COVID-19 Testing

Rapid Antigen Tests: UMass students, faculty and staff can pick up free rapid antigen tests from vending machines in the lower level of the campus center or in the UHS lobby during UHS hours of operation.

PCR Testing: All UMass students, faculty, staff and members of their households who need testing due to symptoms or due to being a close contact with someone who has COVID-19 can come to UHS for a PCR test. Most insurance companies cover COVID-19 testing administered for health reasons (such as having symptoms or being a close contact with someone with COVID-19) at no additional cost to you. Elective PCR testing (such as testing for travel) is also available for $25 per test at UHS, a price significantly lower than is offered by pharmacies and other providers. PCR testing is available during the following hours:

  • Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday: 9 a.m. to noon
  • Routine testing is not available on Saturday, Sunday, or holidays. Symptomatic patients that would like to test, but do not need to see a provider are encouraged to utilize the rapid antigen self-test kits and isolate until symptoms resolve.

To get in the virtual queue for COVID testing, please text UMASSUHS to 413-992-3326 and select option 2. Please note that this is not a medical appointment, and you will not be seeing a provider for routine testing.

COVID-19 Symptoms

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate and get tested. Symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

How to Get Your Test Results

Results from PCR tests performed at UHS are ready within 24-48 hours.

If you test NEGATIVE, you will be notified via email from umalab@umass.edu. You will need to register and login to a secure portal to access your results.

If you are a UMass student or faculty/staff and test POSITIVE, you will receive a phone call from a PHPC nurse OR email from umalab@umass.edu with your results. You can look at your lab report by clicking on the Order ID. Order Choice showing green does not indicate a negative result. If you are positive you must isolate immediately. The UMass Public Health Team reviews all positive results and then will send out information to your email address. These emails are sent throughout the day.

Report Your Positive Test from At-Home Antigen or Non-UMass Laboratory
Individuals should continue to report their positive tests to testing@umass.edu. A positive test may come from an outside laboratory or an at-home antigen test.