There are laboratory tests that can identify the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens. State and local public health departments have received tests from CDC while medical providers are getting tests developed by commercial manufacturers.
All of these tests are Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Panels, that can provide results in 4 to 6 hours.
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Here is some information that might help in making decisions about seeking care or testing.
CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but . If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, try calling your state or local health department or a medical provider.