Testing Information for COVID-19

Information on COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated patients Having an outpatient procedure when community transmission rates are moderate or higher

Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 before my procedure?
Yes. Currently, due to community transmission rates, if you are having an outpatient procedure (going home immediately after), you need a COVID-19 test. This is required by the New York State Department of Health for patients undergoing a procedure.

Why do I need to get a COVID-19 test before my procedure?
Mount Sinai Health System’s testing policy depends on community transmission rates, meaning how many people in our community currently have COVID-19. Our testing requirements may also vary depending on your vaccination status, and the type of procedure you are having.

Your healthcare provider will make sure you have all of the information you need regarding testing requirements before your procedure.

How do I get tested?
If you are fully vaccinated and having an outpatient procedure (going home immediately
after), you have a choice of which test you may complete:

• Option 1: Antigen Test (this includes both home testing kits and laboratory based tests)
  This test must be taken the day before your procedure.
• Option 2: PCR test
  This test must be taken two to five days before your procedure.
  

If you are unvaccinated or staying overnight in the hospital after your procedure, you will need to obtain a Mount Sinai Health System approved PCR test two to five days before your procedure. Your surgeon or procedural doctor can help you obtain the correct test.

What do I do if my test result is negative or “not detected”?
If your test result indicates that you do not have COVID-19, you will be asked to sign a form verifying this when you arrive for your procedure.

What do I do if my test is positive?
If your test is positive (meaning you have COVID-19), please call your doctor’s office immediately. They will discuss next steps with you related to your procedure.

Questions?
You can find more information about preparing for your procedure by reaching out to your doctor’s office.

There are many reasons to get tested for the coronavirus. You may be experiencing one of the many COVID-19 symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Chills; repeated shaking with chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
  
• Muscle aches
  
• Headache
  
• Loss of sense of taste or smell
  
• Sore throat
  
• Stuffy or runny nose
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Diarrhea

(Note: This is not a complete list of possible symptoms. More may be added as health experts learn more about the disease.)

Some people may have no symptoms at all or have some, but not all of the symptoms.

Symptoms may develop within 2 to 14 days after you are exposed to the virus. Most often, symptoms appear around 5 days after exposure. However, you can spread the virus even when you do not have symptoms.

You may also feel fine but you’ve been in contact with someone who has a possible or confirmed case. You may also need a COVID-19 test to comply with the many regulations now in place, such as work policies and travel advisories.

How to Get a COVID-19 Test

If you have life-threatening symptoms like severe shortness of breath, changes in mental status, severe dehydration, or other complications, dial 911.

If you have no symptoms but need a test, please contact your Primary Care Provider or find a New York State test site near you.

If you have a procedure scheduled at Mount Sinai South Nassau, please work directly with your physician to schedule your presurgical COVID-19 test.

If you are a Mount Sinai South Nassau employee, please contact Employee Health Services if you have COVID-19 symptoms.