COVID-19 Testing Sites
COVID-19 testing is an important strategy to slow the spread of the virus.
Community testing sites are offered by the State of Minnesota. These sites are available at no cost to all Minnesotans. Learn more
When to get tested - symptomatic individuals
- If you have symptoms, get tested right away. Community testing sites are best for people with mild symptoms. If you have moderate to severe symptoms, call your health care provider or go to the hospital. Learn more about who should get tested
When to get tested - after COVID-19 exposure and not fully vaccinated
- If you don't have symptoms, it's best to get tested at least five days after the last time you were close to the person with COVID-19. If you get tested too soon, the test may not be able to detect the virus. Learn more about who should get tested
Saliva testing sites
Saliva community testing sites are offered by the State of Minnesota. These sites are available at no cost to all Minnesotans.
Saliva testing at home
Minnesota and Vault Medical Services have teamed up to offer at-home saliva testing for everyone, at no cost.
Both adults and children can use these tests. An adult 18 or older must request a test for a child. Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as children under age 4 or someone who has suffered a stroke.
How it works
- Order your test from Vault. The test kit will arrive at your home via expedited shipping.
- Vault sends out a certain number of testing kits each day, in order to give you your results in 24 to 48 hours.
- Log on for a virtual visit with a Vault test supervisor; they will show you how to collect your saliva sample. You must not eat, drink, smoke or chew anything for 30 minutes before your testing session.
- Ship your sample to the lab in Oakdale using a prepaid UPS package.
- Get your result 24 - 72 hours after your sample arrives at the lab.
Before you get started
You will not be charged.
This at-home saliva test is offered at no cost from the State of Minnesota, and you will not be asked for payment information. If the system does ask you for payment, this is an error; close your browser and try again. You will be asked for insurance information if you have it, but it is not required to test at home. These saliva tests are offered at zero cost to you.
You will need an email address for each person/test.
Each test needs a unique email address and Vault account. If you use your email to order a test for yourself, you will need to create another account with a separate email to order a test for your child (or other family member). To order multiple tests, you must complete one request and then return to this page to begin the next request.
A photo ID is required.
Vault requires a photo ID so that the test supervisor can confirm the identity of the person taking the test on the Zoom call. Any photo ID will work, whether it is government-issued or from your place of work or school.
Frequently asked questions.
For information about mailing test kits, ages, next steps, results, troubleshooting orders and more, visit frequently asked questions about at-home saliva testing.
Waiting for test results:
- Follow these instructions: What to do while you are waiting for your results (PDF)
- You will get your results by email, 24 - 72 hours after your sample arrives at the lab.
If you are not able to order a test online, or need an interpreter, call 1-855-612-0677 for assistance.
More information
- Vault virtual waiting room
- COVID-19 test at home - Minnesota Department of Health
If you have questions regarding saliva testing, please email [email protected] or call 800-800-5698.
Nasal swab testing
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health no longer hosts nasal swab testing events. Residents are encouraged to use the free saliva testing sites sponsored by the State of Minnesota.
If you think you need a nasal swab test instead of a saliva test, consider the following:
- Call your primary health care provider to see if they offer nasal swab tests instead of saliva tests. Ask ahead of time about cost (with or without health insurance). Some providers will work with you on cost.
- Contact a community clinic to see if they currently offer nasal swab tests and what the cost might be.
- CVS, Hy-Vee and Walgreens pharmacies continue to offer nasal swab tests, and they may also be available at other neighborhood pharmacies.
Community clinic testing
The following Ramsey County community clinics offer COVID-19 testing on an ongoing basis. These Federally Qualified Health Care Centers provide tests to people who need them. They work with patients to make sure cost is not a barrier and may even have programs to support testing at no cost.
Community clinic ongoing testing
United Family Medicine
Peter J. King Family Health Center
1026 7th St W, Saint Paul, 55102
- Open to established patients or residents of Saint Paul.
- Symptoms or NO symptoms.
- By appointment only. Call 651-241-1000.
- Interpreters available upon request.
- Learn more
Minnesota Community Care
East Side Clinic
895 East 7th St. Saint Paul, 55106
- By appointment only. Call: 651-602-7500.
- Learn more
Additional testing locations and resources
More information on COVID-19 testing: