Western UP Health Department

Leading The Community Toward Better Health

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Drive-up COVID Testing is available, by appointment, at our Hancock office location. Please click the button below to schedule an appointment and complete your test consent form. Upon arrival at the Health Department, please follow signs to the drive up window.

Who Should Get Tested?

Anyone over the age of 3 is eligible to be tested for COVID at the health department. Recommendations for testing include:

    • If you have COVID-19 symptoms
    • At least 5 days after known or suspected close contact to COVID-19
    • For screening (schools, workplaces, congregate settings, etc.)
    • Before and after travel
    • When asked by a healthcare professional or public health official

    How and When Will I Receive My Results?

    Results are typically available within 24 hours, but may take up to 48 hours. Please do not call the lab for results unless it has been at least 48 hours since your specimen was collected. You will receive your results via phone call. If you are unable to answer, a call back number will be provided.

    What is the Cost for Testing?

    Patients seeking testing for diagnostic purposes should not have any out of pocket expenses for COVID Testing. If you have health insurance, you must bring your card with you to the test site.

    COVID Testing for purposes other than diagnosis, such as travel, are rarely covered by insurance. Please contact the lab directly to discuss testing options, timing, and fees. You will be asked to pay for your test at the time of specimen collection.

    What Type of Testing is Available?

    Patient specimens collected at Western UP Health Department Office locations are processed at the Western UP Regional Public Health Laboratory, located within the Health Department’s main office in Hancock.

    Western UP Regional Public Health Laboratory provides diagnostic COVID testing via Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Methods, or (NAATs). The NAAT procedure works by first amplifying – or making many copies of – the virus’s genetic material, if any is present in a person’s specimen. Amplifying those nucleic acids enables NAATs to detect very small amounts of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a specimen, making these tests highly sensitive for diagnosing COVID-19. The laboratory does not perform rapid COVID testing.

    How is the Specimen Collected?

    When you arrive to your testing appointment, you’ll be provided with instructions on how to collect your own Nasal Swab Specimen. Laboratory personnel will be available to answer any questions you have about the test or specimen collection.