COVID-19 Testing


Free At-Home COVID Tests for Students

Free COVID tests are available to every household in the U.S. What happens if you don't live in a standard "household," such as a dormitory?
Click on 'Free COVID Tests' button to learn more about submitting a request for your free COVID tests if you live in a resident hall or other type of congregate living space.

Free At-Home COVID Tests for Faculty and Staff

Every household in the U.S. is eligible for four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests.
Tests are made available through the federal government and are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

Additional Testing Options

Members of the KU community can request symptomatic or asymptomatic testing at Watkins Health Services during regular operating hours.

To reduce risk of transmission, individuals with symptoms should make an appointment for a test by calling the Watkins Health Services Nurse Helpline at 785-864-9583.

We are proud of our community’s efforts to help us prioritize safety during the pandemic, and our testing efforts are an important part of that work.

Visit the GoGetTested website for additional testing options in Kansas.

_________________________________________

Guidance for Receiving a Test

Check the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which also provides guidance for domestic and international travel for those who have completed vaccination.

Saliva-based PCR tests are intended for people who are not displaying current COVID-19 symptoms. 

Nasopharyngeal PCR tests are intended for people who are displaying current COVID-19 symptoms. If you are currently experiencing symptoms, contact your health provider or Watkins Health Services for information on how symptomatic testing options.

Rapid antigen tests are not as reliable as PCR tests, but can be used to determine if an asymptomatic person who either recently tested positive using a PCR test OR was identified as a close contact, can discontinue quarantine or isolation. Visit the Protect KU quarantine and isolation page for additional information.


Testing Results

Click the "KU Results Data" button below to see testing results. Click the "protect@ku.edu" button if you have questions about testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions related to the testing process, please first review the frequently asked questions below. Additional questions may be directed to protect@ku.edu.