Coronavirus Testing at UIC

Testing sites: Student Center West, 828 S. Wolcott Ave. (Thompson Room), Student Center East, 750 S Halsted St. (North Pier Room), Dorin Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road.

Testing times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue. and Thur.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Wed. and Fri.; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.

How does the University of Illinois at Chicago test for COVID-19 and who needs to test?

At the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), COVID-19 tests are conducted via saliva-swab testing. There are multiple saliva-testing sites set up around campus, and testing is UIC mandated for the following groups of people: students and staff in campus housing, certain students and faculty/staff in the performing arts department, and all student-athletes and athletic staff. These groups of people must receive negative testing before participating in any in-person activities on campus. Testing by UIC is also recommended for all people affiliated with UIC. Voluntary testing can be done via appointment online, but walk-ins are also accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. Testing is free for all UIC students and staff.

Who is NOT allowed to take the test?

If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, have been in contact with a positive individual for a total of at least 15 minutes and within 6 feet, have tested positive in the last 90 days, or have had a saliva test in the last 48 hours, do not take the test.

How should we prepare for the test?

Before taking the test, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. If you believe you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, please seek immediate medical attention.
2. You must show a valid i-card at the testing sites.
3. Starting from 30 minutes prior, do not eat, drink, chew, brush your teeth, or wash your mouth. Doing so can potentially cause a false testing result. There is also no food or drink allowed inside the testing site.
4. If there is a line at the testing site, wear a face covering at all times and stand socially distanced, six feet apart from the person before and/or after you.
5. Before entering the site, your temperature will be taken and you will be asked a few quick questions about your wellbeing.
6. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a consent form from a parent and/or guardian.
7. If you are a student and there is a disability that prevents you from being independently tested, please contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@uic.edu or 312-996-8332 for assistance. Please contact at least two days prior to the testing date. If you are a faculty member and there is a disability that prevents you from being independently tested, please contact the Office for Access and Equity at oaeada@uic.eduor 312-996-0512.
8. Finally, please update your contact information, for post-testing contact. Contact information can be updated through the Personal Information menu in your Self-Service account (students) or My UI profile (faculty).

What is the testing process like?

Once you have all the above-listed things prepared, taking the test is a simple process. You will be asked to provide a saliva sample by spitting into a collecting tube. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You will then hand this saliva sample to a tester. Your test results will be emailed to your campus email within 24-48 hours. If you have a positive test result, you will receive separate emailed instructions on how to proceed.

For more information, please visit https://today.uic.edu/covid-19-saliva-testing.