IMPORTANT NOTE: FRIDAY, APRIL 22 WILL BE THE FINAL DAY OF TESTING AT THE MINOT LOCATION. For testing after that date, see COVID-19 Testing and Test Kits.
Two Steps to Get Tested at First District Health Unit:
1. PREREGISTER:
Visit testreg.nd.gov to register with the State Lab. Registration can be done on a computer or mobile device. All test results are sent out by the State Lab, so you must be registered to be tested. Use your full legal name as it appears on your license or passport. If you are traveling or will need to print documentation of your results, create an account to easily retrieve your results in a travel-ready format.
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2. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
Free COVID-19 tests are offered at several locations. You will choose the type of test (PCR, rapid or both) once you arrive at the testing site.
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In Minot, schedule your testing appointment through our online scheduler. You can also make an appointment in the Minot office calling (701) 852-1376. Click here for the location.
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To make an appointment in the Bottineau office, call (701) 228-3101.
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To make an appointment in the Towner office, call (701) 537-5732.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to get my results?
You should receive your results within 72 hours for PCR tests, and within 2 hours for rapid tests. Results will be texted or emailed, depending on what you selected during preregistration.
How can I get my test results?
The State of North Dakota offers more information on COVID-19 test results. If it has been The State's COVID-19 test result line is 701-204-6664 Monday through Saturday from 8am to 7pm. Holidays may affect these times. The State of North Dakota also offers more information on COVID-19 test results.
How do I get results for travel?
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The easiest way to ensure you can get your results in a travel-ready format is to create an account when you register at testreg.nd.gov. Otherwise, you must visit the NDDOH Travel page www.health.nd.gov/covidtravel and request a detailed copy of your results. This should be done as soon as possible after testing. The positive/negative result you receive initially by text or email result does not contain enough information and is not usually accepted for travel.
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The test administered for travel is the PCR molecular test. You can also get a rapid test in the same visit, but that is generally not accepted for travel.
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If you are required to be tested within 72 hours of airline travel, keep in mind the clock starts ticking when the sample is received in the State lab (usually by 4:00pm on the day of the test). Be sure you understand the detailed requirements of the country you are traveling to. Test results are slower over the weekend, and it's not possible to guarantee results from a Friday test will be received in time for a Monday flight; you may want to try to book your ticket for later in the week.
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The NDDOH Travel page Are you about to travel? has other important information about testing for travel.
What type of tests are available?
First District Health Unit offers two types of tests. The PCR test is a molecular test which must be sent to the State Lab in Bismarck for processing and takes up to 72 hours. This is the type of test generally required for travel, including entry into Canada. The rapid antigen test is processed on site, with results in 4-6 hours or less. The rapid test is not generally accepted for travel.
Once I have an appointment, where do I go?
Testing in Minot is done at First District Health Unit's South building, located at 800 12th Ave. SW, Minot, ND. The building is located directly south of the First District's main building.
What is the cost of the test?
The testing is completely free for anyone, regardless of residency or citizenship.
Who can be tested?
Anyone can be tested, as long as they are preregistered. We do symptomatic, asymptomatic, travel-related, work-required, and other testing, regardless of residency or citizenship.
Can children be tested at this location?
Yes, cooperative children can be tested.
What if I can't make an appointment or register online?
- Online appointments are only available in the Minot location. If you aren't able to make an online appointment, call our Minot office at (701) 852-1376.
- To make an appointment in the Bottineau office, call (701) 228-3101.
- To make an appointment in the Towner office, call (701) 537-5732.
