Testing for COVID-19

When to test and how to test

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 the eTang portal.

To get tested, log in to eTang and follow the instructions under “schedule an appointment.”

Testing Hours: 

  • Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Closed for Lunch 12 pm -1 pm 
  • Saturday: 9:30 am-11:30 am and 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm

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(link is external). 

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

What to do if test positive