Schedule a COVID‑19 test
Use our free patient portal, My Health Connection. For the best experience, download and access the UCHealth app.
Testing for COVID-19
- COVID-19 tests are most urgent for people experiencing symptoms including fever, shortness of breath or new cough, or for patients with a provider’s order (for example, a required test for a scheduled surgery).
- UCHealth’s COVID-19 testing sites require all patients to have an appointment.
- There are a limited number of timeslots for people who do not have symptoms but need a test for work, travel, or because they were recently in close contact with someone who tested positive. If you don’t see any available times, please check again later.
- Many insurance providers cover COVID-19 testing. Please check with your insurance for details.
For employers seeking testing for employees, learn more about our Employer Solutions Program.
Nasal swab PCR test
Detects the presence of the COVID-19 virus.
$85
Antibody blood test
Detects the presence of COVID-19 virus antibodies.
$100
Test results
- Test results will be sent to the individual’s My Health Connection account. Results will be available as soon as possible, but may take longer than expected due to high demand.
- Please do not call the lab or testing site, as they are unable to check on or share individual results.
COVID-19 testing sites
Testing site hours are subject to change. Before traveling to a test site please confirm operating hours by looking at the information below. If you are interested in additional testing options, please use the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s website to find a site near you.
COVID-19 tests
COVID-19 virus detection nasal swab test
A nasal swab PCR test can determine if someone currently has a COVID-19 infection.
For patients who currently have symptoms that could be due to COVID-19, the nasal swab test is needed for diagnosis. Antibodies are proteins found in the blood that are produced as someone fights off a virus or bacteria. The presence of COVID-19 antibodies suggests that someone has been exposed to or been sick with the virus. If a patient currently has symptoms that could be due to COVID-19, it is likely too early for them to have antibodies to COVID-19. They should have a nasal swab and if interested, antibody testing should be done two weeks after they first had symptoms.
[CPT code for the nasal swab test: U0003]
COVID-19 antibody detection blood test
A serology antibody test (blood draw) can determine if someone was exposed to COVID-19 and now has antibodies.
The antibody tests being used at UCHealth are among the highest-quality, most accurate tests available. These tests have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and meet the agency’s accuracy requirements for emergency use. Unlike some antibody tests being used elsewhere, these tests are more than 98% accurate – both sensitive and specific. “Sensitive” meaning it will be able to pick up small numbers of antibodies and “specific” meaning it will be able to pick up on the right kind of antibodies for this particular coronavirus strain, ultimately making the test more accurate and avoiding the likelihood of false positives or false negatives.
[CPT code for the antibody test: 86769]
The antibody test only shows if you have been exposed to the virus in the past. It does not check to see if you have an infection from COVID-19 right now.
Importantly, we do not know if the presence of antibodies means that someone has some immunity to the virus, or if they might be less susceptible to contracting or spreading COVID-19 in the future. People should continue to follow physical distancing, wash their hands frequently, and stay home if they develop symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of whether they have antibodies to COVID-19 or a negative nasal swab test.
Patients may choose either or both tests. Testing is voluntary.
UCHealth can help employers seeking testing for employees through our COVID-19 Employer Solutions Program.
Antibody tests must be accurate
Tests to identify COVID-19 antibodies differ from the nasal swab tests you see long lines of drivers lining up to get. Nasal swab tests look for the presence of the novel coronavirus to diagnose active COVID-19 infections. Antibody tests, though, look for specific blood proteins called antibodies which our bodies produce to fight infections. Most antibody tests use a blood draw to fill a small vial.
Because COVID-19 is so new, scientists don’t know if persons who have antibodies in their blood are immune to getting the disease, or how long any immunity will last.
But it’s important that the antibody tests be accurate. Recently the FDA acknowledged that many antibody tests currently available in the U.S. are being marketed with false or unsubstantiated claims.
The antibody tests that UCHealth provides have been evaluated by the FDA and meet the agency’s requirements for accuracy and specificity. These are among the few antibody tests authorized by the FDA.
Insurance
Please check your individual policy to learn if antibody testing is covered.
For most insurance plans, we will attempt to bill your insurance. You may be responsible for your co-pay or deductible amount. However, if your health plan denies this charge you will receive a bill for the service.
