When You Have Symptoms:

• PCR is the most sensitive test (most likely to detect the virus if present) although results typically take 24-48 hours. This test needs to run at a laboratory and is usually obtained at a professional testing site or clinical practice, although there are also now home collection kits that can be sent for processing.
• Rapid antigen testing is also useful. This includes home test kits. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that it may take three tests 48 hours apart to rule out COVID-19. Refer to this information from the FDA for details.

After You've Been Exposed to COVID-19:

• PCR is the best choice
• Results typically take 24-48 hours.
• Follow the recommended schedule based on exposure situation.
• Rapid antigen testing may also be used if PCR is not easily available.
• Follow the recommended schedule for serial testing based on exposure situation
• Home rapid antigen testing kits are acceptable.

Testing After COVID-positive Test:

• Rapid antigen tests are the best choice.
• Two negative tests at least 24 hours apart are good indication of recovery.
• Home antigen testing kits are acceptable.
• PCR testing may be used but is not the best choice.
• Results typically take 24-48 hours.
• Positive may persist long after you have recovered and does not mean you are still able to infect others.
• Negative PCR test after COVID-19 infection is a good indication of recovery.

COVID-19 Testing Locations

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has a website, covidtest.maryland.gov that allows you to search for the closest testing site near you.

The following sites are located near UMB:

Order four free at-home COVID tests from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and have them delivered via the U.S. Postal Service at www.covid.gov/tests.

The Maryland Department of Health has a website, covidlink.maryland.gov/content/testing, with testing locations and expiration dates for at-home tests. Please visit this link for a list of local health department websites, where you will find individual locations offering free at-home tests.

Baltimore City Health Department lists a weekly schedule of vaccination and testing sites here, including Enoch Pratt Free Library locations that stock at-home COVID-19 tests.

Nomi Health Care is offering both rapid antigen and PCR tests at a mobile clinic located at 419 W. Baltimore St. Walk-ins are accepted during limited hours. To avoid a long wait, you may schedule a test on Nomi's appointment website.

Testing appointments are offered at the Student Health Center through this scheduling application for students with symptoms or recent exposures. However, the best option for students wanting to schedule an appointment for an on-campus COVID-19 diagnostic test is to call directly at 667-214-1899.

Students and employees living outside of Maryland should visit their state health department’s website for information on COVID-19 testing available in their state. A link to each state’s health department can be found here.

The mandate to provide free COVID-19 at-home tests and for Affordable Care Act-compliant health insurance to reimburse for tests or have no copay for COVID-19 diagnostic tests will end May 11, 2023.

Please read this letter to learn more about options, including for students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).