Public Health Lab Assistant Abraham Jimenez receives the specimen the Central Accessioning which is the in-take area to begin the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 on March 19, 2020. Jimenez decontaminates the outside of the container, and gives the sample an accession number to coincide with lavatory information system. ( Photo Credit: Los Aneles County )

COVID-19: What you need to know about drive-up mobile testing sites

To find out if you're eligible for a test and to schedule an appointment at a drive-up mobile testing site in Los Angeles County, please click here.

Where are the testing sites located?

As of April 21, the following sites are available:

  1. Antelope Valley Mall (1233 Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale, CA 91768)
  2. Pomona Fairplex (Gate 17 - W. McKinley/Fairplex Drive)
  3. South Bay Galleria (1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278)
  4. Carbon Health - Echo Park - Walk-Up Only (2110 Sunset Blvd., Suite M, Los Angeles, CA 90026)
  5. Crenshaw Christian Center (7901 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044)
  6. Glendale Memorial Hospital (222 W. Eulalia St., Glendale, CA 91204)
  7. Hansen Dam Recreational Center (entrance on Osborne St., 11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342)
  8. High Desert Medical Group (43839 15th St. W., Lancaster, CA 93534
  9. Hotchkin Memorial Training Center (1700 Stadium Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
  10. VA Parking Lot 15 (at corner of Constitution and Davis, 100 Constitution Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095
  11. Northridge Hospital Medical Center (18460 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325 (enter on Reseda Blvd.)
  12. Lincoln Park (3501 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90095)
  13. AltaMed Medical and Dental Group — Commerce, Goodrich (972 Goodrich Blvd., Commerce, CA 90022)
  14. AltaMed Medical Group — Pico Rivera, Passons (6336 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660)
  15. AltaMed Medical and Dental Group — South Gate (8627 Atlantic Ave., South Gate, CA 90280)
  16. Long Beach City College (1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90806)
  17. AltaMed Medical and Dental Group — West Covina (1300 S. Sunset Ave., West Covina, CA 91790)
  18. Charles R. Drew Campus (1731 E 120th St. Los Angeles, CA 90059)
  19. Santa Clarita Testing Site (26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita, CA 91355)
  20. Pasadena Testing Site (1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, CA 91103)
  21. East LA College (1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754 - b/w Floral & Cesar Chavez)
  22. Avors Medical Group (42135 10th St W ste 101, Lancaster, CA 93534)
  23. Warner Center (6097 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367)
  24. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (8730 Alden Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90059)
  25. Kedren Community Health Center - Walk Up Only (4211 Avalon, Los Angeles, CA 90011)
  26. Altamed Medical Group (2040 Camfield Avenue, Los Angeles, Ca 90040)
  27. Bellflower Civic Center (16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower)
  28. The Forum (3900 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305)
  29. El Monte - San Gabriel Valley Airport (4233 Santa Anita Ave., El Monte, CA 91731)
  30. AltaMed Evaluation and Testing Site - Pennsylvania (1724 Pennsylvania Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033)
  31. Beverly Hospital (309 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640)
  32. Good Samaritan Hospital (1225 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017)
  33. PIH Health City of Bell (6480-6410 Atlantic Ave., Bell, CA 90203)
  34. Harbor UCLA Hospital (21840 Normandie Ave., Torrance, CA 90502)
  35. PIH Health Hospital - Whittier (12401 Washington Blvd., Whittier, CA 90602)

To check your eligibility for a test and schedule an appointment, click here.

How long does it take to get test results?

We estimate between 3-4 days. Positive results are shared by phone, negative results are shared through email.  During that time, it is essential that the sick person remains at home in isolation. They should arrange for others to provide groceries, medicines, etc. whenever possible to avoid exposing others.  Even if the test is negative, the sick person should remain at home until any fever has resolved and any other symptoms are significantly improved.  For more information and great resources, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov.

It's been over 5 days since my test. How do I follow up on my results?

We understand that there have been incidents in which lab results are taking longer than expected from our COVID-19 public testing sites. We apologize for the delays, and are working to eliminate them. In some instances, we have been unable to get in contact with clients due to incorrect emails or contact information.

