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UCLA Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center

TOP QUESTIONS

What is the current status of community screening at UCLA? Am I expected to test routinely if I will be on campus?

Effective immediately, weekly COVID-19 testing is optional.

Can I test for COVID-19 at an off-site location? Are outside test results accepted?

Yes, any test outside of UCLA will be accepted. If you have tested positive outside of UCLA, you can submit your test results through the COVID Action Center.

Can I just walk in to test sites when it’s convenient for me to test, or do I always need an appointment?

Testing on campus is available by self-service vending machines in various, convenient campus locations.

TESTING

Why should I complete a weekly COVID-19 test?

A unique challenge posed by COVID-19 is that infected individuals can transmit the virus while asymptomatic. Performing community screening (previously, “surveillance testing”) on all individuals will help minimize the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak at UCLA by:

  • Identifying individuals with asymptomatic infection and placing them into isolation
  • Improving understanding of prevalence, thereby allowing more effective administrative decisions

Self-test vending machines are available throughout the UCLA campus with an active, registered BruinCard at no cost.

Do I have to pay anything for the test?

No, there is no cost to you for surveillance testing if testing at UCLA through the Community Screening program. Self-test vending machines are available throughout the UCLA campus with an active, registered BruinCard at no cost.

I did not get a link to schedule an appointment for testing. What can I do?

Appointments are no longer required/available. Self-test vending machines are available throughout the UCLA campus with an active, registered BruinCard at no cost.

If I test positive, will UCLA provide housing for me so that I won’t infect my family?

UCLA will provide housing to you students living in the dorms, based on availability. Please call The Ashe Center COVID-19 Hotline at (310) 206-6217 for assistance.

I am not a current student. Can I be tested?

Complimentary community screening testing is limited to students, faculty, staff and academic appointments at UCLA. All students, staff and faculty with a BruinCard can test using the self-test vending machines available throughout the UCLA campus.

I am a UCLA Health employee. Can I be tested?

We are not currently testing UCLA Health employees. Please follow up with your supervisor for more information.

TEST PROCESS

What do I need to use the COVID self-test vending machines on campus?

UCLA students, staff and faculty only need an active Bruin Card and a smart phone to utilize the COVID self-test vending machines located throughout campus.

Can I use the vending machines if I do not have a smartphone?

The use of a smartphone for registration is offered as a convenience for those testing throughout the campus community. Please note that anyone looking to test on campus will be required to have a cell phone that receives texts since a text confirmation code is necessary to authenticate and register for the test.

Can I use a computer to register for the COVID self-test vending machines?

Unfortunately, you cannot register the test kits through the use of a computer or laptop. However the use of a mobile device (with camera) such as an iPad, can be used.

Where does the testing take place?

COVID-19 testing is available via self-testing saliva collection from designated UCLA campus vending machines/ collection bins.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

Appointments are no longer required to test. Self-test vending machines are available throughout the UCLA campus with an active, registered BruinCard at no cost.

I don’t have a UCLA parking permit, is there free parking for this requirement?

There is no free parking offered for this requirement, but there is short term parking available at most UCLA lots at a prorated cost. Alternatively, there may be street parking available near campus if you want to avoid parking fees.

Where are the COVID self-test vending machines located on campus?

An interactive map of every vending machine, test center, and collection site is available online.

What should I do if I am having trouble accessing a COVID self-test from a vending machine on campus?

Please complete the Ask BruinCard intake request form. Under topic, please toggle down and select “BruinCard Troubleshoot Request Form.”

I only work at night/weekends. When can I be tested?

COVID-19 Self-test kits are available 24/7 from vending machines in designated locations on campus with a BruinCard. The collection boxes for completed samples are available for specimen drop off weekdays, starting each Monday at 8:00 AM and ending at Friday 2:00 PM (excluding holidays). Samples dropped off after 2PM on Friday and before 8AM on Monday, cannot be processed. Please allow 24-48 hours to receive your results.

What type of test is being used to detect COVID-19?

UCLA uses a saliva-based COVID-19 PCR test.

Is the test painful?

The saliva test is performed by spitting saliva into a funnel and is painless.

RESULTS AND TREATMENT

When and how will I receive my results?

Depending on whether your test returns positive or negative, you may receive a phone call or email/text message with a link to a secure site to get your results. Results should be available 24-48 hours after testing. On rare occasions, the turnaround time may be impacted by a surge of tests in the Los Angeles Community. Please allow up to 5 days before contacting us if you have not received your results.

What should I do if my test result is positive?

Please contact the UCLA Exposure Management Team. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, you must follow the County of Los Angeles Health Office order: 1) immediately self- isolate AND 2) notify your close contacts. A member of the team will provide you with isolation instructions.

What should I do if my COVID-19 test is inconclusive?

An inconclusive test result is not very common, however, if you receive an inconclusive test result, please schedule another test at your earliest convenience.

Will this test tell me if I have already had COVID-19 and recovered?

No, this is NOT a test for COVID-19 antibodies, which are produced by people who have had the disease and have recovered.

Are the test results confidential?

Yes, the test results are confidential. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, UCLA may encounter situations where there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of students or others. When acting in such situations and UCLA determines that it is in the best interests of public health or safety, UCLA may disclose information from an individual’s COVID-19 test. Such disclosures may include disclosures to faculty and staff, and other individuals who, in the University’s discretion, have a need to know such information due to a threat to the health or safety of a student or others. All positive results will be reported to the Los Angeles County, Department of Public Health, as required by the state.

Can I still go to work or class if I am waiting for my results?

Yes, as long as you do not have symptoms, and have not been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID, you are cleared to report to work or attend class.

If I cannot go to class, can I get a medical excuse note for my faculty?

Yes. Notify your faculty that you are waiting on your results. They may not need a note if you explain your circumstance. For assistance with a medical excuse go online and click on "Messages" from The Ashe Center Patient Portal. Select “New Message". Choose the option: “Request a medical excuse if you were unable to attend work or class, or unable to complete an assignment, examination or presentation.”

WORK-RELATED

Should I report to work while I’m awaiting my test results?

You can report to work if your test is pending, you have no COVID symptoms, and you have not been directed to isolate or quarantine.

If I test positive, will I be off work and for how long?

If you test positive, please refer to your isolation instructions provided to you for the dates that you will be off work.

What if I have to be off to isolate but I don’t have any sick or vacation time?

If you have to quarantine or isolate and cannot telework, you can apply for a maximum potential entitlement of 80 hours of Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). EPSL hours are not deducted from an employee’s sick or vacation leave accruals.

What if I have used all of my COVID-related leave but have to isolate or quarantine?

If you have to quarantine or isolate and cannot telework, and have already exhausted all COVID-19 related paid leaves, there are several options available including Family & Medical Leave (FMLA/CFRA), sick leave, vacation leave and leave without pay.

Might I have to take LWOP for COVID?

If all available accruals (sick leave, vacation leave, comp time off, blood time) and all COVID-19 related paid leave entitlements have been exhausted, you may have to take Leave Without Pay.