Can I get a COVID-19 test at PCC?
Yes, PCC is able to provide COVID-19 testing to anyone with or without symptoms, regardless of other risk factors or contacts. PCC is offering this testing to anyone from our communities, even if not currently a PCC patient. Same-day testing is available. If you call by 12 pm, the test can often be done the same day, pending availability.
Do I need an appointment to get tested?
Yes, testing is by appointment only. Patients who are interested in testing, or have questions about COVID-19, should call PCC’s COVID-19 hotline at 773-295-3347; they will speak with a PCC provider. Providers can speak with patients in English or Spanish.
Not everyone with symptoms needs a test; after reviewing symptoms and options with a PCC provider, patients who would like to be tested will be scheduled. Tests can usually be done that day or the next. Testing is scheduled Monday through Friday.
Where do I go to get tested?
Once you have an appointment scheduled, you will be informed of the location. Testing is performed as drive-through (or, for those without cars, as walk-up) testing at the following locations:
- PCC Austin Family Health Center, 5425 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60644 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1 pm
- PCC Salud Family Health Center, 5359 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60639 Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 pm
How do I know if I should get tested?
Anyone with symptoms, regardless of their vaccination status, should be tested. Symptoms as currently defined by CDC include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Any two of the following:
- Fever (100.0 F or higher)
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Vomiting or diarrhea can also be considered as possible symptoms
People who have had COVID-19 should not be tested again within 90 days. Most people are immune for at least 90 days, and in some people the test can be positive long after the person recovers.
What if I don't have any symptoms? Can I get tested?
Yes, PCC is testing individuals without symptoms. If you attended a mass gathering (such as a rally or protest), we encourage you to schedule a test. If you are interested in other locations for testing, on the West Side and throughout Illinois, go to http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.
Anyone with close contact with someone with COVID should be tested, especially if you are not completely vaccinated.
- Close contact means being within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period
- Fully vaccinated people should be tested 3-5 days after an exposure.
- Unvaccinated people should get tested as soon as possible after exposure, and again 5-7 days after their last exposure. They should quarantine for 14 days after their last exposure, and be tested again anytime symptoms develop.
How quickly will I get my results?
- We do lab-based molecular (PCR) testing. Results are usually available within 48 hours.
- If you have symptoms, you will be offered a rapid antigen test. These results are available in 15 minutes.
- If the rapid test is negative, we also send a molecular test to the lab to confirm the result. There is a very low rate of false positive rapid results, so if the rapid result is positive, that does not require confirmation.