COVID-19 Testing Updates
COVID-19 testing is available to everyone in New Jersey. You do not need insurance to get tested and there are many free options.
There are two types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests:
Molecular tests
- Molecular tests, such as the PCR test, detect the virus’s genetic material.
- Molecular tests are highly accurate and usually do not need to be repeated.
- Molecular tests are performed in a laboratory setting because of the complexity and sensitivity of the testing process, meaning it may take a day or two to return results.
Antigen tests
- Antigen tests detect specific proteins from the virus.
- Antigen tests usually provide results diagnosing an active coronavirus infection faster than molecular tests, but antigen tests have a higher chance of missing an active infection.
Residential households in New Jersey are now able to order one set of four at-home antigen tests COVID-19 tests from the United States Postal Service. These orders are limited to one set of four per residential address.
For those looking to be tested in New Brunswick, there are a number of options available. Rutgers Institute for Health will be administering ID NOW molecular tests on February 7 and 14 from 9-12 AM and on February 3 and 10 from 1-4 PM. The City of New Brunswick will be administering COVID-19 tests at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center on February 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Resources:
- Order COVID-19 Tests (COVIDTests.gov): https://www.covidtests.gov/
- Order COVID-19 Tests (USPS): https://special.usps.com/testkits
- New Brunswick Testing Sites: https://www.newbrunswick.com/pub/event/story/1528/Free-Covid-19-Testing-New-Brunswick
- Email community@ifh.rutgers.edu to make a testing appointment at Rutgers IFH in New Brunswick.
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