COVID Testing

When to Get Tested

Testingis currently recommended, regardless of vaccination status, if you:

  • Have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Have been a “close contact” to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days  *If you have had a positive test for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you do not need to get tested as long as you do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Are returning from international travel, even if you are fully vaccinated
  • Are part of an outbreak investigation
    If you live or work in a place where other people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you may need to be tested, even if you are fully vaccinated or had COVID-19 in the past.
  • Are NOT fully vaccinated and
    • Work or study in a place where COVID-19 vaccination or regular testing is required
    • Participate in organized youth sports, including school sports teams.
    • Are a teacher or student in school
    • Traveled outside of California (within the United States). Testing is recommended 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after travel. See Travel Advisory

For more information, visit the COVID-19 Testing page on the LA County Department of Public Health website.

Where to Get Tested

The City of Culver City recommends testing sites approved by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. All testing locations listed within the County testing website offer COVID-19 tests at no out-of-pocket cost, regardless of insurance coverage or immigration status. The LA County COVID-19 testing website displays locations where you can schedule a test at a test site, pick-up a test and/or find out how to get an at-home test.

It is important that LA County and Culver City residents understand that not all COVID-19 testing sites within the LA County region are affiliated or operated by LA County. COVID-19 testing sites are also being operated by private companies, and private health care systems and some of these privately operated sites do charge for their testing services. 

Only the testing sites listed within the LA County COVID-19 testing website have been vetted by LA County. The partner sites have been pre-screened by LA County to ensure that they offer testing with no out-of-pocket cost, regardless of health insurance or immigration status and that they offer testing using a test approved by the FDA. 

Other Ways to Get Tested

  • At your doctor's office or health center. If you need help finding a doctor, call 2-1-1 or visit 211LA
  • In a pharmacy. Many pharmacies offer free COVID-19 viral tests. Visit Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19 or visit the website of your local pharmacy for details.
  • From your employer or school. If your employer or school requires a test, get a test through your employer or educational facility.
  • At home. Home collection kits and self-tests kits are available by prescription and over the counter (OTC). For home collection kits, you collect the sample at home and then send it to a lab or test site for processing. For self-test kits, you collect the sample and do the test yourself. Visit the CDC self-testing website to learn more. You can now order 4 free COVID-19 self-testing kits per household online. The tests are mailed via USPS in 7-12 days. They are rapid antigen tests that give a result in 30 minutes.
    OTC self-test kits can be purchased in pharmacies and stores or online. Most insurers will pay or provide reimbursement. Beware of self-test kit scams—see how to avoid buying fake test kits online.

For information about testing children, see COVID-19 Testing Resources for Children

Visit Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19 to locate no-cost testing at local health centers or select pharmacies. 

Beware of COVID-19 testing scams – visit LA County’s COVID-19 scams and fraud page for more information.