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COVID-19 Testing

Information below may not be up to date, please refer to the Return to Learn site for latest testing info.

SHS is open - please see current information about SHS hours.

All testing sites, including Price Center, will be open daily to accommodate symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. For more information please visit https://returntolearn.ucsd.edu/

Symptomatic Testing and Evaluation

If you have symptoms (a new cough, shortness of breath, fever, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or diarrhea) :

  • For testing, it is best to wait until you have had symptoms for 72 hours, then come in for evaluation and testing in our Urgent Care (enter by the parking lot side).
  • Please contact the SHS Advice Nurse through MyStudentChart before coming in, or if you have any questions. Alternatively you may call 858-534-3300. 
  • There is no charge to any UCSD student, with or without insurance, for symptomatic or medically indicated COVID-19 testing. 
  • For more information on isolation/quarantine see the CDC fact sheet (PDF)
  • Sign on to MyStudentChart, go to Ask a Nurse, and request an appointment.

Asymptomatic Testing

Sign on to MyStudentChart, go to Ask a Nurse, and request an appointment. We are unable to offer walk-in testing for asymptomatic patients - this testing must be scheduled by appointment.

Close contact: If you have no symptoms but have had contact with a positive case (without a face covering, less than 6 feet apart for at least 10-15 minutes):

  • You must quarantine for 14 days total with the last day of contact being Day 0.
  • If you want to be tested, wait 5-7 days after the contact with the positive case to reduce the likelihood of a false negative result.  
  • Regardless of the test result, you must still quarantine for the full 14 days.

For more information please see the San Diego County order (PDF)

Other Asymptomatic Testing

  • Testing is available for several other reasons that are considered elective and will have a fee regardless of insurance type.
  • This includes international travel, work and some program requirements.
  • Please contact our Advice Nurses through MyStudentChart to see if you qualify for this.

Our Nursing team is working hard to ensure as many people as possible have access to testing, however there are some situations where COVID-19 testing is not indicated. We work with UC San Diego Health, San Diego County and CDC for testing guidelines and we ask that you please respect these decisions.

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