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Local Testing Sites and Member Experiences
General Testing Tips from Members
Wait times. While we’ll do our best to keep the member experiences in this article up to date, it’s important to note that lines and wait times are variable, especially with increasing demand for testing in New York City. Even if you’ve heard reports of short lines at your testing site of choice, make an appointment if you can and be sure to budget extra time when you go.
Costs. Testing is free at all HHC sites, but at other privately owned sites, there may be visit fees that may or may not be covered by your insurance. It is possible to get hit with unexpected costs. Before you go, check out this New York Times article on How to Avoid a Surprise Bill for Your Coronavirus Test.
TIP: If you can, get tested at a public site. The HHC sites are run by the NYC Department of Health, and there are also some chain clinics doing testing subsidized by the state. Very few patients have reported surprise medical bills from those testing sites (although it’s not impossible). To find public testing options, you can typically use your state health department website, 311, or NYC.gov’s testing page.
Priority testing for teachers. Testing is being prioritized for DOE students and employees. All employees should bring an ID and proof of their DOE employment status with them to get tested. Learn more and locate a DOE-priority test site HERE.
HOWEVER—don't necessarily expect to be able to skip the line even with your teacher ID. One PSP member reported as of 11/19: "I went to the 'priority testing' site in Fort Greene this afternoon and they said DOE priority does not entail skipping the line, it’s just getting your results expedited. Not sure if that’s new but I was definitely not able to skip the line."
Returning from travel. For any traveler to New York State from a noncontiguous state, US territory or CDC level 2 or level 3 country, the new guidelines for travelers to test-out of the mandatory 14-day quarantine are below.
For travelers who were out of state for more than 24 hours:
Travelers must obtain a test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.
The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test. If both tests comes back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.
Read travel advisory guidelines here, and access the Traveler Health Form here.
Wondering about the new OTC test? The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test was granted an emergency use authorization from the FDA, is expected to cost $30, and produces results within 20 minutes. Check out this article from The Conversation for more info: FDA authorized first over-the-counter COVID-19 test – useful but not a game changer.
Things continue to change rapidly. The guidelines outlined here are up to date as of November 16, 2020, but the pandemic continues to be a constantly shifting landscape. Be sure to check online and use the quick links below for the latest guidance. In particular, be aware that the criteria for testing are updated daily. As you will see on the linked health department sites, you can call ahead and find out if testing is recommended in your particular circumstances.
The New York Times has an article on What You Need to Know About Getting Tested for Coronavirus, including info on when to get tested, what type of test to get, what the results mean, and more.
Find an NYC Health + Hospitals testing site HERE.
Search for test sites near your address HERE.
Make an appointment for a rapid test HERE.
Read the CDC’s latest guidance on coronavirus testing HERE.
NYC Health + Hospitals has a dashboard that displays estimated wait times for COVID-19 testing locations that are updated by site staff every two hours. Check wait times for your location HERE.
Local Testing Sites and Member Experiences
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Cumberland (Fort Greene)
100 North Portland Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11205
844-NYC-4NYC
COVID-19 Testing and Antibody Testing Offered Here
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Member experiences:
"We have gone to both H+H on North Portland Avenue and PM Pediatrics.
That H+H location tests under 2 years. Although the location wasn't ideal for us, the staff was very helpful and it was outdoors. They were fast and efficient, no appointment needed and we got the whole family tested, including our 4 year old. Having been tested many times, I've had overall great experiences at H+H locations.
Tests came back faster from H+H, but at the end of the day, it was all pretty similar. Expect results in 2-3 days from either location." (January 28)
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"Our just turned 3 year old has been tested at the Red Hook, Cumberland and Bensonhurst H&H sites. She was 2 when she was tested. All 3 sites were really good with her." (December 18)
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"We went to N. Portland (H&H) on Sunday, with our kids. We got there about 5 minutes before it opened and there was a line. We finished the whole process in an hour. When we got out, there was no line at all. Not sure if it's only the opening time that sees a line but from what other people have commented, they've also found it nearly empty later in the morning or even afternoon. at various sites.
