Testing for COVID-19

When to test and how to test

If you have symptoms*, get tested:

Students can self-schedule a molecular (PCR) test on MyUCBerkeleyHealth through a Primary Care appointment or purchase a home antigen test from the pharmacy.

If you have symptoms and your home antigen test did not detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19):

  • Test again 48 hours after the first negative test.
  • If you get a negative result on the second test and you are concerned that you could have COVID-19, you may choose to test again 48 hours after the second test, consider getting a laboratory molecular-based test, or call your healthcare provider.

If you do not have symptoms but have had close contact with someone with COVID-19:

  •  Testing is recommended immediately (but not earlier than 24 hours after the exposure) and, if negative, again 48 hours after the first negative antigen test and, if negative, again 48 hours after the second negative antigen test. This will typically be on day 1 (where the day of exposure is day 0), day 3, and day 5. 
    • If you get a negative result on the second test, test again 48 hours after the second test.
    • If you get a negative result on the third test and you are concerned that you could have COVID-19, you may choose to test again using an antigen test, consider getting a laboratory molecular-based test, or call your health care provider. 

If you do not have symptoms but will be in contact with people who are at higher risk for severe infection (such as older adults or people with weakened immune systems):

  • You should test before visiting with them and consider wearing a mask indoors when around such people. 

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days:

  • If the first positive test result was within 30 days or less and:
    • You have symptoms: Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.
    • You do not have symptoms: Testing is not recommended to detect a new infection.
  • If the first positive test result was within 31-90 days, and:
    • You  have symptoms: Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.
    • You do not have symptoms: Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.

*Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

COVID Testing For Students at UHS

PCR testing for COVID-19 is available at UHS for UC Berkeley students with symptoms.* Results are generally available in 24-48 hours and will be communicated by a secure message from MyUCBerkeleyHealth.

To get tested, log in to MyUCBerkeleyHealth, go to “Schedule an appointment” and select "Primary Care Visit" at that visit the clinician can schedule you a test. 

Cost of Symptomatic PCR Testing:

  • Students with SHIP: See the UHS Fees List for applicable copays and coinsurance.
  • Students without SHIP: Students not on SHIP will need to pay out-of-pocket for services in full and may obtain an itemized receipt from the Billing & Cashier Office to file a claim with their insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. Please note that each health insurance company covers COVID-19 testing differently. Contact your insurance plan for benefits and reimbursement details

*Please note that insurance may not cover the cost of testing if you do not have symptoms.

Antigen Testing

Antigen tests are available at the UHS Pharmacy for $7

  • Home antigen tests for COVID-19 are available for purchase at most pharmacies, for prices between $7 (UHS Pharmacy) and $20.
  • Antigen tests* are rapid tests that usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are accurate and reliable. However, in general, antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus than PCR tests are, especially if you don’t have symptoms. Therefore, a single negative antigen test cannot rule out infection.
  • To be confident you do not have COVID-19, FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests for people with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for people without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart.

For Faculty & Staff

  • UC Berkeley employees who are seeking testing because they have symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider for medical care and advice, and/or testing, or use an Antigen home test kit.
  • Antigen home test kits are available for purchase at the UHS Pharmacy. 
  • Any UC Berkeley employee who may have been exposed to COVID-19 while at work may obtain Antigen test kits from the UHS Occupational Health Clinic front desk, at no cost to the employee. 

Testing Off Campus

Resources for Off-Campus COVID Testing

Traveling Guidance

For the latest COVID-19 travel guidance see the CDC website. 

  • Travel is not recommended for those who are sick or have tested positive.

What to do if test positive