COVID-19 testing and screening, coronavirus symptoms, PCR and antibody testing

If testing for COVID-19 seems necessary, UC San Diego Health has set up a patient-specific COVID-19 nurse line.
800-926-8273.. This phone line is open 7 days a week, from 8am to 5pm.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, talk to your doctor or call the nurse line to discuss your symptoms.
Previous Come to a hospital or clinic. Please do not enter without reservations or use the online reservation schedule. Symptoms of COVID-19 (new coronavirus) include fever, new cough, new shortness of breath, or recent loss of taste and smell.

Coronavirus screening process

When calling, the nurse asks a series of questions to assess the potential risk of COVID-19 infection. Depending on your answer, you can proceed to one of the following options:

• Ah
  Video visit With one of the providers
• COVID-19 test at drive-up location
• Emergency Clinic or Emergency Department (ER) for face-to-face assessment

COVID test and follow-up care

If you’re taken to one of the Drive-Up Coronavirus inspection locations in San Diego County, you’ll see information about where your vehicle is parked, along with another phone number to call the team upon arrival. A nurse or provider will meet you in your vehicle, give you a mask, and make the necessary assessments and tests.

A medical professional will usually call you the test results within 24 hours. Avoid staying home and contacting others while waiting for results.

If the test for COVID-19 is positive and the symptoms are mild to moderate, a referral to us will be provided
COVID-19 Telemedicine ClinicHere, you can schedule a video visit or phone consultation with an infectious disease specialist. These professionals will monitor your health and refer you to other professionals you may need. Hospitalization is usually not required unless severe symptoms appear.

For regularly updated information on UC San Diego Healthcare and Services, visit
COVID-19 information page.

COVID-19 Test FAQ

Can anyone inspect for coronaviruses?

Depending on your symptoms and conditions that may increase your risk, your healthcare provider will need to be tested. Due to the limited supply, we prioritize the following tests:

• Patients with symptoms of COVID-19, especially those who are at a higher risk of them
• Patients or employees suspected of being exposed to COVID-19
• hospitalized patient
• Patients scheduled for surgery or treatment at our facility
• Medical staff at the facility
• Facility students and trainees
• Healthcare workers in selected skilled nursing homes (in collaboration with San Diego Public Health)
• First responder

What is the difference between PCR and antibody test?

SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, has two tests. Here’s how to test:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests use nasal or oral swabs to detect the virus itself and indicate active or most recent infection. If you have symptoms of active infections such as cough and fever, you can use the PCR test to detect the virus and diagnose COVID-19.
• An antibody test (or serum test) is a blood test that looks for a person’s immune response to the virus. Antibodies are proteins made by the body to fight off viruses and other pathogens that cause infections. If antibodies are found after the test, you may be infected with SARS-CoV-2, even asymptomatic and asymptomatic. Antibody tests provide information about previous exposure to COVID-19 and are more useful after symptoms have resolved.

Does UC San Diego Health offer antibody testing in San Diego County?

UC San Diego Health can perform antibody tests. The current focus is on patient testing at UC San Diego Health recommended by first-line healthcare professionals and providers. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you need an antibody test.

Useful videos about the symptoms of COVID-19