As for how it was for kids, mine each had a different experience. They're 4 and 6. I got tested with one, and my husband with the other. My tester - I learned after - was much more rough than the other, and I knew after my own test that it would hurt my daughter. Yet there was no pain for my other child with a different tester. Everyone was very kind, at every point in our time there, and I think this was just the luck of the draw regarding the medical person." (November 30)
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"We went yesterday to H+H on North Portland (near Fort Green Park) with our ~15 month old, and it was a very good experience!! We happened upon a very small wait (about 30 minutes with the wait, the check in, and the actual testing of our family of 3) - this was at about 10:30am on a Sunday so not sure if that is typical or it's just the post-thanksgiving lull.
Like mentioned by others, they use the small swab and I had the baby strapped on in the carrier which seemed to work pretty well so he was somewhat immobile and then I could just hold his head while they did the swab. He was also cozy being in the carrier which I think helped him feel safe / calm throughout the experience.
The only slight challenge was parking - we drove there and had to circle around a bit for a spot on the street (didn't notice a parking garage / area affiliated with the site? but perhaps we missed it). Otherwise, was very painless and highly recommend the location.
I was so scared to make our son go through this since he is little and I just assumed it would be traumatic, but he took it like a champ with only a quick squeel, and the staff and organization was amazing at this H+H site. If you are considering your options of testing, I'd reccomend this site! It was also lots of kids / families there, and they even have books for the kids." (November 30)
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"We had my 8-month-old tested at H+H N Portland. They used a short swab and were quick about it. The downside was the 2.5(!) hour wait, but we went 2 days before Thanksgiving." (November 30)
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"We took my 20 month old on Monday to Fort Greene. 1 hour wait, very nice staff and easy testing. She barely cried. I got results in 36 hours." (November 19)
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"I went today to H&H in Fort Greene today. I arrived at 9:40 and was out at 10:50. When I came out the line was much shorter, I think it would be 30 minutes.
I was so impressed, it is really well organized. I did both PRC and antibody testing. They send you an email and you need to click on a link to create an account to get your results. Expected tomorrow or Thursday." (November 16)
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"We went to H+H Cumberland in Fort Greene on Sunday at about 1 pm and waited in a long line, but we were done before they closed at 2 pm, shallow nasal swab, results within 24 hours. Very efficient, friendly place." (November 16)
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"I went to H+H Cumberland on Thursday early afternoon. The whole thing took 1h15m. I got my results Saturday mid-morning, so just shy of 48 hours." (November 16)
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“We went to H&H Cumberland this past weekend. We got tested at 11:30 on Saturday and I had results at 2pm on Sunday. My son's came in around 9pm on Sunday (even though his had the stat sticker on it). He's 13, so he has his own MyChart - I've heard there can be more confusion with accessing results for younger kids.” (November 9)
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“I went Friday and had results within 24 hours, but have heard from others about longer waits.” (November 9)
4002 Fort Hamilton (Borough Park)
4002 Fort Hamilton Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11218
Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Rapid Point of Care Testing Available Here
Member experiences:
"The NYC Health + Hospitals site at 4002 Ft. Hamilton Parkway is fully outdoors and tests children 2 years and older.
Note that their rapid testing line often closes before the site closes for the evening, leaving a regular PCR lab test as the only option." (February 2)
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"Just got the rapid / PCR combo tests at the Fort Hamilton facility on Saturday afternoon and waited about 1.25 hours. They have two lines: PCR only (shorter line) and Rapid / PCR (longer). Had the rapid results within 2 hours and the PCR came back earlier today." (December 21)
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“Just to let you know we just used the Covid testing site at 4002 fort Hamilton on Thursday and it took 4 hours to get tested. Line moved very slowly. We were there starting at 9:20 am or so.” (October 10)
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“I actually went to that Fort Hamilton testing site this week, and it took so long to get tested, nearly 4 hours! There was about 20 or so people ahead of me in line, just over a short city block with social distancing, but it would sometimes take 20-30 minutes just to move 1 person. I may have been unlucky in timing and I know they give priority to NYC DOE members, so there may have been a lot of those folks in the priority line.
