2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Cayuga Health Sampling Sites for Tompkins County Residents
Sampling Site Information
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Appointment Required: Register at cayugahealth.org/ or call 607-319-5708.
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Cost: No cost for Tompkins County residents. Non-residents may be charged a $99 fee.
Please note Sampling Site holiday hours posted on the CHS website.
Northeast: Shops at Ithaca Mall
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Location: 40 Catherwood Rd., Ithaca. Tents are set up in the back parking lot (cinema side). (Open Google map)
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Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:00 pm; Sat. & Sun., 8:00 am–1:00 pm*
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Access: This is a drive through site. Individuals remain in their vehicle throughout check-in and sampling
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Sampling method: Nasal swab
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What to expect
Downtown: Tioga St. Testing Clinic (limited capacity)
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Location: 412 North Tioga St., Ithaca
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Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm*
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Access: This is a walk-in site. Only on-street parking is available.
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Important information: A saliva sample is taken at this location. Invividuals must not eat, drink, or use any tobacco product for a full 30 minutes before the sample is taken.
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Sampling method: Saliva
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What to expect
* Extended Hours: The Sampling Sites occasionally add extended hours. Please call 607-319-5708 for updated information.
As part of our community’s effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Tompkins County, the Cayuga Health Sampling Site was opened on March 24, 2020, at The Shops at Ithaca Mall parking lot, 40 Catherwood Rd. As of September 1, 2020, testing is available and covered for all Tompkins County residents. Funds to cover expanded testing are provided by the Tompkins County Legislature.
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Register for an appointment online at cayugahealth.org, or call 607-319-5708
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Scroll down for information on what to expect at the drive-through Sampling Site.
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Need a ride to the drive-through site? Click here for info.
Who can get tested?
The Cayuga Health sampling sites provide testing at no cost to the individual who meets one of the following criteria:
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Individual has developed symptoms related to COVID-19
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Fever or chills
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Cough or difficulty breathing
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Fatigue
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Muscle or body aches
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Headache
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New loss of taste or smell
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Congestion or runny nose or sore throat
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Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
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Individual has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
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The individual’s employer, school, or other organization has a testing program through Cayuga Health
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Individual is an essential worker
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Individual is a Tompkins County resident
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Individual has an upcoming procedure at Cayuga Medical Center
To learn more about testing for COVID-19, please call your health care provider directly or the Cayuga Health COVID-19 Sampling Line at 607-319-5708.
Source: Cayuga Health Testing Criteria
Additional information about testing criteria is on the NYS Department of Health website, or on the CDC website.
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Do I need an appointment?
Yes, effective August 5, 2020, an appointment is required to get tested at the Cayuga Health Sampling Sites. Register online here, or call 607-319-5708.
What should I expect?
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(Shops at Ithaca Mall):
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Remain in your car, and wait to be directed by Sampling Center staff. You may tune your radio to 96.3 FM for information and instructions.
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At the first stop, a staff member will use a tablet to pull up your registration, and review the information you provided when you registered. Please have your I.D. ready to show.
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You will then be directed to the sampling area, where a medical professional will use a swab to take a nasal sample.
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You will be given instructions about mandatory home isolation, and you must go straight home.
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(412 N. Tioga St.)
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Invividuals must not eat, drink, or use any tobacco product for a full 30 minutes before the sample is taken.

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Individuals will pick up a saliva sampling kit.
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There are a few private spaces on site for individuals to collect their sample.
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Individuals may also take the kit with them, collect the sample, and return the sample vial back to the downtown location.
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The saliva test needs a 3 ml sample and can take a few minutes to collect.
What happens while I wait for results?
How will I get my result?
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You will be called at the phone number you provided when you registered. If your test result is negative, a staff person from Cayuga Health will make the call and provide the test result.
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If the test result is positive, you will be called by a public health nurse from the Tompkins County Health Department. They will provide instructions and will conduct a thorough contact investigation.
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You may be released from isolation following a negative test result and once you do not have symptoms for at least 24 hours.
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If you have a Patient Portal Login you may sign in to get your results at mycayugahealth.cayugamed.org.
What if I don't have transportation?
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After you have registered, call 2-1-1 for assistance. 2-1-1 is available 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. to help with transportation options to the Sampling Site.
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2-1-1 is arranging free transportation for individuals with symptoms, or known exposure to positive cases. Other transportation options will have varying fees.
How do I register?
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