Diagnostic Testing FAQ

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Diagnostic testing

• What if I have symptoms and decline to have a PCR test done?

  If you have symptoms and do not get tested, you will not know for sure whether you have COVID-19 and could spread this infection to others on campus.

  In addition, if you are infected now, you might test positive for up to three months. If you test positive at a later date, such as before you travel, it may cause difficulties for you.

• Can I trust a negative result early in the course of my symptoms?
  When infected with the SARS-CoV-2 variants BA-4 and BA-5, it may take 3–5 days for an individual to develop a positive test. Students whose symptoms seem consistent with COVID-19 but are testing negative with a home test should continue their self-isolation and make an appointment with a medical provider at the Decker Student Health Services Center via the student patient portal.  
• Why is it that only students with symptoms may get tested for COVID-19 at DSHSC?  
  DSHSC runs a diagnostic service for students. Diagnostic testing is only done on people who have symptoms or who have been directly exposed to COVID-19. The accuracy of diagnostic COVID-19 test results depends on the pre-test probability of the person being tested actually having COVID-19. This, in turn, depends on  whether symptoms are present. DSHSC wants to have the most accurate results possible for students.  
• Can I get a hard copy of my test results after receiving a PCR test at DSHSC?
  You may request a hard copy of your test results by sending a secure message to the provider "OnlineNurs" in the student patient portal. You will receive a copy of your lab result by return secure message within 5–7 days.
• Do I need to upload my positive test results if the positive test was administered on campus?
  No. Students do NOT need to upload proof of a positive COVID test to the Decker student health portal if the test was administered at Decker Student Health Services Center.
• What tests are used at DSHSC?

  Testing will be done using a Lucira Rapid PCR test.

Reporting positive results received from a home test or an off-campus provider

• What do I do if I have a positive home test for COVID-19 or test positive on a test administered off campus?

  If you have a positive home COVID-19 test while you are in Binghamton, regardless of whether you live on or off campus, follow the steps on the home test webpage.

  Residential students who test positive on a test administered by a provider off campus must report their test to the University. Follow the same instructions as reporting a home test.