With the fall 2022 semester well underway, IU continues its response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this response, the university continues to offer free on-campus testing for students, faculty and staff on all campuses.

When to get tested

If you have any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you should get tested. Because you can be reinfected with COVID-19, even after a recent infection, testing when you feel sick and/or have symptoms is important.

In addition, if you know you were exposed to COVID-19 and are a close contact of someone who tested positive, it’s recommended to get tested five days after the exposure, even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms.

Types of COVID-19 tests

There are two primary types of tests that are used to detect COVID-19 infections: PCR tests and antigen tests.

PCR tests use either a nasal swab or a saliva sample to determine if there is genetic material from the virus in the sample. If genetic material is detected, the test is positive.

PCR tests are both highly sensitive and specific; they may detect an infection earlier than an antigen test and are very accurate. False positives are thought to be rare.

Antigen tests may sometimes be called rapid tests or at-home tests. Results are typically available in 10 to 30 minutes, and there are many over-the-counter options available.

This type of test looks for specific proteins on the surface of the virus. A positive test result from an antigen test also means it is very likely that you have COVID. If you have symptoms, consider repeat testing following a negative antigen test result to reduce the risk that an infection may have been missed.

There are also antibody tests, which give information about old infections with coronaviruses. Antibody tests are not recommended to determine whether you have or have had a COVID-19 infection. False positives can occur after exposure to other non-COVID coronaviruses, while false negatives can occur early in an infection or a few months after an actual infection.

Getting tested on campus

Students, faculty and staff on all IU campuses have access to free rapid antigen tests. In addition, free PCR tests are available on the Bloomington and IUPUI campuses.

Rapid/at-home antigen testing

• Where: Free at-home rapid tests are available on each campus in various locations.
• Results in: Test results are available through the test itself in about 15 minutes.
• When to use: Antigen tests detect high levels of virus. A positive result most often means you are contagious and have COVID-19.
• If you test positive: Use IU’s self-report form to let us know. Once you submit the form, you’ll receive isolation instructions to your IU email address.
• If you test negative: If you are asymptomatic, continue with your normal routine. If you still have symptoms or feel unwell, stay home and away from others until you’re feeling better. You could consider taking a PCR test or an antigen test again in a day or two.

Drop-off PCR testing

• Where: Free drop-off testing kits are available on the IU Bloomington and IUPUI campuses in various locations.
• Results in: Test results will be returned in no more than two to three days. You’ll receive an email to your IU email address when results are available.
• When to use: PCR tests are highly sensitive and accurate. If there are any virus particles in your system, whether you have symptoms or not, a PCR test will show positive results. Use this test if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are asymptomatic or you have symptoms of the virus.
• When NOT to use: PCR tests are not recommended following isolation. If testing before leaving isolation, individuals should use an antigen test.
• If you test positive: You’ll automatically receive isolation instructions to your IU email address. You do not need to report this test result to IU since it was through the university’s lab.
• If you test negative: If you are asymptomatic, continue with your normal routine. If you still have symptoms or feel unwell, stay home and away from others until you’re feeling better.

Other COVID-19 testing options

Through Sept. 2, each household can order free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests from the U.S. government. In addition, the Indiana Department of Health continues to offer a map of free community testing options at coronavirus.in.gov.

The U.S. government also has the Test to Treat program, which shows testing sites that offer both testing and COVID-19 treatments. Many retail pharmacies and other locations have at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests available for purchase as well.

Amanda Roach is interim assistant director of strategic communications in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.