Coronavirus >
COVID-19 testing
Please note: Adirondack Health's COVID-19 testing clinic has moved.
Tests are now being performed in the back of the hospital's Annex Building.

COVID Testing FAQs

What type of test do you perform?

Adirondack Health's COVID testing clinic exclusively performs PCR tests.

A PCR (molecular) test detects genetic material from the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction, or PCR. A sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab into your nostril and obtaining a test specimen from the back of your nose.

Adirondack Health's COVID testing clinic is not currently administering antigen (or "rapid") tests.

How quickly can I get my results?

We run all of our COVID tests on site at Adirondack Medical Center. Test results are typically available within 48 hours.

How much will the test cost without insurance or without a testing order?

$80

How far in advance can I make a testing appointment?

You can make an appointment with our COVID testing clinic up to one week in advance. Same-day testing appointments are available, but you must pre-register before arriving at the COVID testing clinic.

What is the fax number to which my physician can send testing orders?

518-897-2607

Testing times and locations

Saranac Lake

Adirondack Medical Center

The COVID test clinic is in the back of Adirondack Medical Center's Annex Building.

The clinic is open from 8:30 to 10 a.m., seven days a week.

Appointments and pre-registration are required.

Get tested for COVId-19

Click here to view your COVID-19 test results online.

Call 518-897-2462 to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test.

A nurse will swab your sinuses through your nose for your COVID-19 test.  

Adirondack Health will bill the health insurance plans of individuals with specific testing orders from medical providers. Patients will be responsible for the cost of any test performed without a specific order, as well as any associated co-pays and/or deductibles, which are determined by health insurance companies and plans.

Accessing results

Typically, results are available within 48 hours, but it may take up to 72 hours.

Parents of minors (under 18 years of age), out-of-state residents, and international travelers will receive test results via secure email. Once available, the results will be sent to the email address provided at the point of registration.

Residents of New York state (18 years of age or older) will have access to their test results through the Health Information Exchange of New York (HIXNY) online portal.

  • Users new to the HIXNY portal will receive a welcome email with further instructions. The passcode is adirondack (all lower case). This email may arrive at any point between registration for a test and the actual test itself. Adirondack Health recommends enrolling in the HIXNY portal as soon as this email is received.
  • Users who do not receive a HIXNY welcome email already have accounts set up in the portal. To access the HIXNY portal, visit our medical records page and click on the link: B. (HIXNY Patient Portal). Or click here.

Username and password reset options are located under the "Sign In" button on HIXNY's page. Additional troubleshooting information is accessible by clicking on the question mark icon at the top right corner of the screen.

Individuals with tests ordered by providers outside the Adirondack Health system will also have results communicated to them by the ordering providers and/or through their practice portals.

Individuals who receive positive (or "detected") test results should visit their county health department's website for isolation and quarantine instructions.