COVID-19 testing: frequently asked questions
COVID-19 testing: questions and answers
Which tests can I get through UCHealth?
UCHealth is offering two types of COVID-19 testing. All testing is voluntary. One type of test, called a PCR test, can tell you if you have COVID-19 now. This test requires a nasal swab. UCHealth is also offering an antibody test. This test can tell you if you’ve been exposed or if you were sick with COVID-19 in the past. This test requires a blood draw.
What is the difference between these two tests?
A nasal swab PCR test for COVID-19 looks for the presence of the virus in someone who is sick right now or has recently gotten better. An antibody test can see if someone has been exposed to COVID-19 and now has antibodies to the illness.
Why should I get the COVID-19 test?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 now, a nasal swab test can determine if you have COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. These signs include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Exhaustion
- Body aches
- Sudden loss of taste or smell
If you are experiencing flu or COVID-19 symptoms, take the following steps:
- Call your provider and describe your symptoms. Your provider may order a COVID-19 or flu test. If they submit the order, you can schedule an appointment through My Health Connection.
- If you do not have a provider, schedule an appointment through our virtual urgent care. That provider will determine if you need a flu or COVID-19 test. If they submit the order, you can schedule an appointment through My Health Connection.
- If you do not speak to any providers, and still want a test, you will only be able to order a COVID-19 test. The cost is $85. You may not self-schedule a flu test.
Also, some people who are not sick might need to get a COVID-19 test before returning to work.
If you need a copy of a negative COVID-19 test in order to travel or return to work, please reach out to medical records.
What if I get a positive result from a COVID-19 test?
If you learn that you have COVID-19, you should isolate yourself at home right away and contact your health care provider. You may be able to heal at home. But, you should get medical help right away if you are having serious problems like trouble breathing.
After being quarantined for testing positive for COVID-19, should I get another test after my quarantine period is over?
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 and finished their quarantine period, do not need to get tested again for up to 3 months as long as they do not develop symptoms again. People who develop symptoms again within 3 months of their first case of COVID-19 may need to be tested again, if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.
I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 in the past, but I have been recently exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Should I get another COVID-19 test?
You do not need to get another COVID-19 test and you do NOT need to stay home if you meet the following criteria:
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- Has had COVID-19 illness within the previous 3 months and
- Has recovered and
- Remains without COVID-19 symptoms (for example, no cough, shortness of breath or fever)
- If you do develop symptoms, you should immediately self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider
Where is UCHealth offering testing?
All the testing sites locations and hours of operation are located on this page.
How can I make an appointment to get a COVID-19 test, an antibody test or both?
Currently test scheduling is done via My Health Connection, UCHealth’s free, convenient patient portal.
How do I create a My Health Connection account? And how do I order a test on MHC?
Find detailed instructions on this web page.
How do I schedule a COVID-19 test for children younger than 14?
Find detailed instructions on this web page.
How do I schedule a COVID-19 test for children 14 and older?
Find detailed instructions on this web page.
Will my health insurance cover testing?
Many insurance providers will cover COVID-19 and antibody testing, but you should check on the details for your insurance plan. If you have not met the yearly deductible for your plan, you could be charged. And, for antibody testing, it’s also possible that the cost of the test itself may be covered, but that you will be charged for the blood draw.
If I don’t have health insurance, can I still get tested?
Yes, you can pay out of pocket for testing. If you pay yourself, a nose swab to test for COVID-19 will cost $85 and an antibody test will cost $100. You must use a credit card to pay for the tests.
Do I need to be a current UCHealth patient to get tested?
No. You are welcome to get tested even if you are not a current UCHealth patient. You will need to sign up for a My Health Connection account to schedule a test and get your results.
Can I come and get a test even though I don’t have any symptoms?
Yes. COVID-19 tests are available for people experiencing symptoms, for patients with a provider’s order, and for people who need a test for work, travel or because they were recently in close contact with someone who tested positive.
How long will it take to get my results?
Results will be available within approximately 72 hours, but may take longer than expected due to high demand and/or processing times.
Will my test results be used for research?
Your test results are private. But researchers may use anonymous testing data to find how widely COVID-19 has spread throughout the community and to assist public health experts and government leaders as they try minimize the spread of COVID-19.
