SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — The San Diego region is expanding the COVID-19 testing sites available to residents this week. View the testing sites in San Diego on a map here.
San Diego County free testing sites
These sites only test for active infection. Tests are free at these county-run locations, but you must make an appointment by calling 211. Walk-in visits are not being accepted at this time.
Euclid Health Center located 292 Euclid Ave, San Diego, 92114
- This location is only open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SDCCU Stadium in Mission Valley located at 9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, 92108
- This location can test up to 180 individuals a day and will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Live Well Center in Chula Vista, 690 Oxford St, Chula Vista, 91911
- Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
California State free testing sites
These sites only test for active infection. A doctor’s referral is not required for testing at the state-run sites, but appointments are required and can be made here online or by calling 888.634.1123. Testing is free, and you do not need to have symptoms. Th
Chula Vista testing site (former Sears) is located at 565 Broadway, Chula Vista, 91910
County's Live Well Center located at 649 W Mission Ave., Escondido, 92025
Tubman-Chavez Center located at 415 Euclid Ave, San Diego 92114
San Diego County Assessor Office at 200 S. Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, 92020
The map below will help locate the state testing sites as well as community testing sites. Make sure to confirm the type of testing each site performs and whether an appointment is required. Many of the community test sites may also require insurance or require out of pocket costs.
Types of Tests
There are two main types of tests for COVID-19. One tells if you have an active infection. The other looks for antibodies, which shows if you were infected at some point in the past, but has several limitations as described below.
Testing for an active infection
Testing for active infection is generally done using a swab to get a sample from your nose or throat. The test looks for genetic material in the sample. It uses a method called PCR (polymerase chain reaction). It’s sometimes referred to as PCR testing or molecular testing.
Testing for antibody
An antibody test shows whether you had a COVID-19 infection at one time. It is a blood (serology) test. It does not show when you were infected or if you have COVID-19 now. Health care providers and private companies are providing antibody testing.