COVID-19 Testing in Carroll County

How to get tested:

At-home COVID test kits are easy to use and provide quick results. These kits may be more likely to give false negative results, especially in people without symptoms. Repeat testing can increase accuracy; PCR testing can confirm negative results.
Free test kits are available in several county libraries. You can also get them through your insurance or from the federal government. Check our at-home test kit page for more information (including extended expiration dates).
Test positive with a home kit? Report a positive at-home test and learn about next steps, isolation guidelines, and treatment options.
See CDC self-testing guidance

PCR tests are very accurate but take longer to get results.
Find testing sites in the state at the Maryland Testing Locator. These sites may also offer rapid (antigen) tests.
Check your nearest pharmacy for testing options. Ask about cost and insurance coverage.

At test to treat sites, people are able to get a rapid COVID-19 test and – if they test positive and treatments are appropriate for them – immediately receive a prescription and have their prescription filled all at one location.
There are a few sites in the Carroll County area. Search the Maryland state testing site.
Learn about other treatment options and how to access them on our treatment page.

If you do not have insurance, search for low or no cost community-based testing sites.

When to get tested:

If you have been exposed but do not have symptoms, get tested 5 days after your exposure.
Get tested right away if you have symptoms, so if you are positive, you can notify contacts and talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.
Before attending large gatherings or visiting people who are higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
For travel: CDC COVID-19 travel page
For work, school, medical procedures, or other requirements
Please do not go to the hospital or emergency department to get tested.

If you need assistance, call 410-876-4848, 8 am – 5 pm Monday-Friday.

When signing up for a COVID-19 test, remember to do the following:

Ask what type of test the test site is providing (PCR, rapid test, etc.).
Ask how long it will take to receive your results, and how you will receive your results (online portal, email, phone call, or another method of communication).
Check to make sure you get the appropriate documentation needed.

If you test positive, visit our Isolation and Quarantine page for isolation guidance to help protect others and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Type of test	What it tells you	How it’s done	When you’ll get results	What you need to know
PCR Test (NAAT, RT-PCR)	If you have a current COVID-19 infection Detects RNA of the virus	Nose/throat swab; saliva (less common)	1-7 days	Test results are highly accurate. Check with your healthcare provider or health department for guidance on the timing of your test if it is related to an exposure.
Rapid (Antigen) Test	If you have a current COVID-19 infection Detects proteins made by the virus	Nose/throat swab	Some may be very fast (15-30 minutes) and can be done in a healthcare provider’s office	Positive results are usually highly accurate. Results are most accurate after symptoms develop, less accurate for people without symptoms.
Antibody (Serology) Test	If you had a COVID-19 infection in the past and made antibodies to the virus	Blood test	Same day or 1-3 days, depending on test site	It does not show if you currently have COVID-19. A positive test does NOT mean that you are immune to future infections.
Self-collection or self-test	If you have a current COVID-19 infection	Nose swab or saliva	Depends on the test	If you are positive, tell your health care provider and health department and take steps to prevent spread to others. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html