What Sun Devils need to know about ASU’s free COVID-19 testing

Part of ASU’s charter states that the university assumes fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. That includes slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. ASU’s return to campus plan this fall includes free COVID-19 testing for all students and employees to help gather data that will keep us all safer and healthier. 

Sun Devils may know that this is available or that ASU is conducting a statistical, random sampling of COVID-19 testing among students, faculty and staff, but students may not know exactly how to access testing on a regular basis or what they can expect. 

ASU student government leaders are encouraging their fellow Sun Devils to participate in ASU’s health efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19 to keep each other safe.

“Testing is important for Sun Devils to participate in, because having COVID-19 puts us in a situation where we can put others in danger even when we do not know it. Knowing that one has the virus or not allows one to take precautionary measures not only for themselves but also for others,” said John Christian Oyas, a law student and the president of ASU’s Graduate and Professional Student Association.

“The information that the university gets from these tests allows university leaders to make informed decisions on how we should move forward as a community as we all pursue our academic and professional endeavors amidst a pandemic,” he said.

Nora Thompson, Undergraduate Student Government president of ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus and a public service and public policy major at ASU, said COVID-19 may not feel scary to some people, but for people with compromised immune systems and underlying conditions, the reality of the situation is harsh.

“I would encourage any member of the ASU community to get tested early and often, so that proper precautions can be taken in the event of a positive result,” said Thompson. 

“Right now we have to make sure that we are being responsible for the health of not only ASU but the Valley as a whole,” she said. “The only way we can beat this virus is together.” 

Here’s some of the information Sun Devils may need to get in the habit of testing so we can contribute to the community of care on and around all ASU campuses. 

What kind of testing does ASU conduct?

All ASU campuses conduct FDA-approved saliva-based COVID-19 tests. These tests were developed by the ASU Biodesign Institute. No awkward nose swabbing necessary, and you receive results within 48 hours.

Where does the testing happen on each campus?

Testing sites include

ASU’s Downtown campus A.E. England building

ASU’s Polytechnic campus Rincon building

ASU’s West campus University Center La Sala Ballroom 

ASU’s Tempe campus Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness Center Maroon Gym, Sun Devil Hall and a drive-in at Lot 59

How do I make an appointment?

Appointments can be made at any time through the ASU Health Services Patient Portal. You’ll have the option of choosing your day and time.

How should I prepare for my test?

Before arriving at the test site, be sure to read all the instructions that you are sent along with your appointment time and QR code. Don’t forget that nothing should be placed in your mouth for 30 minutes before being tested. This includes food, drinks, gum, smoking, vaping and even chapstick or lip gloss. Nothing means nothing.

The test requires more saliva than you might think; 1.5 to 2 ml is a lot! Be sure to hydrate throughout the day before and after the test. Students who come in dehydrated find the test takes longer, as producing saliva is not as easy when you’re thirsty. 

What should I expect when I’m at the testing site?

About an hour before your test, you’ll receive a text message reminding you of your appointment and not to have anything in your mouth right before the test.

You’ll walk into the testing site (masks up!) during your scheduled appointment time. You’ll be greeted by staff and asked for your Suncard and a QR code that was sent by email after scheduling the appointment.

The on-site personnel will check you in and give you testing tips and directions and hand you a test kit, which you take to an isolated booth or cubicle space to collect your sample. The kit includes a straw, a sample vial, a decontamination wipe and a bag to collect your trash.

The collection is fairly simple. Use the straw to funnel 1.5 to 2 ml of spit into the sample vial, wipe the outside of the vial with a decontamination wipe when you’re done and turn the vial over to staff. They’ll verify your date of birth and scan your QR code when you turn the sample in. The test itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. 

The saliva-based test requires saliva only. Bubbles or foam don’t count. If the sample vial has filled with a large number of excess bubbles or foam, move the straw in circular patterns to decrease the chance of overflow.

Wipe the cubicle space generously with the provided disinfectant wipe when finished as well as the sample vial, and collect your trash in the bag to put in one of the garbage cans provided. 

Be respectful. Most people are very self-conscious when it comes to spitting in a straw near strangers. Don’t try to look at other students' samples, and don’t take any photos. Remember, the testing staff will be fully equipped with personal protective equipment. This does not mean that they are not still susceptible to COVID-19. 

After turning the sample vial in, exit the testing site and wait for results to be delivered through MyASU. Results will be delivered within 24 to 48 hours. 

What should I do if my test is negative?

Continue to mask up, be safe and enjoy safe virtual and in-person activities.

What happens if my test is positive?

Students will receive a detailed message with the positive test results describing actions you should take next. These instructions will be different depending on how you’re doing and if you live in university housing.

Any student who tests positive will also receive a phone call from ASU Health Services. You would describe in detail what symptoms you may have and who you have come in contact with over the past 10 days. You will also be expected to follow Maricopa County Public Health Department protocols for a period of isolation.

Remember, you should get tested if you are ill or concerned about possible exposure to COVID-19, but you should also get tested regularly even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. More information on ASU COVID-19 testing can be found here.