Diagnosis and Treatments

COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatments

Last updated: October 20, 2025

To confirm a diagnosis of COVID-19, a care team member may use a swab in your nose or throat to collect a sample of your mucus and/or saliva. A lab will test the sample to see if it has the virus that causes COVID-19.

To get COVID-19 testing at Northwestern Medicine, you must have a physician order.

View a list of current testing locations and details.

  • These locations and hours may change.
  • Please tell your physician where you prefer to get tested.

Even if you do not get tested, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should act as if you have the virus. That means you should follow all precautions to avoid infecting other people.


What to Do If You Feel Sick

Call your physician’s office for guidance about testing and treatment if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
If you are having serious trouble breathing, go to the emergency department or call 911.