COVID-19 Testing Options
Cats TakeAway Testing
Free and convenient COVID-19 PCR testing for all students, employees, and DCCs with NetIDs. There are many locations across campus.
Note: This test result cannot be used for international travel requirements.
Make an Appointment with a Campus Health Provider
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please call us at 520-621-9202 before you come in.
For appointments with one of our medical providers, there will be a visit/copay charge. Campus Health will secure payment at the time of service and bill insurance plans with which we are contracted or directly to the patient. Coverage of the cost varies by insurance company and plan.
TRAVEL TESTING (PCR)
International travel requirements only. Observed asymptomatic COVID-19 PCR testing at Campus Health is available at no charge. Testing occurs Monday-Friday from 8-9am (Wed 9-10am) in the 2nd floor Meder Room (B207). Results will be returned same-day between 3-5pm. View/download results here.
Note: It is your responsibility to determine if the PCR test fulfills your specific travel requirements and schedule accordingly.
Additional Testing Options
- Our Pharmacy sells COVID-19 Rapid Tests (1 box = 2 tests for $23.99 + tax.)
- The Pima County Health Department offers free COVID-19 testing on evenings and weekends
GET YOUR TEST RESULTS
- TakeAway Testing: results will be available on the test results portal as soon as they are ready.
- Campus Health: visit PatientLink for your results.
COVID-19 test results will NEVER be sent via text message or email. Instead, you will receive a notification that your results are available on a secure server. Results can only be obtained by logging into the Test Results Portal or PatientLink
Health & Wellness
HOW COVID-19 SPREADS
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.
(The CDC website is offered in multiple languages)
PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS
Getting vaccinated and boosted is the best way to reduce your risk of COVID-19.
Here are other steps you can take to slow the spread:
- Avoid contact with people who may have COVID-19
- Follow updated CDC guidelines if you were exposed to COVID-19.
- Get tested.
- Improve ventilation and spend more time outdoors.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
- Learn about additional prevention tips.
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
If you were exposed to COVID-19 but do not yet have symptoms, follow updated CDC guidelines, regardless of your vaccination status or a previous infection.
IF YOU FEEL SICK
STAY HOME: If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to isolate at home during their illness.
Monitor your symptoms and seek emergency care immediately if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing, inability to stay awake, bluish lips or face).
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Whatever you're going through, you don't have to do it alone. We are here to support you as you navigate this pandemic. Call Counseling & Psych Services at (520) 621-3334.
If you’re feeling alone or struggling, text TALK to 741741 or call 1-800-274-TALK. More information on Crisis Resources & Hotlines.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
- Follow us @UAZCampusHealth
- Living Wild! (short articles written by health educators, mental health counselors, & dietitians)
- Pathways To Wellness (start your personal wellnes plan)
- Online Self-Help Tools & Apps
- Staying Active With COVID-19: Breathing Exercises
FAQs
You had a recent close contact (within 6 ft for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19, or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
People who are considered close contacts are supposed to quarantine and get tested for the coronavirus.
If you have received a positive COVID-19 test result, here's what you should do next.
The University of Arizona is actively tracking COVID-19 positive-test cases in our community to protect public health while taking great care to respect the privacy of individuals. All positive COVID-19 tests are reported to their local health department per state law. Through a partnership with the state and local health departments, the UA SAFER team has been trained and authorized to start the case investigations and contact tracing for faculty, staff and students associated with The University of Arizona.
Here is what else we are doing:
- Posting confirmed aggregate COVID-19 positive-test case numbers among University of Arizona community members on the COVID-19 Testing Results Dashboard. This number reflects students, faculty and staff who have a confirmed positive lab test.
- Providing guidance on how students, faculty and staff can inform their close contacts of their positive COVID-19 result to limit its potential spread. Individuals know their contacts best and can communicate this information rapidly to alert them.
- Informing the campus community of potential exposures that take place on campus or through University of Arizona official business functions. These general exposure notices are in the interest of public health but protect the privacy of individuals by not including names of positive-test individuals.
- Encouraging all students, staff and faculty to download the free WeHealth Arizona app.
No. Cold water with soap is just as effective at removing germs during hand washing.
According to the CDC, the “temperature of the water does not appear to affect microbe removal; however, warmer water may cause more skin irritation and is more environmentally costly.”
Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.
Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected.
For more information on quarantine and isolation, visit the CDC (this website is available in multiple languages)
- Takeaway Testing - Phoenix and Sierra Vista Locations
- Maricopa County Public Health Department (or your local health department)