If you have not received your results, we ask that you call or email your lab’s customer service staff to ensure your contact information is correct. Your lab’s customer information can be found at here.

How are COVID-19 testing sites determined?

The County’s priority is to open as many mobile drive-up testing sites in order to serve all residents of our communities. We are working to build a network of testing sites that are free and open to any member of the public who qualifies for testing; no one will be turned away regardless of immigration status or lack of insurance coverage. See testing sites at http://coronavirus.lacity.org/testing

Am I eligible for testing?

At this time, testing is available to all residents of L.A. County who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

What should I do if I'm experiencing severe symptoms?

If you or a family member are experiencing severe symptoms, please call your doctor. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

Can I just show up at a testing site?

No, tests are by appointment only. Each testing client must give their registration number, which is generated by the screening website http://coronavirus.lacity.org/testing.

What does the test consist of? How long does it take?

There are two types of tests: a nasal swab and an oral swab. The nasal swab is administered by trained hospital or fire department staff. The mouth swabs are self-administered, meaning clients must swab their own mouths/throats using instructions provided to them at the site. The testing process takes between 5 and 10 minutes but waiting times may vary.

What do I do if all of the appointment times are full?

We are adding more testing sites. Please check back to see when additional testing sites and appointments become available.

How far in advance can I schedule a test appointment?

Test appointments are available for the following day only.

How do I cancel my test appointment?

You do not need to do anything to cancel your testing appointment. If you do not show up, the test will be reallocated to another client.

When do I need to arrive for my test appointment?

Please arrive at the scheduled time listed on your confirmation email.

Can I have other people in my car when I arrive for testing?

Yes, but please do not expose others if you suspect you are ill. Only those with confirmed appointments will be tested.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my test appointment?

Please do not eat or drink anything 20 minutes before your testing appointment.

Are all the sites “drive-up,” or do I have to go inside a medical center?

Most of the locations are drive-up mobile testing sites, but there are a limited number of tests available at a walk-in clinic. Select the Carbon Health-Echo Park location.

Other healthcare provider agencies do offer testing inside clinics, but these sites are designed for you to stay in your vehicle for your convenience and for the safety of the healthcare staff.

Do I have to get out of my car?

No, tests will be done while you remain in your vehicle.

What if I don’t have a car?

You will still be tested. The sites accommodate pedestrian traffic, as long as the patient has an appointment.

Will each site have the same test?

No, some sites administer the nasal test, some administer the oral tests, and some administer both. It depends on the site’s staff and the kits available.

Does it cost anything to get a test?

No. There are no out-of-pocket costs to be tested.

What if I do not have digital capabilities or access? Can I still get tested?

Residents of LA County without digital access can call 2-1-1, where operators can assist with online registration to determine eligibility and appointment details.

How long does it take to get test results?

We estimate between 3-4 days. Positive results are shared by phone, negative results are shared through email.  During that time, it is essential that the sick person remains at home in isolation. They should arrange for others to provide groceries, medicines, etc. whenever possible to avoid exposing others.  Even if the test is negative, the sick person should remain at home until any fever has resolved and any other symptoms are significantly improved.  For more information and great resources, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov.

How many clients can the testing sites serve in a day?

Depending on size and medical personnel available. Sites in Los Angeles can accommodate 100-500  individuals per day.

Do you have a goal for how any tests can be performed in a day?

Our goal is to test 10,000 clients per day throughout Los Angeles County. This is based on the current partnerships we’ve developed so far.

Who staffs the testing sites?

The sites in the City of Los Angeles are staffed by the Los Angeles Fire Department. The sites located at hospitals and medical group campuses are staffed by hospital personnel. At other sites (including Antelope Valley Mall, South Bay Galleria, and the Fairplex), staff are from hospitals, healthcare organizations, Los Angeles County Disaster Service Workers, and members of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department.

Where can I get more information?

Visit http://coronavirus.lacity.org/Testing and http://publichealth.lacounty.gov