What should you know about COVID-19 screening?

Screening may be offered before certain procedures, in a care facility, after an exposure, or when respiratory symptoms develop. A test is designed to detect evidence of the virus in a sample, commonly collected from the nose or mouth depending on the test. The timing of testing matters: a result can be negative even when infection is developing, and a positive result should be handled according to the instructions for that test and the local setting. Cough, fever, fatigue, headache, and feeling generally unwell can occur with COVID-19, but none of these symptoms identifies the cause by itself.

Read the kit instructions before collecting a sample, use the correct sample site, and check that the test has worked as directed. Limit close contact while waiting for advice if you have symptoms or have been told you may have been exposed. Tell the clinician about symptom onset, recent contact with someone ill, pregnancy, chronic disease, and medicines. A person with reduced immunity or other risk factors may need prompt assessment even if an initial screen is negative.

Screening does not replace urgent assessment. Seek immediate help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or blue or grey lips or skin. Contact a clinician if symptoms are getting worse, dehydration is developing, fever persists, or breathing becomes harder. Ongoing cough or exhaustion after infection also deserves review, including consideration of pneumonia or Long COVID.

Ask which test is appropriate, when to repeat or confirm a result, how long to avoid close contact, and whether your medical history changes treatment options. Clarify which result should be reported to your workplace, school, or care team.