Testing for COVID-19

A robust testing program is vital for maintaining the health and safety of the IU community during the ongoing pandemic. There are a variety of testing measures and plans in place that will continue through the fall semester.

Voluntary asymptomatic testing

• What: Free, optional saliva-based COVID-19 testing offered weekly
• For: Students, faculty, and staff who:
  • Do NOT have any symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Have NOT been selected for required mitigation testing that week.
  • Have NOT tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
  • Are NOT currently in quarantine as a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
• Why: According to IUPUI researchers, more than 40% of people infected with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. Know your COVID-19 status for an added layer of protection against the spread of the virus. Remember that a negative test result is just a snapshot of your health at that specific moment in time.
• How it works: Schedule a test, arrive at the testing location, and take the saliva-based test. 
• If your test is negative: Continue on with your normal routine. Take care when traveling and wear a mask, stay as physically distanced as possible and wash your hands often.
• If your test is positive: You'll receive detailed instructions from IU Health on isolation and next steps, which includes downloading the Twistle app. Through Twistle, you'll receive daily check-ins from an IU Health provider to ask about your symptoms and report any concerns or worsening symptoms. In addition, complete the CARE Referral Form for Purdue University Fort Wayne. The CARE team provides support for students on the Fort Wayne campus. 

Mitigation testing

• What: Ongoing testing of the IU population. (Sometimes called "surveillance testing.")
• For: Students, faculty and staff. If contacted, it's critical that you participate.
• Where: Richard T. Doermer School of Business
• How it works: You will be contacted via email to schedule an appointment for your test. This will be a saliva test with results back in 3-5 days.
• If your test is negative: Continue on with your normal routine.
• If your test is positive: You'll receive detailed instructions from IU Health on isolation and next steps, which includes downloading the Twistle app. Through Twistle, you'll receive daily check-ins from an IU Health provider to ask about your symptoms and report any concerns or worsening symptoms. In addition, complete the CARE Referral Form for Purdue University Fort Wayne. The CARE team provides support for students on the Fort Wayne campus. 

To learn more about mitigation testing, visit IU's mitigation testing webpage. 

Symptomatic testing

• What: Testing through IU conveniently located on-campus or tested through another provider
• Strongly encouraged for: Anyone (students, faculty, staff) experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• How it works: Start with IU's symptom checker to schedule a symptomatic test. You'll receive an email with a link to schedule if you have symptoms of COVID-19. 
• If your test is negative: Continue on with your normal routine.
• If your test is positive: You’ll receive detailed instructions from IU contact tracers about isolation and next steps. In addition, complete the CARE Referral Form for Purdue University Fort Wayne. The CARE team provides support for students on the Fort Wayne campus.