What should I do while I wait for results?
If you were tested because of symptoms or an exposure, you should stay in your home (isolation or quarantine) while you wait for your results. This is important because other people, including elderly and those with major medical problems, are more at risk to get severe symptoms from this infection if they are exposed.
If you had symptoms and were seen in a clinic, urgent care or emergency department, you are well enough to go home today. Treat your symptoms with fluids by mouth and over-the-counter medicine.
If your symptoms get worse, call your provider or go to the emergency room. Make sure to let your health care providers know that you have been tested for COVID-19.
Where can I find my results?
Results will be sent to your My Health Connection account. Results will be available within approximately 72 hours, but may take longer than expected due to high demand and/or processing times. Positive and negative results are shown. Please do not call the lab or testing site, as they are unable to check on or share individual results.
If your result is positive (you have the virus), and you don’t have My Health Connection or have not viewed your results, you will be called.
What if I don’t have a phone?
If we cannot contact you by phone, we will send you a letter with your results.
I took a COVID test today and I received my test results. I have questions about my results.
You were given instructions when you arrived for your test. These instructions included information on what to do if you test positive. If you still have questions, please call your primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, we recommend you schedule a Virtual Urgent Care appointment.
Visit https://www.uchealth.org/services/virtual-urgent-care/
I took a COVID test several days ago and I have not received my results. I need them to return to work or travel to a foreign country.
We’re sorry it’s taking so long. The time it takes to get results back depends on how many other people have also taken tests. Rest assured, your results will be posted as soon as the laboratory completes them. Thanks for your patience.
Can I get a rapid test?
We do not have rapid tests available for most patients. Most test results are back within 24-72 hours. If you were tested because of symptoms or an exposure, you should stay in your home (isolation or quarantine) while you wait for your results. This is important because other people, including elderly and those with major medical problems, are more at risk to get severe symptoms from this infection if they are exposed.
If your symptoms get worse, call your provider or go to the emergency room. Make sure to let your health care providers know that you have been tested for COVID-19.
My surgery or procedure is in the morning and I have not taken the test or I have not received my results? Can I still come to the hospital?
Yes, you can still come to the hospital for your surgery. We recommend patients be tested for COVID-19 at 2-5 days before their scheduled procedure or surgery. This is to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and all of our staff. Patients who do not get the required testing may have their surgery or procedure delayed or canceled. If you have questions, please call your provider.
How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19?
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Stay at least six feet away from people in public.
- Stay home if you are sick.
If you need medical advice, please contact your provider.
What are antibodies?
When we get infections, our bodies create proteins to fight infections. These are called antibodies.
How long does it take for a person to create antibodies?
It can take days or weeks for a person to develop antibodies.
How long do antibodies to COVID-19 last?
Researchers don’t know yet how long antibodies to COVID-19 last or whether they protect people from getting sick in the future.
Why should I get an antibody test?
An antibody test can tell you if you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. If you test positive and you have fully recovered from COVID-19, you might be able to donate what’s known as convalescent plasma to patients who are currently sick with COVID-19.
Also, results from antibody tests might help medical experts understand how widely the new coronavirus has spread in our communities. But, it’s important to know that a positive test result to an antibody test does not mean you are safe (immune) from getting COVID-19 in the future. Researchers are still working to understand how protective these antibodies to COVID-19 will be.
If I get a positive test result from an antibody test, what does that mean?
Since COVID-19 is such a new illness, medical experts are still learning how COVID-19 antibodies work. If your test shows that you have antibodies (a positive result), that means that it’s likely you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. But, a positive result does not mean you are immune or less likely to get COVID-19 in the future.
Even if your results from an antibody test are positive, you should still follow social distancing guidelines. These include:
- Stay at least six feet away from people outside of your household.
- Wash your hands often.
- Wear a mask in public.
- Stay home if you’re sick.
I heard antibody tests can be inaccurate. Is that true?
Yes, there are many commercial antibody tests found at drug stores, labs and at medical facilities. Many of these tests are not accurate and have not been authorized by the FDA. UCHealth is only offering tests that our medical experts have tested and verified. UCHealth COVID-19 tests are high-quality, accurate, FDA-authorized tests.
