Hours of Operation:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Face coverings are required when visiting the testing site. Enter through the East Quad doors or the doors closest to Parking Lot B. Please do not enter via the southwest corner entrance (across from the Cox Child Care Center). Signage will be posted within the building directing you to the testing location.
Results may take up to 48 hours to post to your account.
Testing is no longer required for students, faculty, staff, contract employees and long-term guests, regardless of vaccination status.
SHIELD Illinois Registration Instructions
Before you test, create a SHIELD Illinois account.
- SHIELD Illinois/Point n Click portal
- Portal Set-up Instructions (PDF)
- Agency code for Employees: uils-rpiyhcri
- Agency code for Students: uils-s6edywze
About the Test
The UI System-developed test is a saliva-based Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. PCR tests are considered the gold standard—with the highest sensitivity for this type of infection. It can detect the virus in people who are asymptomatic and/or individuals early in the course of disease, which makes it an exceptional screening tool. The test has less than a 0.3% false positive rate.
After establishing your Point n Click account, testers can make an appointment through the portal for the approximate time they plan to visit the testing site; Please note, you can visit the testing site any time that day and are not tied to the specific appointment time. The Point n Click portal will produce a QR code to show the testing site staff. If an individual is not able to make an appointment ahead of time and get a QR code, they should visit the testing site and sign in with a staff member.
Refrain from eating, drinking, tooth brushing, mouth washing, gum chewing and using tobacco for 60 minutes before submitting your sample.
UIS sends test samples to a certified Springfield lab for processing as part of the SHIELD Illinois program. Results will be sent to an individual’s Point n Click portal within 48 hours.
All initial positive tests and failed tests are re-tested to ensure the validity of the result. If you receive inconclusive results, please retest at your earliest convenience.
Informing Close Contacts
UIS is no longer conducting contact tracing or providing directives to individuals who test positive or are exposed to COVID-19. It is recommended that you alert others who are close contacts about your positive test so they are aware of a potential exposure. Quarantine is no longer required after an exposure, but individuals should follow CDC guidance for what to do if exposed.
General guidance for students and employees who test positive is provided below. Please also familiarize yourself with CDC guidance on ending isolation for further information.
Employees Who Test Positive
If an employee receives a positive result, they should notify their supervisor about their absence. Employees should stay home for at least five days (working remotely if possible and approved by a supervisor) from when symptoms started or the day you test positive. Day 1 is your first full day of symptoms or the first day after submitting your test sample. If your symptoms are improving and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours after completing Day 5, you may return to normal activity but should wear a mask for the next five days. If you aren’t improving or still have a fever, continue to isolate until you improve or 10 days have passed since symptoms began.
Please follow CDC guidance or contact your healthcare provider for any questions about returning to work or other activities. To see if you are eligible for paid leave if you are unable to work, visit the System Human Resources Office website.
Students Who Test Positive
Isolate for at least five days from when symptoms started or the day you test positive. Day 1 is the first full day you are symptomatic or the first day after submitting your test sample. If your symptoms are improving and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours after completing Day 5, you may return to normal activity but should wear a mask for the next five days. If you aren’t improving or still have a fever, continue to isolate until you improve or 10 days have passed since symptoms began.
Residential Students: If possible, please spend your isolation period at your permanent home address. If you stay at UIS, please note that Food Services is no longer providing food deliveries and you will need to rely on friends or delivery services to receive meals.
Please follow CDC guidance to determine when to return to class, work or other activities.