Why take a rapid antigen home COVID test?
1. Use of COVID-19 self-tests is recommended when you feel sick, 5-7 days after you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or immediately before an indoor event or gathering. In combination with vaccination, masking, and distancing, rapid self-testing is very effective at reducing the risks of transmitting COVID-19. You may also be asked to complete a rapid antigen COVID-19 test during your isolation period to discontinue your isolation early, should you become infected with COVID-19. Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
If you are required to test weekly due to being unvaccinated or undervaccinated, a Molecular PCR test is still required and should be scheduled on CoVerified. A rapid home antigen self-test is not an adequate substitute.
Knowing this, it is recommended to keep a few rapid COVID tests at your place of residence.
You can obtain rapid COVID tests by:
- Pick up a free iHealth COVID19 rapid antigen home test kit at the on campus COVID test site during testing business hours
- Request free COVID19 antigen home tests from the federal government
- You can order and pickup home antigen COVID-19 tests at the preferred pharmacy of your health insurance company or submit for reimbursement through your health insurance. Students with the BCBS school health insurance plan can find more information here. Those with other insurance plans will need to inquire with your individual policy.
2. Resources
How to take your rapid iHealth antigen COVID test?
1. Follow the instructions inside the box. Also available on www.ihealthlabs.com
2. Step by step video instructions here
How to read your results and document them?
1. Once 15 minutes has passed from when you put the solution in the well, look at your test results. Video instructions on interpreting iHealth antigen test results
2. If you see one line under the "C", your test is NEGATIVE.
3. If you see one line under the "C" and one line under the "T", your result is POSITIVE. Even if the second line is very faint, your test is POSITIVE. Review your test with good lighting.
4. Take a photo of your test, no matter what the result it, so that you have this documentation should you need it. The photo you take needs to include your test result, a photo ID (such as a clipper card or license), and the date/time (such as in front of a computer or phone).
How to upload your test results?
1. ONLY upload your photo to CoVerified if your test was POSITIVE (two lines), or if you were instructed to upload a negative result by health services. It is recommended that you keep a photo of your result, whether positive or negative, for your own records.
2. Open CoVerified and click the "+" symbol in the bottom center, and click "Upload Test Result"
3. In the location box, type "Home test". For the test type select "COVID-19 Antigen"
4. For Test Result, select "Positive." Remember, only upload your test result if it is positive. Negative rapid test results should only be uploaded to CoVerified if you've been instructed by health services to do so.
5. Click "Attach a file" and select the photo of your test.
6. Click "Confirm." Your test will be manually reviewed by health services on CoVerified within 1 business day. If your test is positive, you need to isolate at home. Do NOT return to campus until cleared by Health Services. Call 978-542-3240 with questions, leave a voicemail if no one answers and your call will be returned within 1 business day.
Resources
Salem State University Counseling and Health Services
352 Lafayette St
Salem, MA 01970
978-542-3240 (COVID support and questions)
978-542-6413 (main office)
Salem State University Health and Safety COVID-19 Campus Guide
CoVerified login
Health Portal login