What if I get an antibody test elsewhere?
You should be very careful about the type of antibody test you get. If you get tested outside of UCHealth, ask questions about the type of test you will be getting. UCHealth experts found that antibody tests that only required a finger prick were not accurate. You will want an antibody test that:
- Requires a full blood draw.
- Has been tested and proven to be accurate.
- Is approved by the FDA.
Why is an inaccurate antibody test concerning?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is what’s known as a coronavirus. These viruses are very common, and some are not dangerous. A different type of coronavirus causes the common cold. An inaccurate antibody test might find antibodies to other common coronaviruses. If you get results from an inaccurate antibody test, you might wrongly believe you have immunities to COVID-19.
Regardless or the results you get from any antibody test, do not assume that you are immune from COVID-19. This illness is serious and can cause people to become critically ill. Please take all precautions to protect yourself and others from getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
COVID-19 testing sites
Testing site hours are subject to change.
Metro Denver
UCHealth Laboratory – Smoky Hill Testing Center, 25551 E. Smoky Hill Rd. Aurora, CO 80016
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- COVID-19 testing and antibody testing, age 2+
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week
- Drive-thru only. Located at the southeast corner of the King Soopers shopping center.
UCHealth Laboratory – University of Colorado Hospital Anschutz,12605 E. 16th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045
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- COVID-19 and antibody testing, age 2+
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week
- Drive-thru only. Located at the main entrance of the hospital (Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion, or AIP).
UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital,1500 Park Central Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
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- COVID-19 and antibody testing, age 2+
- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week
- Drive-thru only. Located at the southeast corner of Parking Lot 5. Please take Lucent onto Park Central Drive.
Metro Denver antibody testing sites only:
UCHealth Laboratory – Broomfield Hospital, 11820 Destination Drive, Broomfield CO 80021
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
UCHealth Urgent Care – Steele Street, 311 Steele St., Denver, CO 80206
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
UCHealth Urgent Care – Thornton, 13631 Colorado Blvd., Thornton, CO 80602
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
UCHealth Urgent Care – Sterling Ranch, 8155 Piney River Ave., Littleton, CO 80125
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 6 p.m Saturday – Sunday
UCHealth Urgent Care – Quincy, 16951 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora, CO 80015
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 6 p.m Saturday – Sunday
UCHealth Urgent Care – Arvada West, 15240 W. 64th Ave., Arvada, CO 80007
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 6 p.m Saturday – Sunday
UCHealth Urgent Care – Highlands Ranch, 9475 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 6 p.m Saturday – Sunday
UCHealth Urgent Care – Castle Rock, 4404 Barranca Lane, Castle Rock CO 80104
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
Southern Colorado
UCHealth Laboratory – Parkside, 2050 Kidskare Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
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- COVID-19 and antibody testing site
- 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday
- Drive-thru only. Tent is located in the parking lot due east of the Printers Park Medical Plaza.
UCHealth Laboratory – Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909
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- COVID-19 and antibody testing site
- 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Drive-thru only. Tent is located outside the Emergency Department entrance at Memorial Hospital Central. Enter using Children’s View. Follow signs for “Lab Blood Draw.”
UCHealth Laboratory – Memorial Hospital North, 4050 Briargate Pkwy., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
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- COVID-19 and antibody testing site
- 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Drive-thru only. Tent is located in the parking lot of Memorial Hospital North Radiation Oncology. Enter using N. Union Blvd. Follow signs for “Lab Blood Draw.”
Southern Colorado antibody testing sites only:
UCHealth Laboratory – Printers Park, 175 S. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910
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- Antibody testing only
- 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday
UCHealth Laboratory – Briargate, 8890 N. Union Parkway, Colorado Springs CO 80920
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- Antibody testing only
- 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday; 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday
UCHealth Laboratory – Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, 16420 W. Highway 24, Woodland Park CO 80863
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- Antibody testing only
- 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
UCHealth Urgent Care – Voyager, 13445 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
UCHealth Urgent Care – Garden of the Gods, 1035 Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
UCHealth Urgent Care – Powers, 4323 Integrity Center Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80917
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
UCHealth Urgent Care – Falcon, 11605 Meridian Market View, Suite 184, Falcon, CO 80831
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
Northern Colorado
UCHealth Laboratory – Harmony Campus, 4630 Snow Mesa Dr., Fort Collins, CO (corner of Harmony Rd. & Snow Mesa)
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- COVID-19 and antibody testing site
- NEW: winter hours 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Drive-thru (COVID-19 and antibody tests); inside lab (antibody tests only).
