General Information
The below tests are available to all TAMU students, faculty and staff:
- Antibody blood/serology test ($): available for a minimal charge at Student Health Services; determines the likelihood of a previous COVID-19 infection
- SHS nasal swab/PCR ($): self-collect nasal swab available for a minimal charge at Student Health Services; determines an active COVID-19 infection
Antibody blood/serology test and SHS nasal swab are available at Student Health Services for a minimal charge. Insurance will be billed for these tests. Insurance may cover the cost in full. Any remaining balances not covered by insurance or for uninsured patients will be paid for by Texas A&M University funding. An SHS medical provider will follow up with the patient and assist in his/her care before and after results are available, and will be able to answer any questions the individual may have regarding COVID-19.
Visit the CDC website for information regarding when to test post-exposure.
Antibody blood/serology and/or nasal swab PCR testing at Student Health Services are available via self-referral at the SHS Lab.
Cost
Antibody blood/serology test ($): available at Student Health Services; pricing outlined below
SHS nasal swab/PCR ($): available at Student Health Services; pricing outlined below
SHS COVID tests: There is a charge associated with SHS testing, yet insurance may reimburse fully or partially for the cost of the test. Any remaining balances not covered by insurance or for uninsured patients will be paid for by Texas A&M University funding. Please contact Patient Services at (979) 458-8310 for more information.
| Test Type* | Student Price | Faculty / Staff Price | Effective Date |
| COVID Antibody | $100 | $120 | 03/15/2020 |
| COVID Spike Antibody | $100 | $120 | 11/01/2022 |
| COVID – PCR | $100 | $120 | 11/01/2022 |
| COVID – PCR / Influenza A&B | $100 | $120 | 09/01/2021 |
| COVID – PCR / Influenza A&B / RSV | $100 | $120 | 09/01/2021 |
* Tests available may vary when SHS has limited test supplies.
Symptoms
COVID tests are available for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Please note that symptoms may be due to influenza or other respiratory illnesses. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that you consider making an appointment with an SHS medical provider.
If you have a positive close contact or are experiencing symptoms, please follow Texas A&M University guidelines.
What to Expect
Antibody blood/serology test:
- When you arrive at the health center, visit the Lab on the basement level. Wait times will vary.
- During your appointment, you will receive a blood draw from an SHS phlebotomist. Collection typically takes less than 5 minutes.
- Results will be communicated through the SHS Patient Portal.
SHS nasal swab/PCR:
- When you arrive at the health center, visit the Lab on the basement level. Wait times will vary.
- During your appointment, you will be guided by staff regarding how to properly self-collect your anterior nasal swab sample. This involves inserting a small swab less than an inch into each nostril. The entire collection process typically takes less than 5 minutes.
- Results will be communicated through the SHS Patient Portal.
Results
Results can take 36-48 hours during the week, but there may be a delay on tests done late in the day on Fridays.
- Antibody blood/serology test and SHS nasal swab test results: Results will be sent to you from an SHS medical provider via secure message on the SHS Patient Portal.
If you believe that you may have the virus or have been exposed to the virus, follow Texas A&M University guidance.
It is recommended that you continue to wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you are unvaccinated, consider receiving the vaccine. Currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at SHS. Schedule an appointment by calling Patient Services at (979) 458-8310.
If you get tested and receive a positive test result:
- You will be contacted by phone, email, or secure message.
- Seek emergency medical care immediately if you show any of these signs: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face.
- For now, stay in isolation in your residence and away from other people. Follow Texas A&M guidance for home isolation.
If you tested negative (test must occur day 5 or later after exposure), and are showing no symptoms, please note the following:
- SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in your specimen. You should not immediately act as though you are free of COVID-19 or other infectious conditions.
- Follow CDC guidelines.
- Continue to watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.
- If you begin developing symptoms, immediately self-isolate. Consider scheduling an appointment with an SHS medical provider to discuss next steps.
- It is recommended that you continue to wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A PDF of the above FAQ can be found here: COVID-19 Testing FAQ