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.
Students, employees and the general public who are symptomatic, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have an underlying medical condition such as pregnancy, can drive-up to the UTEP Testing Site at 3333 N. Mesa at Kern Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday (starting Aug. 9, 2022) to get tested for COVID-19. The only drive-up entrance to the site will be from Sun Bowl Drive at Kern Drive.
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 partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Increasing Community Access to Testing program (CDC ICATT) and LTS Emergency Response, the UTEP Testing Site at 3333 N. Mesa at Kern Drive is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Aug. 9. The only entrance to the site is from Sun Bowl Drive at Kern Drive. Registration will take place on site.
Testing is available for 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
- Pregnant women
The site includes a dedicated priority lane for UTEP students, employees and their household members in the same vehicle. A valid Miner Gold Card is required to access the UTEP lanes.
Testing options include rapid antigen or PCR tests. Results will be available within 2 hours (antigen) to 48 hours (PCR) after the sample is collected.
Insurance is not required, but insurance information will be requested and billed for those who are insured.
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 remote).
- 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
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
- Pregnant women
Yes. Family members of UTEP students and employees who meet the above criteria and who are in the same vehicle can be tested in the UTEP line.
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 site’s testing hours?
The UTEP Testing Site at 3333 N. Mesa at Kern Drive is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The only drive-up entrance to the site will be from Sun Bowl Drive at Kern Drive.
Free COVID-19 antigen testing is available to enrolled UTEP students at the Student Health and Wellness Center in Union Building East, first floor.
Do I need to make an appointment or preregister to get tested?
No appointment is necessary. Registration will take place on site. You will not need to register again if you revisit the site.
How will the test be administered?
Testing options include rapid antigen or PCR tests.
How soon will I receive my results?
Rapid antigen test results will be available approximately 2 hours after taking the test. Results from the PCR test will be available within 24-48 hours after the sample was collected. Individuals will receive their results via email and/or text.
Students, faculty and staff may walk up to the testing site to be tested as testing capacity permits. No appointment is necessary, and you will register on site.
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 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EST) Saturdays.
Will I need to show my UTEP Miner Gold Card to get tested?
In the UTEP section of the testing site, you will be required to present your Miner Gold Card in order for you and your family members to be tested.
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 UTEP Testing Site 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 UTEP section of the testing site to be tested. Return home if you are sick. If you are a University employee, follow the standard University leave procedures. Please report a positive result to UTEP at covidaction@utep.edu.
Why is the city working with UTEP to provide testing?
The City of El Paso is partnering with the CDC’s Increasing Community Access to Testing program and community partners such as UTEP to expand the City’s free COVID-19 testing opportunities, particularly in vulnerable communities.