On the positive side, they do give you both tests - the rapid and then regular nose swab tests, as I know the regular one may be more accurate.” (October 10)
Red Hook Recreation Center
155 Bay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
844-NYC-4NYC
Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Member experiences:
"My son and I went to Red Hook yesterday at 2.30pm - very short line, total time about 15 mins - and got our results today at 4pm." (March 18)
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"We used H&H in Red Hook two weeks ago. We went on a Friday morning. We arrived when they opened at nine, we’re out by 9:40, and had our results by one in the morning. They were great with my four-year-old - even had lollipops. You can pre-register which will save you a little bit of time when you arrive, though they’ll still have to ask some screening questions if it’s your first time. Highly recommend!" (March 18)
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"I went to Red Hook H&H on Sunday and was in and out in about 15 minutes, and had my results in 12 hours. It was super quick and you can start the registration process online now, which I found helpful." (March 18)
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"We got tested at Red Hook on Thursday 1/9 around 11 and got our results nearly 3 days later, in the early morning (3am) of Sunday 1/12." (January 14)
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"Got in and out of the Red Hook H & H covid testing center today in about 20 minutes. No line and a really nice experience." (January 12)
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"We did the red hook h&h site for my 2 year old. You can find the wait times online. My husband took my son and it was super easy, no wait at the time and short swab so he didn’t complain. Results in 24 hrs but I know that varies." (January 8)
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"We have taken our 4 year old son to the Red Hook H+H and had a great experience, besides the wait (2 hours), but this was awhile ago. We got the results in 24 HRS." (January 8)
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"Not sure if this helps but we went last night at 6pm (they close at 7 and signs say you have to get there by 630 to be tested) and there was zero line. The wait time last night as of 430 said 1.5 hours but the guard said that around 6pm is the best time to go. Good luck!" (December 29)
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"I’ve had two COVID tests performed recently at the H&H location in Red Hook. The staff has that place running like a well oiled machine. They are efficient, friendly, and the process feels very safe. They even offer you a flu shot if you have not had one. The results come back to you in approx. 24-36 hours. The first visit take a little longer, as they have to input your info into the system, however, the second time I went, I was in and out in about 20-25 minutes. For me, it’s worth traveling down there vs. standing in line forever in-front of an urgent care with your kids, especially now that it is cold." (December 19)
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"Our just turned 3 year old has been tested at the Red Hook, Cumberland and Bensonhurst H&H sites. She was 2 when she was tested. All 3 sites were really good with her." (December 18)
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"I can't speak to the rapid tests but for PCR tests the City's H+H sites are great. My daughter and I went to the Red Hook site for tests this past Saturday. We were tested at approx. 3pm and had results by approx. 11am on Sunday. And of course completely free." (December 7)
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"We got tested on Saturday around 4pm at Red Hook H&H location (10 minute wait) and 3 out of 4 of us got our results by 11am Sunday. Our last result came in at 11am this morning. Not sure why they got separated but it was GREAT turnaround." (December 7)
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"We went to H &H Red Hook on Friday morning (took less than an hour) for the PCR test. Results came in Sunday morning." (December 7)
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"We went to Red Hook at 9am yesterday. We were in and out in about 40 minutes and when we left the line was shorter. (it was raining yesterday morning so that may have had something to do with it). We got our results at 6am this morning." (December 1)
