Get Tested
Find a COVID-19 testing site available near you. Learn about different types of COVID-19 testing, getting your test results, and about being COVID-19 positive.
Request free at-home test kits from the Federal Government
Questions? Contact our COVID-19 Hotline.
If you have a question about COVID-19, please call our COVID-19 Hotline, available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Health Department Testing
Azova Saliva PCR COVID-19 Test
The Howard County Health Department provides PCR testing for COVID-19 using the FDA-authorized Azova saliva test kit, which is more comfortable than traditional nasal swab. Self-collection testing is administered on-site or take home test kits are available for testing on your schedule. Test results are available in 2 - 4 days. These tests may be used for routine employment testing, pre-travel testing, or school quarantine/isolation. Check with your work, school, or travel destination for more information about tests acceptable for these uses. Email and Internet access are required to receive test results and access Azova testing portal. Please note: only one test will be provided for each individual with an appointment.
Type of Test: PCR Saliva test
Email: HCHDCovidTesting@howardcountymd.gov
Azova Test Kit Tutorial Video: https://youtu.be/pVUENbolWx4
What to Expect After Completing COVID-19 Testing: Click here
If you have questions about your test or do not have your results after 4 days, please direct your inquiries to AZOVA Health at: 1-844-692-9682 (1-844-MY-AZOVA)
Testing Locations
| Testing Clinic Location | Date & Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Miller Library 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042 (Take Home Clinic Only) |
Jun. 28 4:00p – 5:30p |
Click here to register Appointment required |
|
Howard County Health Department |
Jun. 29 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (Take Home Clinic Only) |
Jun. 29 5:00p – 6:30p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
|
Howard County Health Department |
Jul. 1 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (Take Home Clinic Only) |
Jul. 5 4:00p – 6:30p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 6 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 11 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (Take Home Clinic Only) |
Jul. 12 4:00p – 6:30p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 13 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 15 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 18 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (Take Home Clinic Only) |
Jul. 19 4:00p – 6:30p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 20 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 22 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 25 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (Take Home Clinic Only) |
Jul. 26 4:00p – 6:30p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 27 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
| Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045 (On-site and Take Home Clinic) |
Jul. 29 9:30a – 12:00p |
Click here to register Clinic in the back of the building Appointment required |
At-Home Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits
COVID-19 Test Kits at Howard County Libraries
Howard County Library System will now distribute COVID-19 test kits from its six branches. Community members can get test kits at the customer service desk of each branch during open hours. One package containing two test kits will be given to each household. This is a walk-in only service, no reservations. Distribution will end when supplies are depleted. Supplies are limited.
Please read carefully as our distribution procedure for At-Home Rapid Test Kits has changed.
To apply for your free COVID test, fill out our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HoCoTests. Based on our supply, we can offer 4 tests per household once a month. The survey will close when the maximum number of requests has been received and will be reopened when additional supply is received. Tests will be mailed in 7-12 days via USPS.
If you need assistance completing the survey, our COVID Information Line can help. Call 410-313-6284 and press 1 to be connected. They are available Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.
The Federal Government has a program that provides 4 free rapid COVID-19 tests through USPS. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a 3rd round of these free at-home tests. You can request the free mailed COVID-19 tests from the Federal Government here: https://www.covidtests.gov/
Need help placing an order for your at-home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233
Rapid & PCR Mobile Testing
Rapid testing and PCR testing will be available to residents through a partnership with First Call Urgent Care and Centennial Medical Group at the following sites each week. These testing sites will help promote more equitable healthcare and ensure all populations have access to COVID-19 testing in Howard County. Contact your health plan prior to receiving a COVID-19 test to determine whether testing is covered by your plan in your particular circumstance, and where you should go for a test.
Type of Test: Nasal Swab
When & Where: Seven days a week, Click here for the complete schedule and locations.
Price: Contact your insurance company for coverage limits. Review the self-pay policy here.
Appointments: Appointments are not necessary
Phone: (443) 351-7301
6339 Ten Oaks Rd., Clarksville, MD, 21029
301-421-1214
6020 Meadowridge Center Drive, Suite F, Elkridge, MD 21075
443-776-3031
Call first or visit ouchmd.com/contact/ before visiting.
6334 Cedar Ln., Columbia, MD 21044
855-910-3278
https://www.medstarhealth.org/locations/urgent-care-columbia
Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department, 5700 Rowanberry Dr., Elkridge, MD 21075. (Enter from Bauman Drive)
443-351-7301
Merriweather Post Pavilion - West Gate (Off of Dennis Lane from Merriweather Drive) 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
443-351-7301
Howard County Fairgrounds 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD 21794
443-351-7301
9396 Baltimore Nat'l Pk, Ellicott City, MD, 21042
410-480-9110
9710 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 200, Columbia, MD
443-899-9525
5890 Waterloo Road
Columbia, MD 21045
667-214-2100
6310 Stevens Forest Rd., Suite 110
Columbia, MD 21046
443-774-0777
Website: https://capletrx.com/index.html
11605 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044
443-997-9537
9055 Tamar Dr., Columbia, MD 21045
Partnership with FirstCall Urgent Care
No Appointment required
Call 410-730-3399 to confirm availability
The Health Department does not endorse any third-party COVID-19 testing services and is only providing this list for convenience and reference.
Individuals should verify testing availability before visiting any location.
Individuals should also contact their health plan prior to receiving a COVID-19 test to determine whether testing is covered by their plan and where to go for a test.
The following people should get tested for COVID-19:
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
- People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection:
- Fully vaccinated people should be tested 5–7 days after their last exposure.
- People who are not fully vaccinated should get tested immediately when they find out they are a close contact. If their test result is negative, they should get tested again 5–7 days after their last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop.
- People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
- People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.
For questions regarding testing cost and accepted insurance, please contact the testing site directly.
For questions regarding test type administered and expected wait time for test results, please contact the testing site directly. For more information on steps to take while you wait for test results, see the link below from the CDC.
Testing at sites each day occurs while testing kit supply lasts.
Check with the sites directly to determine if testing is in progress before you go.
Please see the link below for guidance on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.
See below for Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 testing.
If you received a rapid take-home test kit from the Howard County Health Department and have not used it yet, you can verify the expiration date on the manufacturer website below. The FDA has authorized the extension of some expiration dates printed on rapid test kit boxes.
Para obtener información sobre las pruebas de COVID-19, haga clic en el enlace a continuación.
Para preguntas sobre coronavirus, llámenos a 410-313-6284.
