nasal swab that will capture mucus and secretions from your nose. This procedure is called a nasopharyngeal swab and is used to identify upper respiratory infections. These tests can recognize if someone has any COVID-19 viral genetic material in their body. This means that someone has or had COVID-19.

3. What do my nasal swab test results mean?

Results Infographic - English

Results Infographic - Spanish

4. When and where are the testing sites?

There will be several testing sites made available to the public in phases. These sites will all remain open as testing supplies allow and several time slots will be available per day.

Chester County: Click here to register

Delaware County: Click here to register

Only enclosed passenger vehicles and small vans and trucks will be permitted to enter the site. Large commercial vehicles and motorcycles are prohibited, as are pedestrians.

Only service animals are permitted onsite.

5. Do I need to make an appointment?

Chester County: Yes, each individual wanting a test must register in advance. Each individual must have a Confirmation # to access testing. Please retain this Confirmation # (printed or on your smartphone) and show it when you enter the site.

Delaware County: Individuals are encouraged to register. Walk-ups will be accepted.

No treatment or medical care will conducted on-site at any sites.

6. How do I make an appointment?

Chester County: Click here to register

Delaware County: Click here to register

If you do not have internet access:

• Chester County: Please call the Health Department to make a testing site appointment: 610-344-6225, 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
• Delaware County: Please call (610) 891-6129 to make a testing site appointment.
• You will receive a Confirmation # over the phone and must keep it for your records in order to access the testing sites.

7. What if I need to cancel or change my appointment?

Please make every effort to keep your appointment. Appointment slots are limited and we want to ensure everyone who needs to be tested has access. Due to HIPAA compliance, we cannot allow online appointment cancellations or rescheduling.

8. Who is eligible to get tested?

Testing is open to individuals who live or work in Chester County or Delaware County and meet the criteria based on county-specific guidelines.

9. Can people who live outside of the county register for testing?

Testing is open to anyone who lives or works in the County.

10. Does this testing cost money?

Insurance information will be collected to bill insurance providers as a way to help pay for the cost of the test. You will not receive a bill and will not pay any out of pocket costs for the test, even if your insurance does not fully cover it. If you do not have insurance, the cost will be covered by the County. Testing eligibility is not based on your insurance status.

11. What will I need to bring to my testing appointment?

A printed or digital copy of your registration Confirmation # and your insurance card, if you have one.

Registration confirmation will be emailed to you (or provided via phone) and will include instructions on what to bring with you for testing, testing site location address, and precautions to be taken upon arrival at the site. Each individual must complete a registration. Individuals are required to come directly to the testing site and return directly home.

12. Can I bring other friends or members of my household for testing with me?

No. Testing appointments are provided one per person. If multiple members of a household want to be tested, then each member must register for their own appointment time slot. If there are other people in your car without a registration, they will not be provided a test.

Please ensure that only household contacts come to the testing site with you. Do not offer to carpool with neighbors, friends, etc.

13. Can children be tested?

Chester County: All children ages 5 and up may be tested if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 5 will NOT be tested.

Delaware County: All children ages 12 and up may be tested if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 12 will NOT be tested.

14. Are there public restrooms available at the sites?

Public bathroom facilities are not available at the test sites, so plan accordingly as wait times may vary.

15. How do I receive my results once I get through the testing site?

If you provided an email address at the time of registration, you will receive a registration link to the lab portal. Check your portal for test results and the lab will also email you when they are ready.

Lab website: hnl.com

Patient portal registration: https://myhnlaccess.force.com/Patients/hnlloginpage

If you provided a phone number at the time of registration and did not enter an email, you will receive your results by phone within 5-7 days following your test. If you do not pick up this call, you will be called one more time by Health Department staff. After that, you will have to call the Health Department during business hours (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM).

Staff will NOT leave a voicemail with test results. Staff will NOT give results after business hours.