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"I went this morning to Red Hook--and arrived a few minutes before 9. Was back in a cab by 9:28. My husband went late morning and was done in about 10 minutes." (December 1)
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"Our then-17 month old got tested no problem, no eyebrows raised at Red Hook. No crying either!" (November 30)
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"I went last Monday with my 2-year-old, took me 1 hr 45 mins all together." (November 21)
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"My 2-year-old got tested at Red Hook on Monday. It was very easy and quick and she didn’t even cry!" (November 19)
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"I went to Red Hook yesterday (Tuesday) at 8:50am. Was out by 10:05am. Got results this morning (Wednesday). Very efficient and nice." (November 18)
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"We took the entire family to get tested at red hook community center yesterday: arrived there at 1:30pm, left at 3:30pm and received our results this morning at 8:30am. Quickest turn around I’ve seen yet!" (November 16)
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"Last week, took 24 hrs, it was fantastic. We went to Red Hook." (November 16)
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"I went to Red Hook at 6pm on Saturday evening. Was definitely a longer wait than a few weeks ago but was in and out in under an hour. It helps if you have an H&H account set up, that speeds up the process. Got results just before 10am the next day - impressive turnaround time. Given their service hours and better parking options, I'll be going there instead of Cumberland for the next few weeks." (November 16)
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“My 17 month old got a swab at Red Hook on Wednesday night, his second at the location. They won’t turn you away (we went as a family, so 3 tests done.) (November 13)
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It was shallow, gentle, and he was just fine. I took video to share with friends demoing just how easy it is! She was absolutely wonderful. He blinked and rubbed his nose a few times, but no tears or fuss.” (November 13)
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“Hubs and I just went to the Redhook testing center, and it was very efficient. The only thing that took a little while I was setting up our new account - their internet was spotty today. But moving forward I feel like it would’ve been a 20 minute endeavor (took about 45).
They said results come via email in 24-48 hrs.
Parking wasn’t bad either.” (November 12)
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“Went to Red Hook on 11/5 at ~3:30 pm I had PCR results on 11/6 by 1:30 PM so just under than 24 hours. I also had an antibody test done, got those results a few hours before PCR results.
My wife went the same day (11/5) a bit earlier in the day and got her results right around 24 hours.” (November 9)
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“I've been to each site [Red Hook and Cumberland] once, and got results from both in just over 24 hours. Good experience at both but I give Red Hook the edge bc the facility is way bigger than Cumberland, which allows for much easier social distancing. And they used the shallow swab at Red Hook, which was way more comfortable than the long one I got at Cumberland. (Note I was at Cumberland in late October and Red Hook last week.)” (November 9)
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“My daughters and I went to the Red Hook Center on Friday at 5:00pm . We all got the PCR and I decided to get the antibodies test (b/c it was offered). We received our all our results by 8:00am on Saturday morning.” (November 9)
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“Our family of four (including children ages 3 and 6) was tested at about 2pm this Saturday at the H&H Cumberland location. The results came in about 30–40 hours later, with our public school student child who had ‘stat’ priority oddly getting results later than another family member without a priority.” (November 9)
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“The Health and Hospitals site at Red Hook Rec center is great. No wait, everyone was so nice, and we got results in about 12 hours. Once you are in the H&H system it will be very easy to get other tests later (they have all your info).” (November 3)
