The NIH has two in-house mechanisms for providing COVID-19 testing; for-cause and asymptomatic testing. For-cause testing is used for personnel that are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have recently tested positive for COVID-19. Asymptomatic testing is for personnel with no symptoms, and may include personnel that were exposed to COVID-19 positive cases, unvaccinated personnel with a medical or religious exemption, and personnel who are voluntarily submitting to routine testing.

For-Cause Testing

Personnel that report COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to have a COVID-19 PCR-based test. This may be performed in the community (at the employee’s expense) or at the NIH “Car-Line” testing facility. This facility is staffed by NIH personnel, including nurses, safety professionals, and emergency responders.

Regardless of vaccination or exposure status, any symptomatic personnel must not report to work and should test at the earliest For-Cause testing opportunity. Symptomatic personnel must report their change in health status to their case manager to confirm you received a PCR- base test during the appropriate timeframe. Personnel without an assigned case manager should complete the OMS COVID Screening Questionnaire.

Asymptomatic Testing

Given the change in CDC guidance, increased immunity from vaccination and natural infection, and wide availability of COVID-19 diagnostic tests in the community, NIH will be moving away from providing testing services to the general NIH population. Effective November 1, 2022, NIH will only be offering testing services to staff members with direct patient contact or referred by Occupational Medical Service (OMS) based on job duties required to keep the workplace safe. Additionally, testing will be available by appointment only; walk ins will no longer be available. Eligible staff with no known COVID-19 exposure or symptoms can make an appointment for asymptomatic testing via the NIH Clinical Center scheduling site. Eligible staff with a COVID-19 exposure or symptomatic should remain at home and contact OMS for instructions.

Asymptomatic Testing Locations