COVID-19 Testing at UTEP
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community, UTEP is offering two convenient options for free COVID-19 testing on campus.
The University offers free COVID-19 PCR testing through a kiosk located at the UTEP Testing Site at 3333 N. Mesa. The kiosk is located outside the building’s entrance.
Current UTEP students also have access to free, on-campus testing in the UTEP Student Health and Wellness Center located in Union Building East, first floor.
Here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 testing at UTEP.
UTEP Testing Site
Sponsored by the City of El Paso in in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Increasing Community Access to Testing program (CDC ICATT), the TestandGo Fully Automated Healthcare Kiosk at the UTEP Testing Site at 3333 N. Mesa provides free self-administered COVID-19 tests 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Testing is free for individuals who are symptomatic, have been exposed, or are at high risk of severe outcomes, regardless of insurance status.
Easy to Use Self-Testing Kiosk
Register online at https://register.testandgo.com/ or access the registration app by scanning the QR code at the machine. After you register, scan your QR confirmation code at the kiosk and a test kit will be dispensed. Follow the instructions in the kit to perform the test. The test uses a nasal swab to collect the specimen. Once the specimen is collected, drop off your sample in the kiosk’s collection box. Specimens are picked up daily for PCR testing.
Results
Test results will be sent via text or email within 48 hours from your test date.
For questions about test results, call 800-402-0000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EST) Saturday.
Please report a positive COVID-19 test to covidaction@utep.edu so our COVID Action Team can follow up with you.
UTEP Student Health and Wellness Center On-Campus Testing
- Free on-campus antigen testing is available for all enrolled UTEP students who are currently attending classes (face to face or online).
- No appointment is necessary, although preregistration online is required at medicatconnect.com.
- Bring your Miner Gold Card OR student ID number AND a photo ID.
- When you arrive at the Student Health and Wellness Center, please wait outside and call 915-747-5624 to be allowed in through the center’s back entrance.
- Click here for more information about student on-campus testing at UTEP.
UTEP Testing Site
Who is eligible to self-test using the kiosk?
Testing is available to students, employees and the general public who meet any of the following criteria:
- Individuals who are symptomatic
- Exposed to COVID-19
- High-risk medical condition
What type of testing does the kiosk offer?
The kiosk provides self-administered COVID-19 PCR testing kits that use nasal swabs to collect the sample.
What can I expect when I use the kiosk?
If you have not preregistered online at https://register.testandgo.com/, you can access the registration app by scanning the QR code at the machine. After you register, scan your QR confirmation code at the kiosk and a test kit will be dispensed. Follow the instructions in the kit to perform the test. The test uses a nasal swab to collect the specimen. Once the specimen is collected, drop off your sample in the kiosk’s collection box. Specimens are picked up daily for PCR testing.
What counts as COVID-19 exposure?
According to the CDC, for COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If you start to feel sick, get tested immediately and stay home and away from others. Otherwise, test 5 days following your exposure and follow quarantine guidance while waiting to test. If your test result is positive, follow isolation recommendations.
People may have COVID-19 if they are experiencing fever, chills, cough, fatigue, body aches, muscle or joint pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, and loss of taste and/or smell. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
When should I get tested for COVID-19?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested immediately. If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, test yourself at least 5 days after your exposure. If you test negative for COVID-19, consider testing again 2 to 3 days after your first test or 24 hours after experiencing symptoms.
Who is at high risk for severe COVID-19?
Some people are at increased risk for severe illness if they get sick with COVID-19. They include individuals age 65 and older, women who are pregnant and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, HIV and diabetes.
What are the kiosk’s testing hours?
The kiosk is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Do I need to make an appointment or preregister to get tested at the kiosk?
No appointment is necessary. Register online at https://register.testandgo.com/or access the registration app by scanning the QR code at the machine.
How will the test be administered?
The PCR test that the kiosk dispenses is self-administered and uses a nasal swab to collect the sample.
How soon will I receive my results?
Results from the PCR test will be available within 48 hours after the sample was collected. Individuals will receive their results via email and/or text.
How will I be notified of the results?
Participants will receive their results via email and/or text. Remember to check your junk/spam email folders for the emailed test results.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my test results?
You can call 800-402-0000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EST) Saturdays.
Yes. The test is free, convenient and voluntary. However, if you have health insurance, your insurance information will be requested and your insurance will be billed for reimbursement.
If I am experiencing COVID symptoms, may I come to the kiosk to be tested?
Yes. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, feeling ill, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please come to the kiosk to be tested. Return home if you are sick. If you are a UTEP employee, follow the standard University leave procedures. Please report a positive result to UTEP at covidaction@utep.edu.