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“We also went to the Red Hook center for PCR testing this past weekend. We are still waiting for our results 72 hours +. So don’t depend on 24 hour turnaround if you are traveling for the holidays.” (November 3)
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“Red Hook is still our go to spot. My husband went Thursday at 5pm and had results Friday at 8pm. I went Thursday at 3pm and had results Saturday morning at 5am. Not instant but pretty amazing considering it use to be 5 -6 days. Also there were zero people in line. I work in Red Hook and have never seen a line. The staff tells you to tell everyone you know to come. I think this is a great location and I would be really sad if it closes down. They did the anterior swab test. We had both been tested once before so we only had to verify our identity. If I was there more than 10 minutes I would be shocked.” (October 10)
Brooklyn Army Terminal (Sunset Park)
140 58th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Member experiences:
“I was just tested at the NYC H+H Brooklyn Army Terminal site, and the turnaround for my regular PCR test was 48 hours. The Army Terminal site is entirely outdoors and feels very safe.” (October 9)
Kings County Hospital Center
451 Clarkson Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11207
718-245-3131
Member experiences:
"My husband recently brought our baby to Kings County Hospital Center and had a good experience, with results in ~27 hours." (January 11)
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"We just returned from H+H's Kings County site. Our wait longer than the estimated 30m-1hr but only by a bit (1h15m). Overall the process seemed efficient (from start to finish 1h45m for 2 parents and 2 kids). We are grateful they are now doing the lower nasal swab. Results are estimated for 24-48 hours. If this is you first time getting kids tested at an H+H site, be sure to ask at intake that they link your kiddo(s) to your mycharts account." (December 23)
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"Kings County Health and Hospitals also tested my 1.5 year old two weeks ago with the shallow swab. Make sure whoever signs you in properly designates you as a proxy for your child and gives you access to their chart! At 10 AM on a Tuesday, we waited a little over an hour on line and got results in less than 24 hours (plus the several hours of figuring out how to get access to my toddler's results)." (November 29)
Bensonhurst 14th Ave
6315 14th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Member experiences:
"Our just turned 3 year old has been tested at the Red Hook, Cumberland and Bensonhurst H&H sites. She was 2 when she was tested. All 3 sites were really good with her." (December 18)
Canarsie Muni Lot
622 E 99th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11236 (aka 1389 Rockaway Parkway)
844-NYC-4NYC
Member experiences:
"I went on the time tracking site for H & H and saw that Canarsie and Starrett City had no wait times. Decided to try Canarsie. Was going to head to Starrett City if there wasn't parking. For Canarsie we were able to park on the street right at the entrance, which was great.
It was a standard PCR, all outside. No waiting at all. Took about 5-10 minutes to do the paperwork, which we verbally gave answers to someone. Shallow test, both nostrils. Very good with the kids, no crying at all. Everyone was very nice there. I highly recommend it. Hoping to get my results in the next 48 hours." (December 21)
McDonald Playground
2099 McDonald Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
4 years old and above
Member experiences:
"We were there this morning, no line at all." (December 24)
196 Albany
196 Albany Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m
Member experiences:
"We went to the Albany Ave location yesterday and it had no wait! The swab was definitely more aggressive than I thought. Not the brain scraper I had in August when my baby was born, but enough to make my eyes water." (December 24)
Former St John Villa HS (Staten Island)
57 Cleveland Place
Staten Island, NY 10305
Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Member experiences:
"Based on the wait time website, we popped over to Staten Island for a test yesterday. The wait listed for that site was 30-60 minutes when we headed there and when we arrived we were the only ones there. The testing site at 57 Cleveland Place is right at the base of the Verezzano bridge, and it only took us 15 minutes to drive there from Greenwood.
