Covid-19 And Testing
In La County
Know about different testing methods for Covid-19 and
where to go for testing in the LA County

What is Covid testing?
With the Coronavirus infection rapidly spreading through the world, if you fall sick, you might wonder whether it’s a Covid-19 infection. Testing and/or diagnosis by a practicing medical professional can tell you whether you have contracted the virus.
Two types of tests are available:
- Molecular tests can detect whether you have an active Coronavirus infection.
- Antibody tests can determine whether you have been previously infected by the Coronavirus.
Test | Type of Test | Sample used for testing | Positive Test Result means | Negative Test Result means |
PCR | Diagnostic | Swab from mouth, nose, or throat | You have an active Covid infection at the time of taking the sample | You do not have an active Covid infection at the time taking the sample |
Antigen | Diagnostic | Swab from nose or throat | You have an active Ccovid infection at the time of taking the sample | You do not have an active Covid infection at the time of taking the sample |
Antibody | Antibody | Blood sample | You have been exposed to the virus and have developed the antibodies | You have not been infected with the Coronavirus previously |

Testing in LA County
Residents of the LA County, who wish to or require to be tested, should first contact their healthcare provider. If the healthcare provider cannot make the test available, there are several centers available throughout LA County where the Covid testing is performed.
You can Check Here to locate a center near you. You need an appointment to get yourself tested. There are drive-up as well as walk-in sites available for testing. If you choose a drive-up site, your sample will be collected while you are seated inside your vehicle.
LA County Home Test Collection Program
The LA County Home Test Collection is a pilot program with Fulgent Genetics that allows you to sign up to have a COVID-19 test shipped to your home. This is the same test offered at County testing sites. The sample is collected using a nasal swab.
Molecular Test or Swab Test


Antibody Test or Serology Test
Testing Method: For the Antibody test, a blood sample is taken and sent for lab testing. The test looks for the presence of antibodies in the blood.
When you have a viral infection, your immune system produces antibodies to fight the infection. Antibody or Serology tests look for antibodies in your blood. There are two types of antibodies that the Covid-19 Antibody Test looks for:
- IgM – This is usually the first antibody produced by the body as a response to the Covid-19 infection. The presence of IgM can mean that you have recently been infected by the virus. You can still be an active carrier of the virus at this point.
- IgG – This antibody is usually developed7 to 10 days after the first symptoms of the virus appear. The antibodies remain in the blood even after the infection has passed.
Pre-requisite for Testing
No pre-requisite or preparation is needed before going in for the testing. Anyone with or without symptoms can get themselves tested without a doctor’s note.
- It is advised that you do not smoke, vape, or consume anything 1 hour prior to your scheduled appointment for the test.
- Please bring your appointment confirmation with you.
- Wear a mask/face covering while coming for the testing appointment.
- If you are above 18 years of age, carry some type of personal identification with you.


Testing Results
Typically, it takes between 1 and 3 days to get the results of your test. You will receive your test results via email or will be notified through a text, a phone call, or in some cases, mail.
If you don’t receive your results, you can call or email the testing center where your sample was taken. Here are the contact details of the testing centers in the LA County
Who should test for Covid?
The below people should get a Covid Test done:
- Persons who are experiencing Covid or flu-like symptoms
- Persons who have come in contact with someone infected with Covid
- Persons advised by their doctor to get a Covid test done.
- Persons who come in frequent contact with the public, such as those working in healthcare, public transportation, emergency services, food and grocery services, factory workers, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions
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