Clinical Testing: Symptoms and Contacts

COVID-19 testing information for those who are showing symptoms or have had close exposure with a positive case.

Who is Eligible for Testing?

PCR (swab) COVID-19 testing at our Durant site is available for UCB students, faculty, or staff who fall into one of the following categories.  Results are generally available in 2-3 days.
  1. close contact with a confirmed case (more than 15 minutes, less than 6 feet apart, and only if between 3-10 days since exposure)
  2. symptoms concerning for COVID-19, which may include NEW:
  • 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

What is the Cost of Clinical Testing?

For students with SHIP

  • Your testing and copay fees are 100% covered.

For students without SHIP

  • Each health insurance company covers the COVID-19 test differentl.
  • The upfront cost for COVID testing will range from $60 - $150 depending on the type of test used. There may also be a $15 copay if you had a telehealth visit with a provider from Primary care or $35 copay if you had a visit with a provider from Urgent Care. 
  • Charges will be billed to your CalCentral account.
  • To get a receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, please message the Cashier on eTang.
  • The SHIP office will work with any student regardless of insurance to help navigate the reimbursement process.
  • We don't want any students to not get symptomatic testing if they have concerns about not being able to get reimbursed, we will work with you, reach out to ship@berkeley.edu.

Tang Center Testing Hours & Location

Testing is performed on the Durant side Monday - Friday 9am-4:30pm (closed for lunch 11:45am-12:30pm) and Weekends 10am-2pm. Test results are typically known within 48 hours.

For Students

UC Berkeley Students who are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with a positive case of COVID-19 should:

  • Schedule a COVID test on eTang OR

  • If ill, you can schedule a phone appointment with our primary care team through eTang or by calling (510) 642-2000 or you can also call the 24/7 UHS Advice Line at (510) 643-7197 if you are ill and are unsure if you need to be seen.

Students do NOT need to be enrolled in SHIP to get tested UHS. Students not on SHIP can get a receipt for testing charges to submit to their insurance for reimbursement.

For Faculty & Staff

UC Berkeley Employees interested in testing at UHS should:

  • If mild symptoms: schedule a COVID-19 test on eTang OR

  • If ill: please call your own health care provider first for advice or go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.  You are welcome to call Occupational Health as above for testing if advised by your provider.

  • If you have tested positive or been in close contact with someone, please also contact the Occupational Health hotline (510) 332-7192

The Occupational Health COVID hotline can assist with testing for those required to be on campus and will assist with return to work after a COVID positive result. Remote workers should contact their primary care clinicians for information about testing and all employees should seek care from their primary care provider for evaluation and treatment if ill.