H+H has switched to the shallow swab test, and the nurse chatted my son up about Paw Patrol. It was a very easy experience." (December 24)
NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn
150 55th St
Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-630-7000
Member experiences:
"I thought it might be helpful to share our recent experience getting tested. My three year old had some cold symptoms (congestion and coughing), so we asked the pediatrician if they thought we should take him in to get tested. Given the rising case numbers, they felt that we should err on the cautious side and put in an order to get a test at NYU. The doctor put it in while we were on the phone, and when we hung up, I called and was able to get an appointment for 30 minutes later at the Brooklyn location (55th St and 2nd Ave, across the street from the hospital). We drove straight there and were in and out within 20 minutes. It is the deeper nasal swab, and my little guy cried a bit but cheered up with the stickers they gave him. They do the testing on-site, and we were told to expect results within 12-24 hours. I got the results (negative!) 10 hours later on the NYU Mychart app. It appears they only do testing with an order from a doctor, as my husband asked if he could get tested while he was there as well and they said no. But if it's an option, it was great to get an appointment and be in and out super quickly." (December 16)
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"My daughter had a Covid test there, about one month back. It was a deep nose test, and she ended up with light nose bleed. The result was fast, less than 24hr." (November 30)
Midwood Pre-K
1223 Coney Island Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11230
844-NYC-4NYC
Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Member experiences:
"I went this morning to the H+H site in Midwood on Coney Island Ave. My daughter and I both got rapid and PCR tests. It took us less than an hour and a half and we had our rapid test results by the time we got home and parked. Given my other 3 testing experiences at H+H sites, I'd imagine that we will get our PCR results sometime tomorrow." (December 7)
Kāmin Health - Urgent Care (Crown Heights + multiple other locations)
555 Lefferts Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11225
718-360-8074
Member experiences:
“I had a great experience with Kamin crown heights urgent care. They are doing the rapid with shallow nasal swab (also offer the pcr and the antibody test). They advised me by phone they don’t do the rapid the last few hours of the night so be sure to arrive before 8pm. We had four family members tested from age 5 to 50 and got our flu shots while we waited.” (October 11)
MedRite Park Slope Urgent Care (Park Slope + multiple locations)
245 4th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-407-1270
Member experiences:
"The new MedRite on 4th avenue between President and Carroll does not test any kids under 10 they just told me. You could call to confirm, but I got booted out of the line." (November 23)
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“Shiny new urgent care center MedRite Park Slope (245 4th ave) got [my rapid test] done. In/out in ~45 minutes, and they called with results an hour later.” (November 12)
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“I went to CityMD yesterday and as I joined the line that snaked around the block a passerby mentioned that there is a new MedRite Urgent Care on 4th Ave that does the rapid and PCR tests. When I arrived, there was no-one there and I was in and out in 20 mins. They called me with results about an hour later.” (November 11)
Tribeca Pediatrics (multiple locations)
Member experiences:
"We have had success testing our two year old twins at tribeca pediatrics as well as the CityMD. The former requires an appointment and takes 1-2 days to come back. The latter is a rapid test." (December 18)
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“My daughter got tested yesterday (Tuesday) at the Tribeca Pediatrics in Park Slope and they said we should get the results in 2-3 days.” (November 11)
PM Pediatrics (multiple locations)
Member experiences:
"We have also recently gone to PM Pediatrics on Atlantic. You make an appointment for the test, and the benefits of going there is that they looked at our son who had a fever at the time, so they gave a little physical as well (checking ears and chest, etc). However they weren't exactly gentle. We got more cries at PM than at H+H.
Tests came back faster from H+H, but at the end of the day, it was all pretty similar. Expect results in 2-3 days from either location." (January 28)
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"We used PM Pediatrics for both my sons (4.5 and 2) and found it to be super easy. The best part is that each child also can have their accompanying adult get tested, so my wife and i were able to test. Both times we used them we were able to get same-day appointments (Midwood location) and they even expedited the results (2 day turnaround) because the 4yo is in public pre-k." (January 18)
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"We just took my 18 month old and 4 year old to PM Pediatrics since a lot of places won't take toddlers under 2. We got a same day appointment, you just have to complete a virtual visit before you go in. We got the test on Monday and we are still waiting for results today (Friday). So that has been a bit frustrating. Otherwise good experience, we waited maybe 10 min once we checked in." (January 8)
