COVID-19 Screening Program
The University’s non-invasive, saliva-based screening program is available to members of the campus community who may have COVID-19 symptoms, known COVID-19 exposure, or related to travel requirements.
Screenings are non-invasive and saliva-based
Pocatello
Walk-In Site:
Vocational Arts Building
Tuesdays 10-2
Wednesdays 10-2
Thursdays 10-2
Meridian
Walk-In Site:
Meridian Campus
Monday - Thursday 7:30 - 4
No appointment necessary
Idaho Falls
Walk-In Site:
Bennion
Wednesday 7:30 - 4
No appointment necessary
Scheduling Your Screening
You will select a date and time to visit an on-campus screening location to provide a saliva sample.
- Select a date, time, and location that works with your schedule.
- At your scheduled time, visit the on-campus screening location to provide a saliva sample. The process should take less than 10 minutes.
- You may immediately return to your on-campus activities.
What is the difference between a COVID-19 screen and test?
Screening
Idaho State’s screening program is for people who have no symptoms and no known COVID-19 exposure. This is done to identify individuals who may be asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers, so we can take precautions to limit the spread to others.
Testing
COVID-19 testing is designed for those who are symptomatic or have a known exposure to COVID-19. If you fall in this category, call the University Health Center at (208) 282-2330 for testing information AND fill out the online self-report form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional FAQs will be developed and posted in the coming weeks. If you have a question related to your specific situation, send an email to covid@health.isu.edu or call (208) 282-2705.
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Who do I contact if I am having trouble logging into the system to schedule my appointment?
Contact the ISU Help Desk at (208) 282-help
What are the hours for the screening location?
Hours vary by campus location.
What is the difference between the screening program and COVID-19 testing?
Screening: Idaho State’s screening program is for people who have no symptoms and no known COVID-19 exposure. This is done to identify individuals with the virus before symptoms develop and before they spread the disease to others.
Testing: COVID-19 testing is designed for those who are symptomatic, have a known exposure to COVID-19, or who have a positive result from the screening program. If you fall in this category, call the University Health Center at (208) 282-2330 for testing information AND fill out the online self-report form.
What if I get a positive result? Can I be retested to make sure it is accurate?
Asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 do occur, so any positive case should be treated as such with appropriate self-isolation protocols as directed by the University’s COVID-19 Health Committee. While false positives can happen, they are extremely rare with the PCR method. Faculty, staff, or students with positive results from the screening program may seek to be retested through community COVID-19 testing sites, but will not be rescreened through the asymptomatic screening program.
Is there a cost associated with getting screened?
There is no cost associated with participating in Idaho State’s screening program. The University is covering all expenses related to the screening.
Who will receive my results?
The University Health Center and the COVID-19 Health Committee will receive your results. You will also be notified and have the option to download your lab result. In addition, the State of Idaho requires reporting of aggregate screening data as well to the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare.
How long will it take to get my results back?
It will typically take 24-72 hours for results to be returned to you via an email. During this time, you may remain on campus for work or classes, permitted you follow all COVID-19 safety protocols, including face coverings, physical distancing, handwashing, etc.
How accurate is the COVID-19 screening?
Idaho State is using PCR for screening. This is the most accurate test available. False positive results are very uncommon. Any positive result is evidence of the presence of COVID-19 virus. Rescreening is of no benefit and will not change isolation recommendations.
My COVID-19 screening results are positive. What do I do?
If your screening results are positive, you must self-isolate, per CDC guidelines. It is recommended for 10 days after the test date. The ISU contact tracing team will reach out to review where you might have acquired the virus and to make further recommendations. While you await this contact, do not come to campus or have close contact with other members of the campus community.
What safety measures are at the screening sites?
All employees and volunteers at the screening location will be wearing face coverings and using gloves. Saliva is self-collected for the non-invasive PCR screen and does not require direct contact with another individual. Screening will be scheduled to allow physical distancing.
I am a faculty member. Will I be made aware of the results of my "in-seat" students? Will I be told if one of my students refuses to participate in the screening program?
The University Health Center and COVID-19 Health Committee will conduct contact tracing for all positive results. Close contacts of those that are positive will be notified. If it is determined that a faculty member or classmates had close contact, they will be notified in accordance with applicable law.
Will my health information be protected? Who will receive the results?
The University Health Center and COVID-19 Health Committee will receive the results. After contact investigation is performed, other individuals such as instructors and close contacts may also be notified if determined necessary by the COVID-19 Health Committee and in accordance with applicable law.
Can I schedule to take my COVID-19 screening during work hours?
Yes. Employees should work with their supervisors to schedule the screening during a time that has a minimal impact on regular duties.