Testing

To find other testing options, visit www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing. This site lets you search for testing by zip code. The site also provides information about home COVID-19 tests that can be ordered online.

For information about free regional testing in Framingham, Lynn, New Bedford and Revere, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/regional-express-covid-19-testing-sites-in-massachusetts.

Self-Pay

• Individuals may choose to pay directly for COVID-19 testing. Costs vary by site.

Testing sites in Cambridge include:

• Carewell Urgent Care
  • Fresh Pond: 601-603 Concord Ave
  • Inman Square: 1400 Cambridge Street
  • Appointment not required
  • Insurance covers testing only if it is medically necessary (i.e., a clinician determines that the person has symptoms or is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19)
  • More information: www.carewellurgentcare.com
• Walgreens
  • 330 River Street
  • Testing is free regardless of insurance status.
  • Drive-through testing
  • Appointment required
  • More information: www.walgreens.com
• CIC Health
  •  Kendall Square: 2 Broad Canal Way
  • $80 PCR Test, not eligible for health insurance reimbursement
  • Appointment required
  • Parking discount available
  • More information: www.cic-health.com

Healthcare providers

• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been a close contact of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, you can also call your primary care provider to ask about testing options. Most healthcare systems have testing available for their patients. Details about Cambridge Health Alliance testing are provided below:

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA)

• COVID testing is for CHA patients only.
• Testing is at 195 Canal Street in Malden (CHA Malden).
• Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Appointments required; CHA patients should call their primary care provider to make an appointment.
• More information: www.challiance.org/patients-visitors/covid-19-alerts

Yes. Testing is available to any Cambridge resident who wishes to get tested. Testing is offered at no cost to residents of all ages, including babies. You do not need to have symptoms or meet any other criteria to get tested.

This is a painless procedure! The City’s testing sites use short nasal swabs, not the long ones that “tickle the brain.” When you get tested, a medical provider will show you how to gently swab the inside of each nostril for a few seconds. The swab (which looks like a Q-tip) won’t go any further inside your nose. The sample will be sent to the lab for testing. Note: Upon request, the medical provider will do your nasal swab if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself.

There is no shortage of testing supplies in Cambridge. Anyone who wishes to get tested should do so.

After exposure to the coronavirus, it can take up to four to five days for the infection to be detectable by the test. Getting a test too early can lead to a false negative test result. This means that you might test negative but still have COVID-19.  

No. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for figuring how often someone should seek testing. This varies by person and scenario. For instance, you may want to consider getting tested more often if you are frequently in contact with people outside your household, either through your job, school, or personal activities. CPHD encourages residents with specific concerns to seek advice from their medical provider.

Results are usually available within 24 hours via email but can sometimes take longer. Getting results via phone can take 1-3 business days.

You can get proof of a negative test through the CareEvolve portal. People who cannot access the portal can request a letter of proof via secure email message by filling out this form with their name, test date and date of birth. This service is available during business hours and it will take two to four business days to receive the letter. If "the form" is not an option, people can call 617-665-3848 and leave a message with their name, test date and date of birth and request an e-mailed statement

A negative test result means you most likely did not have COVID-19 at the time that you were tested. As noted above, however, a false negative result is possible if you have recently been exposed to COVID-19 but the infection hasn’t had time to develop to the point where it can be detected by a test.

If you are not vaccinated, it is very important for you to continue to take these precautions to protect yourself and others. Even if you did not have COVID-19 at the time of your test, there is still the potential for you to become infected after you have a test.