- For Drive-thru M – F, first hour of the day is reserved for pre-op patients; appointments start at 10 a.m.
- Please enter the drive-thru off of Corbett Drive and proceed south. Turn right on Timberwood Drive, which will turn into Snow Mesa Drive, then turn right into the collection site.
UCHealth Laboratory – The Ranch, 5380 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538
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- COVID-19 and antibody testing site
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- CLOSED on Wednesdays
- CLOSED on these Saturdays: April 3, 10, 17, and 24
- Enter The Ranch via the north entrance off of Fairgrounds Avenue (Larimer County Road 5) and follow the signs to the testing area.
UCHealth Primary Care – Estes Park, 131 Stanley Ave., Estes Park CO 80517
This location is closed for the winter.
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- COVID-19 and Antibody (serology) testing site.
- Drive-thru only. Please enter off of Highway 7 at The Ridgeline Hotel entrance.
UCHealth Laboratory – Main Street, 2101 Main St., Longmont CO 80501
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- COVID-19 and antibody (serology) testing site.
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday.
- Drive-thru only. Located in the north parking lot of UCHealth Urgent Care.
Northern Colorado antibody testing sites only:
UCHealth Laboratory – Poudre Valley Hospital, 1024 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524
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- Antibody testing only
- 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
UCHealth Laboratory – Garfield, 1025 Garfield St., Suite C, Fort Collins, CO 80524
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- Antibody testing only
- 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
UCHealth Laboratory – Windsor, 1455 Main St., Suite 130, Windsor CO 80550
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- Antibody testing only
- 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday (closed 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.)
UCHealth Laboratory – Greeley Midtown, 1900 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80632
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- Antibody testing only
- 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday
UCHealth Laboratory – Greeley Hospital, 6767 W. 29th St., Greeley, CO 80634
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- Antibody testing only
- 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
UCHealth Laboratory – Greeley Emergency and Surgery Center, 6906 W 10th St., Greeley CO 80634
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- Antibody testing only
- 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily
UCHealth Laboratory – Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., Loveland, CO 80538
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- Antibody testing only
- Located inside of Medical Center of the Rockies
- 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
UCHealth Laboratory – Longs Peak Hospital, 1750 E. Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, CO 80504
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- Antibody testing only
- 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
UCHealth Laboratory – Longmont, 1925 Mountain View Avenue, Longmont CO 80501
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- Antibody testing only
- 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday
UCHealth Laboratory – Firestone, 11083 Colorado Blvd, Firestone CO 80504
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- Antibody testing only
- 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
UCHealth Urgent Care – Loveland, 3850 N. Grant Ave., Suite 200, Loveland CO 80538
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
UCHealth Urgent Care – Harmony Campus, 2127 E. Harmony Rd., Suite 140, Fort Collins CO 80528
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
UCHealth Urgent Care – Greeley Midtown, 1900 16th St., Greeley CO 80631
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- Antibody testing only
- 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily
UCHealth Urgent Care – Firestone, 5965 Firestone Blvd., Building B, Firestone CO 80504
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- Antibody testing only
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 6 p.m Saturday and Sunday
Steamboat Springs
UCHealth Laboratory – Yampa Valley Medical Center, 940 Central Park Drive, Steamboat Springs CO 80487
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- COVID-19 testing by appointment only. Call 970.875.2686 or self-schedule via My Health Connection.
- 1 – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday; 9 – 11 a.m. Monday, Friday, and Saturday. Closed Sunday.
- COVID-19 testing drive-thru only, located in the West Lot. Turn to the Medical Office Building and follow the signs for the UCHealth COVID-19 Testing Center located in the northwest corner.
UCHealth Laboratory – Yampa Valley Medical Center, 1024 Central Park Drive, Steamboat Springs CO 80487
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- Antibody testing by appointment only. Call 970.871.2350 or self-schedule via My Health Connection.
- 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.