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“My baby had the long swab at PM Pediatrics and I think it was much better than the short swab. The short swab takes longer and my baby cried hysterically when he got it. When he got the long swab at PM, it was super quick and there was much less crying. I don't think the nurse stuck it in as far as she would for an adult and seemed very deft with the swab.” (November 12)
One Medical (multiple locations)
Member experiences:
"I highly recommend the One medical testing center on Atlantic Ave for anyone in general. They have 30-day free trial and we were in/out in less than 5 minutes with PCR (Yes PCR!) results in 4-5 hours (they said 24 hours but it was much faster). We were amazed and have done this twice
With that said, they dont take kids. H&H has always been about 48 hour turnaround for us." (March 18)
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“I had tests (antibodies and virus) at the Cobble Hill location and got results back, separately, in under 24 hours and 48 hours. I believe they offered rapid, as there were two options for the virus test.” (November 4)
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“I had [a test] nearly two weeks ago at the Tribeca location and got the results in less than 24 hours.” (November 3)
CityMD (multiple locations)
Member experiences:
"The CityMD on fifth Avenue in park slope has a rapid Covid test that produces results in 15 minutes. I usually go at about 11 AM and give them my cell phone number so they can text me with an appointment within a few hours for the whole family. Once, I had to wait for five hours for the appointment, the other time, they took us right away. It just really depends on the day, hard to predict." (March 18)
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"We have had success testing our two year old twins at tribeca pediatrics as well as the CityMD. The former requires an appointment and takes 1-2 days to come back. The latter is a rapid test." (December 18)
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“We went to citymd and they tested our family (including 3 year old) with results back in 3 days over the Labor Day weekend.” (November 2)
ModernMD (multiple locations)
Member experiences:
“We went to Modern MD in Downtown Brooklyn recently and had a positive experience getting a rapid test for my husband and I, but they told us that they do not do rapid testing for children under 6 years.” (October 12)
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“All Modern MDs are doing the 15 min rapid test. I just went a week or so ago to the one in Bushwick on Knickerbocker. I got there around 8:15AM and the line was already around the corner. It was a long wait but they were kind, respectful and professional. If you test negative, that’s that. If you test positive, they will do the longer response (2 to 5 days) to confirm it.” (October 9)
General Testing Tips from Members
“Stat” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
“If you are getting covid tested at H&H and are offered a ‘stat’ sticker for your kid so they expedite the test for school, you may want to decline or hedge your bets with getting a second household member tested. My results came in about 26 hours after testing and my “stat” kid is still waiting for results (which, logically, should be identical to mine but, you know, illogical and therefore annoying).” (November 8)
“We had the same experience. I took my 3 y.o. for a COVID test at H&H, he received a stat sticker and I was told the results would be back within 24 hours. My results came back in 36 hours but I didn’t receive his results until about 5 hours after that. I’m thinking that because his results are tied to my account (and I didn’t have the sticker), that it didn’t actually get expedited. In the future I would either ask them to put the sticker on both tests or just not get tested myself (he had a cold and I wanted to confirm it wasn’t COVID before sending him back to daycare, I wasn’t sick).” (November 8)
MyChart (for NYC Health + Hospitals locations) may not be used to release results for younger kids.
“You have to phone the hotline for results for children. We need a written test result for returning to school. So we’ll have to do a rapid 15 minute test at City MD that can be printed out.” (November 3)
It’s possible to get an “inconclusive” test result.
One member asked:
“I got tested at a city facility- not a rapid test. My results are “inconclusive”. Has anyone had this happen? If so what was the reason?
I plan to go back but just wondering.” (October 29)
Members advised:
“Ouch, that sounds extremely stressful. "Inconclusive" means that you could have COVID, or maybe not. The test detected something that either might have been the virus (but not enough to be a clear indication of infection - which can happen early in an infection), or might have been contamination or the test or the testing process acting funny (they're not perfect), but from the results, the person interpreting it just can't be sure. You should definitely go back - if it was very early infection, it'll be positive now, and if it's something random, it'll almost certainly be negative. I'm not sure what the relative likelihoods of the two possibilities are, but stay calm and hope for the best. Good luck!”
“You might also get an antibody test if you suspect you might have already had it. I got an inconclusive test (when being tested for the active infection) a few months after recovering from Covid-19.”
“Here is a good explanation from CityMD about what inconclusive means.”
