COVID-19 Testing Information

• PCR Test (Molecular test): The most sensitive and specific test available. These tests use laboratory techniques in order to determine if there is any COVID-19 DNA present in the sample. Because these types of tests require laboratory analysis, samples often need to be sent to the lab for processing which is why there is a wait time to receive your results. There are a few options in the Roaring Fork Valley to receive a ‘rapid’ PCR test, which means those sites that offer it have the ability to run the laboratory analysis on their site. 
• Antibody Test: This test is used, predominantly in medical or research settings, to determine if an individual has previously been infected with COVID-19. When your body’s immune system fights off a viral infection, like COVID-19, you produce antibodies that combat that specific virus. These antibodies are also what vaccines produce. These tests are not used to determine active infection status or how effective a vaccine is. 
• Antigen Test (Rapid Test): These tests are popular because they provide results quickly, however they are not as specific or sensitive as PCR or other molecular tests. This means that they will produce more false positives and false negatives than the molecular tests. This test looks for active infections by testing for certain proteins found in the virus. Most ‘At Home’ testing options are antigen tests and they are often used for serial testing programs. In order to increase effectiveness, antigen tests should be used on symptomatic individuals and proctored by a healthcare professional. 

Should I take a PCR or an antigen test?

• PCR tests are considered the gold standard in diagnostic testing. If you start feeling ill, have a runny nose, cough, or know that you’ve been exposed, PCR is the way to go to rule out COVID-19. PCR tests are available at local community testing sites or at some schools in the form of CUE testing.
• Antigen/at-home tests are good for serial testing programs (testing multiple times per week) or for testing on day 6 of isolation if you have COVID-19 and are without fever/feeling better to ensure you are no longer contagious.

You should seek a test as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms; fever of 100.4°F or higher, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills, diarrhea, nausea, runny nose, congestion, stomach pain, or vomiting OR if you know you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. 

Vaccinated, boosted and individuals who have had previous infection with COVID-19 can all still become infected and spread COVID-19 even though the risk is lower. Please seek testing if you start experiencing symptoms even if you are up to date on your vaccination or have previously been infected with COVID-19.

Each airline, country, and event has its own requirement for testing. You should consult with the organization that is requiring testing to see what their unique requirements are. Pitkin County Public Health does not know which test is required for your upcoming travel or event. Please note, Pitkin County is a rural community, and not all testing options are available locally. There can occasionally be delays in shipping due to mountain weather. You should schedule your test with these limitations in mind.

Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s recommendations for people who are not fully vaccinated.

Pitkin County Public Health can not provide you with your test results. Please contact the provider who administered the test in order to receive your results. 

Delayed Results

Many PCR testing options require shipping samples to a laboratory, these shipping requirements can lead to delays outside of the provider’s control, such as weather impacts or road closures. Weekends and holidays can also impact test turnaround times; many laboratories don’t run samples on weekends or holidays and shipping times can be impacted. 

What to do if you test positive?

You should start isolating immediately. Please read more about Isolation and Quarantine, including the most up-to-date requirements and guidelines here.

If you need assistance please see our Get Help page

What do you do if you test negative?

If you are not experiencing symptoms, you are free to go about your day. If at any point you begin experiencing symptoms, please isolate and seek another test. If you are currently experiencing symptoms but received a negative test result, please continue to isolate until your symptoms resolve and you are 10 days past symptom onset. If your symptoms worsen, please contact your doctor and seek another test; call 911 if you experience a medical emergency.

If you received a preliminary negative antigen ‘rapid’ test but are awaiting a PCR result, you should continue to isolate until you receive your PCR results.

Looking for a testing provider for your event? Our testing site finder has an option to filter by providers who offer event testing. Here is a list of all providers currently offering event testing.