About COVID-19 Testing at UH
COVID-19 tests are not a screening method for coronavirus, but are used to confirm suspected cases in people with symptoms of infection. It’s not necessary to be tested for COVID-19 unless you have symptoms such as fever, fatigue or cough.
University Hospitals will not test patients for COVID-19 who are asymptomatic, unless they are undergoing surgery at one of our facilities. This is to focus limited medical resources on those with the highest probability of infection and avoid unnecessary testing of people who are likely to be well.
You need to have a physician’s order to be tested at a UH facility – unless you are going to a UH Fever Clinic, where a doctor will provide an order for testing if appropriate.
UH Offers Testing Options at Convenient Locations
If you suspect you have COVID-19 because of symptoms, University Hospitals offers safe, convenient locations across Northeast Ohio where you can get tested and treated.
Patients of any age will be tested regardless of ability to pay, and no copays will be charged for the COVID-19 test.
UH Fever Clinics
University Hospitals Fever Clinics provide fast, safe medical attention should you develop COVID-19 symptoms and need to see a physician. We request that patients schedule their appointments online before coming to a UH Fever Clinic.
Walk-In Testing
University Hospitals also has walk-in testing sites for patients with symptoms who already have a doctor’s order for a COVID-19 test. Your physician will provide you with specific information on where to go for this testing.
Drive-Through Testing
At our convenient drive-through testing sites, a health care provider in personal protective equipment will swab the patient’s nose through the car door window, and the sample is sent to a UH lab for evaluation.
Pre-Surgery Testing
University Hospitals tests all patients who are scheduled for surgery or chemotherapy at other UH facilities located east, west and downtown. Your physician will provide you with specific information on where to go for this testing.
Where Not to Go for a Test
- UH Virtual Visit
- UH Urgent Care
- UH Emergency, unless you have severe COVID-19 symptoms, such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath or severe dehydration