Covid Testing: New Brunswick Access

If you are looking to get a COVID test in New Brunswick, there are several options available to you. You can either opt for lab testing or rapid results testing at select CVS Health locations. These tests are typically by appointment only, with limited slots available. Alternatively, you can visit the East Brunswick Community Arts Center or one of the other testing sites in Middlesex County. Testing is also available at select CVS Pharmacy drive-thru locations, and you can check to see if there is a testing location near you. If there are no convenient locations, you can contact your primary care provider or the state's Department of Health for guidance on testing options. Additionally, the NJ Department of Health and Vault Medical Services offer a free at-home COVID-19 test kit option.

COVID-19 testing sites in East Brunswick, New Jersey

COVID-19 testing is widely available in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Testing is available at many outlets, including urgent care centers, retail clinics, primary care offices, health departments, and more.

East Brunswick Community Arts Center

The East Brunswick Community Arts Center offers COVID-19 testing. Testing is free for Middlesex County residents but requires an appointment. To make an appointment, visit Middlesexcountynj.gov/COVID19testing. If you do not have access to the internet, call 732-745-3100.

Brunswick Urgent Care

Brunswick Urgent Care, located at 641 Route 18, East Brunswick, N.J., offers COVID-19 testing. No appointment is necessary, and they accept all major insurance.

Atlantic Health System

Atlantic Health System, located at 418 NJ-18, East Brunswick, offers COVID-19 testing. They are open seven days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

CVS Health

CVS Health has a location at 330 Rues Lane, East Brunswick that offers rapid COVID-19 testing. Testing is done through self-administered nasal swabs. Appointments are required and can be made online.

Home Test Kits

Home test kits for COVID-19 are widely available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retail locations in East Brunswick.

Register for a COVID-19 test in New Brunswick

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you can register for a COVID-19 test in New Brunswick. Here is some information on how to register and what to expect during the testing process.

Where to Get Tested

COVID-19 testing is widely available in New Brunswick. You can find testing sites at select CVS Pharmacy locations, including:

• 330 Rues Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
• 380 Route 18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816
• 2257 US Highway 1 South, North Brunswick, NJ 08823

Registration Process

To register for a COVID-19 test at a CVS Pharmacy location, you can either walk in at your convenience or schedule an appointment online. Appointments are subject to availability.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and require a PCR test, you can contact your primary care provider or visit eVisitNB.ca for further guidance.

Information Required for Testing

When registering for a COVID-19 test, you will need to provide the following information:

• First and last name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Race and ethnicity

Testing Process

During the testing process, you will be given a swab to collect a sample of your nasal secretions. This is done by inserting the swab approximately 1 inch into your nasal passage and gently rotating it several times before removing it. This process will be repeated for the other nostril. Please note that you will need to administer the swab test yourself.

Test Results

Results from lab testing typically become available within 1-2 days, but there may be delays due to the surge in COVID-19 cases and increased testing demand. For rapid testing, results are generally available within hours.

If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the online instructions provided for individuals with positive test results. It is recommended that you stay at home while awaiting your test results, especially if you are experiencing symptoms.

How to collect a sample for a COVID-19 test

COVID-19 testing is essential to identify infected individuals and slow the spread of the virus. Testing can be done through various methods, including self-administered swab tests or blood tests by a trained healthcare provider. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to collect a sample for a COVID-19 test:

Nasal Swab Collection:

• Nasopharyngeal Swab: This method involves inserting a swab through the nostril until it reaches the nasopharynx, which is approximately parallel to the palate. The swab is then gently rubbed and rolled, left in place for a few seconds, and slowly removed while rotating. This process is repeated on the other nostril if needed.
• Mid-Turbinate Swab: For this method, the swab is inserted less than one inch into the nostril, parallel to the palate, until it reaches the turbinates. The swab is then rotated several times against the nasal wall, and the process is repeated in the other nostril using the same swab.
• Anterior Nasal Swab: The swab is inserted about halfway into the nostril with visible drainage or the more congested nostril. It is then rotated several times, gently removed, and the process is repeated on the other side.

Other Specimen Collection:

• Saliva Collection: Patients can collect 1-5 mL of saliva in a sterile, leak-proof screw-cap container without any preservative. Additional instructions from the healthcare provider or manufacturer should be followed.
• Blood Specimen Collection: Blood specimens are collected through a fingerstick procedure. The fingertip is cleaned, and a drop of blood is collected and transferred to a capillary collection tube or test device.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Specimen: For patients with a productive cough, sputum can be collected and tested. The patient rinses their mouth with water and then coughs up the sputum into a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap container.

Rapid COVID-19 testing in New Brunswick

Rapid COVID-19 testing is available in New Brunswick. Here is some information on how to get a rapid test.

Rapid Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Rapid antigen testing devices, also known as Point of Care Tests or rapid tests, can be used to test for COVID-19 and provide on-site results within 15 minutes. You can register online to get your POCT test kit until June 30, 2024. Rapid POCT tests should only be used when an individual over the age of 2 years develops symptoms. You can book an appointment to pick up a rapid test kit, even if you're currently asymptomatic, so that you have it ready if symptoms develop later.

CVS Health Rapid Testing

CVS Health is offering rapid results testing for COVID-19 at select locations, with limited appointments available to qualifying patients. You can check for available times and locations online. Walk-ins are also available at select CVS MinuteClinic locations.

Sample Collection

For rapid testing, you will be given a swab and asked to collect a sample of nasal secretions. This is done by inserting the swab approximately 1 inch into the nasal passage (midway) with the more visible drainage or the nostril that is more congested if drainage is not present. The swab is then rotated several times and gently removed. This process is repeated on the other side. Please note that you must administer the swab test yourself at the testing site.

Other Testing Options

If there is no testing location near you, you can look for no-cost drive-thru testing at select CVS Pharmacy locations, or contact your primary care provider or your state's Department of Health to find out how to get tested.

COVID-19 testing for children in New Brunswick

If your child is displaying COVID-19 symptoms, you should keep them home from school or daycare and take precautions when leaving your home. If your child is under the age of 2, contact a primary care provider or eVisitNB.ca to discuss whether a PCR test is required.

For children over the age of 2, you can register online to get a POCT test kit until June 30th, 2024. Rapid POCT tests can be used to screen for COVID-19 and provide results on-site within 15 minutes. You can book an appointment to pick up a rapid test kit, even if your child is feeling well, and use it if symptoms develop later.

If your child is experiencing severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. If they are displaying mild symptoms, you can register online to get a POCT test kit. You can also pick up a free rapid test kit from sites across the province's seven health zones, such as libraries, municipalities, and regional health authorities' facilities. While most pick-up sites require an appointment, some may offer tests without an appointment, depending on their staffing levels and hours of operation.

If your child is under the age of 16 and has an NB Medicare number, parents or guardians may be able to access their COVID-19 test results through myhealth.gnb.ca.

Frequently asked questions