I was exposed to someone with Covid-19. When and where should I get tested?
When? 5-7 days after exposure.
Because of the incubation period of Covid -19, testing immediately after an exposure is not useful. On day one after exposure, the false negative rate is almost 100%. By day four after exposure, the false negative rate drops to 67%, still very inaccurate. It's important to get tested at the optimal time, which is 5-7 days after exposure. That said, the incubation period can be as long as 14 days, hence the recommendation to self quarantine and monitor a full two weeks after exposure. A lot depends on the sensitivity of the test, however this has been improving and frequency of testing, even when less sensitive, may be a way out of pandemic calamity. On average, symptoms develop 5-6 days after exposure, however, as we all know, people can be completely infected, contagious, and have no signs of it. This is why you should not make decisions about activities or contacts based on a negative test taken shortly after exposure. Want to visit someone after flying? Self quarantine for 14 days first.
Where? You have options.
As the Covid-19 pandemic has progressed, finding available Covid-19 tests in the Tampa Bay Area has become easier and easier (luckily!). Insight Life Care offers three different testing options for our patients, all of which are done in the comfort of your home:
1. Saliva test with two day turnaround: $75.00. If you have insurance, you can submit and invoice for reimbursement.2. Blood fingerstick with four day turnaround: $175.00 This test also gives you antibody results. If you have insurance, you can submit and invoice for reimbursement.3. A tech comes to your house and does either a saliva or nasal swab. This option has a one day turnaround and will be billed directly to your insurance.
There are also many county, state, and independently run testing centers. The following information was taken from Tampa Bay Times' October 7th article "Where to get a coronavirus test in the Tampa Bay area." Click here to read the article.
HoursAppointments required. The call center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.LocationsSuncoast Community Health Centers, 313 S. Lakewood Drive, Brandon
Wimauma Opportunity Center, 5128 SR 674
University of South Florida Health Therapy Building, 3515 E Fletcher Avenue
RequirementsYou must make an appointment in advance either online at www.hcflgov.net/covidtesting or call the county’s main information line at (813) 272-5900. Anyone who wants to get tested can get a test. The test is free. No doctor’s referral is needed, and insurance is not required.
Hours8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Days vary based on site.LocationsLee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N 22nd Street, Tampa. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. Tuesday through Saturday.RequirementsTesting is done on a first-come, first-served basis. The sites can accommodate some pedestrians, but in-vehicle testing is preferred. Identification and contact information will be requested. Tests are free, and no insurance is required.
Hours8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., daily.LocationsMain terminal of Tampa International Airport, 4100 George J Bean Parkway, Tampa.RequirementsPeople must provide proof of travel within three days, such as a boarding pass or airline receipt. The “gold standard” polymerase chain reaction test costs $125 and provides results in about 48 hours. The antigen test can be processed onsite in less than an hour and costs $57.
HoursMonday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.LocationLocation provided once appointment is scheduledRequirementsAn appointment is required and can be made by calling 727-824-6900. The test is free to patients, regardless of insurance.
Hours5 to 8 p.m., Thursdays. Also on Tuesdays in Pinellas Park.Locations707 East Druid Road, Clearwater7550 43rd Street North, Pinellas ParkRequirementsAppointments are not required, but can be made calling 727-824-8181 and selecting option 0 or visiting www.chcpinellas.org
Hours8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.LocationTropicana Field Parking Lot 2, located on the west side of the stadium off 16th Street S, St. Petersburg.RequirementsYou need not be a Pinellas resident to get tested and no insurance information is necessary. Identification and a phone number will be requested. No appointments are being taken. Testing will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
HoursDaily. Hours vary by location.LocationLincoln Park, 501 17th Street East, Palmetto. 7-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4 p.m.100 Cattlemen Road, Saraosta. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.RequirementsTesting is available to anyone older than 18, regardless of symptoms, and is free to the public.
HoursThe sites typically operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., based on appointments.LocationsCVS offers testing at dozens of its locations throughout Tampa Bay, including in Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, Lakeland, Largo, Lutz, Madeira Beach, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Tarpon Springs. People can choose a location once they’ve completed an online screening.RequirementsCVS is making testing available to anyone experiencing symptoms who meets the requirements listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Patients must first book appointments by visiting CVS.com. The Tampa Bay stores have the capacity to test up to 50 people a day. All testing will take place inside a person’s car. No walk-ups will be accepted and no testing will take place inside stores.
HoursMornings, Monday through Friday. The Clearwater site is only open Monday, Wednesday and Friday.LocationsPasco: Gulfview Square Mall, 9409 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey. 8 to 11 a.m.Pinellas: Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 7 to 10 a.m.RequirementsA doctor’s referral is encouraged. If not, you will be screened while in line to see if you meet requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For patients without insurance, the cost of the COVID-19 lab test is $85. Payment is not due at testing. BayCare is working with government agencies to secure funding for patients that are unable to pay.
Hours8 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment needed.Locations408 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon26812 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater3700 US-98 S, Lakeland13610 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, TampaMore locations available.
Hours8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You must make an appointment online.Locations799 W Lumsden Rd, Brandon303 W Palm Ave, Tampa11406 US-301, Riverview3301 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa4505 Gunn Hwy, Tampa564 Channelside Dr, TampaMore locations available.