Faculty/Staff Information

Texas A&M University COVID tests:

• Antibody blood/serology test ($): available at Student Health Services; pricing outlined below
• Mouth swab/PCR: funded by Texas A&M University System
• Nasal swab/PCR ($): available at Student Health Services; pricing outlined below
• Saliva sample: funded by Texas A&M University System; non-diagnostic COVID test

 SHS COVID tests: There is a charge associated with SHS testing, yet insurance may reimburse fully or partially for the cost of the test. Please contact Patient Services at (979) 458-8310 for more information.

• COVID Antibody: $120 (effective 03/15/2020)
• COVID – PCR: $150 (effective 03/15/2020)
• COVID – PCR / Influenza A&B: $120 (effective 11/02/2020)

Texas A&M University COVID tests: 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 your primary care provider.

If you have a positive close contact or you have symptoms, please follow quarantine instructions from the CDC.

Texas A&M University COVID tests:

• Antibody blood/serology test:

1. 1. Schedule an appointment online.
   2. Check in at the health center prior to your appointment time. You will be directed to visit the appropriate clinic area. Wait times will vary.
   3. During your appointment, you will receive a blood draw from an SHS phlebotomist. Collection typically takes less than 5 minutes.
   4. Results will be communicated through the SHS Patient Portal.

• Mouth swab/PCR:

1. 1. Register online to get a testing time window.
   2. Watch the video sent to your registration email to learn about the collection process.
   3. Check in at the testing site during your testing window. A number of physical controls have been implemented to ensure your safety. Every individual is physically distanced by 6 or more feet if there is a line and every individual must wear face covering unless they are actively testing. The 6 feet separation is maintained and monitored during the whole process.
   4. You will be guided by staff regarding how to properly self-collect your sample. The entire collection process typically takes less than 5 minutes.
   5. Results will be sent to your email.

• Nasal swab/PCR:

1. 1. Schedule an appointment online.
   2. Check in at the health center prior to your appointment time. You will be directed to visit the appropriate clinic area. Wait times will vary.
   3. 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.
   4. Results will be communicated through the SHS Patient Portal.

• Saliva sample:

1. 1. Check in at the testing site during the available time options. A number of physical controls have been implemented to ensure your safety. Every individual is physically distanced by 6 or more feet if there is a line and every individual must wear face covering unless they are actively testing. The 6 feet separation is maintained and monitored during the whole process.
   2. You will be guided by staff regarding how to properly self-collect your sample. The entire collection process typically takes less than 5 minutes.
   3. Results will be sent to your email.

NOTICE REGARDING MEDICAL TENT TESTING LOCATION: If your testing site is at the medical tent located in the SHS parking lot, this tent is a negative pressure isolation medical shelter whose environment meets or exceeds the CDC guidelines for treating airborne viruses like COVID-19 and seasonal flu. Negative pressure air means a lower air pressure is inside the tent compared to the air outside. This difference in pressure allows the outside air to flow into the tent after it passes through the sanitation and filtering process. The air in this tent is replaced with sanitized, filtered air approximately every four minutes. By the time you complete your testing, the air has already been replaced at least once.

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 nasal swab test results: Results will be sent to you from an SHS medical provider via secure message on the SHS Patient Portal.
• Mouth swab test results: Results are sent to the email you provided during registration, and will be sent from Curative, Inc.
• Saliva sample test results: Results are sent to the email you provided during registration.

NOTICE REGARDING MOUTH SWAB TEST RESULTS: If you have not received your results within 48 hours after your test date/time, confirm that the contact information included when you registered for a testing window is accurate. If your contact information is correct, please email covid@tamu.edu.

If you believe that you may have the virus or have been exposed to the virus and choose to get tested, while you await your test result the CDC advises to stay home and monitor your health (stay away from others during this time), think about people you have recently been around, and answer the phone call from the health department if they call. Find detailed information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/3key-steps-when-waiting-for-COVID-19-results_508.pdf.

If you were tested as part of a return to campus or employer recommended testing program, please limit interaction with others until you receive your results. 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 get tested and receive a positive test result:

• Make an appointment with your primary medical provider if you would like to further discuss your specific condition.
• 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 the CDC guidance for home isolation. Representatives from the Department of State Health Services or TAMU COVID Operations Center will be calling soon. Their number may indicate "unknown" on your phone, but go ahead and answer it. They will give you more information about isolation duration and also ask about your close contacts. Gather the following information to have ready when they call: how you may have been exposed, recent attendance at events (gyms, bars, salons, events such as houses of worship, sporting events, classes), household members, and close contacts (less than 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes in 24 hours).
• You are required to self-report to the university through the COVID Reporting Portal. This act of Selfless Service will help the university to understand and control the virus on campus and also give you help through the Division of Student Affairs.

If you tested negative (test must occur day 5 or later after exposure), and are showing no symptoms, please note the following:

• SARS-CoV-1 was not detected in your specimen. You should not immediately act as though you are free of COVID-19.
•  If you had been quarantining, it is recommended you can end quarantine according to the CDC and local guidelines.
• Continue to watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.
• If you begin developing symptoms, immediately self-isolate. Consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss next steps.
• 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.