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?

• At the drive-through sampling site (Shops at Ithaca Mall):
  • Invividuals must not eat, drink, or use any tobacco product for a full 30 minutes before the sample is taken
  • 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.
  • 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. You will be given a saliva sampling kit.
  • You will then be directed to the a waiting area where you will be instructed on how to fill your sample vial with saliva.
  • When you have collected the required amount of saliva (3 ml) you will be instructed on how to label the vial and directed to the sample pick-up stations.
  • You will be given instructions about mandatory home isolation, and you must go straight home.
• At the walk-in sampling site (412 N. Tioga St.)
  • Invividuals must not eat, drink, or use any tobacco product for a full 30 minutes before the sample is taken.
  • Individuals will pick up a saliva sampling kit.
  • There are a few private spaces on site for individuals to collect their sample.
  • Individuals may also take the kit with them, collect the sample, and return the sample vial back to the downtown location.
  • The saliva test needs a 3 ml sample and can take a few minutes to collect.

What happens while I wait for results?

• If you got tested because you are experiencing any symptoms noted above (you are symptomatic)
  • You must return home without any stops. You must stay separated from all others in your household, including children. Read more about mandatory isolation here.
  • A medical practitioner from Cayuga Health will call you to check-in and make sure you understand and are maintaining separation from others. They will also ask if you have any new symptoms, or are in need of medical treatment, and if have what you'll need during your isolation period.
  • You must remain in isolation until you receive your test results. Results have typically been available within 48 hours. Ask the medical staff at the sampling site.
  • Only in the case of an emergency, call 911
• If you got tested on recommendation by a contact tracer  (close contact with a known case of COVID-19), or a Health Alert (present during a potential public exposure)
  • You should self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of the exposure. Do not leave your home or have visitors. Do not share personal items. Wash hands often and maintain 6 feet of distance from other household members. Sleep in a separate room or area.
  • Monitor your health for possible COVID-19 symptoms. If you develop any symptoms, get tested again.
• If you got tested at the request of your employer, as an essential worker, or by personal choice, and you are asymptomatic
  • You do not need to go into quarantine or isolation
  • Continue to practice all prevention measures, including wearing a face covering when in a public place, maintain 6 feet distance from others, avoid crowds and tight areas.

How will I get my result?

• Your result will be available on the Cayuga Health Patient Portal within the timeframe you are given at the testing site. 
• If the test result is positive (virus detected) 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.
• You may be released from isolation following a negative test result and once you do not have symptoms for at least 24 hours.

What if I don't have transportation?

• 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.
• 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?

• Go online to cayugahealthsystem.org
• Call Cayuga Health Registration Line at 607-319-5708.

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