Coronavirus Testing in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming
Coronavirus Tests and Antibody Tests in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming
Sterling Urgent Care offers COVID-19 tests in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming at its urgent care centers by appointment only:
Antibody tests from blood draw
Nasal swab active virus tests
Our FDA-authorized rapid-result tests use a blood draw to check for antibodies. These tests can provide results in less than an hour. We recommend testing 7 days after known exposure for the most accurate results.
Please visit our state-specific urgent care pages to learn how to schedule tests. You must schedule an appointment for coronavirus testing at Sterling Urgent Care. All COVID-19 testing requires a Sterling provider consultation.
Idaho Coronavirus Tests
Utah Coronavirus Tests
Wyoming Coronavirus Tests
Products That Kill COVID-19 Virus (SARS CoV-2)
As of April 2021, the Centers for Disease Control has revised its guidance on disinfectants. In most cases, cleaning surfaces with soap and water should be sufficient to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Disinfectants are still recommended in communal settings and when the presence of SARS CoV-2 is suspected.
Clorox Bleach, Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist and Microban 24 Santizing Spray have EPA approval for killing coronavirus.
A full list of EPA-approved products, including commercial and healthcare facility disinfectants, can be found at the EPA website.
Coronavirus Testing FAQ
What tests are available for COVID-19?
There are two types of coronavirus tests available:
- A Nasal Swab Test looks for active virus in the sinus cavity. These tests are processed at a third-party lab. Periods of high demand can lead to reporting delays. As of July 13, 2020, it can take 10 or more days to get results for nasal swab tests in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.
- A Blood Draw Test checks for COVID-19 antibodies. These tests are performed at Sterling Urgent Care locations and results are usually available in an hour.
How accurate are coronavirus tests?
No single coronavirus test should be considered 100% accurate. False positives are extremely rare, and a positive test is typically followed up with a second positive test to improve accuracy.
Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on December 29, 2021, suggests that rapid antigen tests may be less effective at detecting infection with the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. Persons who test negative for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test may want to get a second test a day later if they have concerns about their symptoms or have a known exposure to someone with COVID-19.
PCR tests remain very effective at detecting Omicron and are recommended as a follow-up to a positive antigen test.
Does a negative COVID-19 test mean that I'm ok?
No. A negative test only means that there was not enough virus in your system to trigger a positive test result. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should quarantine at home for 5 days and get a PCR test on the 5th day after exposure.
If you have received a positive result from an at-home test or an antigen test, or if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, headache, sore throat and runny nose, you should get a PCR test.
Please note that rapid antigen tests may not be as effective at detecting Omicron infections. PCR tests remain highly effective at detecting Omicron.
Remember that you can be exposed any time you come in contact with other people. A negative test only confirms that you were negative at the time the test was taken. It is best to get tested immediately before any indoor activities with people from outside your household, even if you previously had a negative test result.
I believe I have coronavirus symptoms. Should I get tested?
If you have common symptoms of coronavirus (cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, fever, fatigue, loss of smell or taste, or nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, you should get a coronavirus test. PCR tests have the highest level of accuracy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the Omicron variant.
There is some evidence that symptoms for the Delta and Omicron variants may be different than those for earlier forms of SARS-CoV-2. In particular, loss of the sense of taste or smell may not occur during an Omicron infection, especially if you have been infected with COVID-19 before.
Fever, headache and sore throat are associated with the majority of COVID-19 infections for all variants. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should be tested.
I believe I was exposed to coronavirus. Should I get tested?
If you have been vaccinated and received a booster, you do not need to get tested or isolate unless you develop COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, headache, sore throat and runny nose. You should wear a mask at all times when you are outside your home for 10 days.
If you are unvaccinated or have not received a booster, you should quarantine for 5 days and wear a mask for an additional 5 days. A PCR test is strongly recommended 5 days after exposure, regardless of whether you have symptoms.
Coronovirus Fact Sheets and Resources from the Centers for Disease Control (PDFs)
General Coronavirus Information from the CDC
Answers to Common COVID-19 Questions
Will a mask protect me from coronavirus?
The United States Centers for Disease Control strongly recommends using nonsurgical N95 masks for the highest level of protection from the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. These masks are recommended for those at high risk of severe complications from COVID-19, those who work in public-facing jobs and those who care for unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals.
N95 respirator masks are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NIOSH offers an online list of approved N95 respirator masks that have been tested to meet their safety standards.
If N95 masks are unavailable, KN95 resppirator masks may be used, but the CDC warns that about 60% of the KN95 masks they tested in 2020 and 2021 did not meet filtration standards. Buyers should excercise caution when purchasing KN95 masks made in China, and when buying masks from unfamiliar online retailers or third-party companies on well-known retail sites. Counterfeit masks from major U.S. suppliers, including 3M N95 masks, have been reported to the CDC.
Proper fit is essential. Review the CDC/NIOSH guide for proper respirator fit and removal.
People may also choose to wear procedure masks, also known as surgical masks, that are well-fitting, have a nose wire or bar for a custom fit, and do not have side gaps. The fit of a disposable prodcedure mask can be improved by wearing a cloth mask, fitter or brace over the procedural mask.
Procedure masks do not provide the same level of protection as N95 and K95 masks, but they may be easier to wear than a respirator for extended periods of time.
What is coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How can I help protect myself?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.
- Wear a mask or facial covering when in public.
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet from people outside your household.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19?
If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.