Children's Hospital Colorado

COVID-19 Testing Update

The drive-through COVID-19 testing site at the Anschutz Medical Campus is now closed. Given the decline in demand for COVID testing, we are only able to support preprocedural collections at our Outpatient Care at Anschutz

Drive-through testing at our Briargate location in Colorado Springs is transitioning operations, initially by limiting hours of operation for preprocedural collections, while still operating as a mobile collection site. Stay tuned for an official closing date for mobile operations.

COVID Testing for Kids

At Children’s Hospital Colorado, we treat the big things, the small things and everything in between.

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If you’re worried your child might have COVID-19, a COVID test will help you and your child’s pediatrician find out and plan for their care. There are community testing sites for kids, teens and their caregivers across Colorado.

Read on to learn about requirements for COVID-19 testing ahead of a medical procedure and how to get a drive-through test in Colorado Springs.

Getting tested before a procedure or surgery

Community drive-through testing at Briargate in Colorado Springs

A viral diagnostic test determines whether your child has an active COVID-19 infection and is contagious. At Children’s Colorado, we use highly accurate PCR testing, which stands for polymerase chain reaction. This lab test looks for small amounts of genetic material from SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 testing is available by appointment at our drive-through location in Colorado Springs.  

Your doctor will order the type of test and sample they need to plan for your child’s care. In most cases, this is a swab in the nose using a nasopharyngeal swab or a nasal mid-turbinate swab. Certain patients are eligible for saliva testing. No matter the type, our team takes extra care to make the test as comfortable as possible for your child.  

Learn more about scheduling a COVID-19 test at Briargate and what to expect below.

COVID-19 antibody testing for children

Antibody tests look for specific blood proteins (antibodies) produced by the immune system during an infection. A COVID-19 antibody test can help determine whether your child may have had the coronavirus in the past, even if they didn’t have symptoms.

While an antibody test can satisfy some curiosity, it is not always necessary for guiding medical care. If you would like to have your child tested for COVID-19 antibodies, please start with your primary care doctor. They can determine if the test is appropriate for your child and can order the antibody test from our lab just like they would order any other test. Children’s Colorado has multiple lab locations in the Denver Metro Area and in Colorado Springs.

Learn more about scheduling an antibody test and what to expect below.

What to expect during your appointment

Test results and next steps

General FAQs

Young girl wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic

Your COVID-19 questions, answered

Parents have questions. Our experts have answers. Find resources and information for kids, teens and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Editor's note: This page was updated on July 12, 2022. Due to the evolving nature of the coronavirus pandemic, recommendations can change quickly. Please follow all rules and guidelines set by state and local public health and safety authorities. Reference the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for immediate updates on COVID-19.