Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
Free, on-demand COVID-19 saliva-based PCR testing is now available via vending machines located at the Main Campus, Medical Center, Law Center and School of Continuing Studies. As communicated on November 2, saliva-based PCR testing provides the same accuracy as nasal swabs, and this new system will provide our community with greater flexibility regarding testing and enable our existing campus testing sites to become available for other events and activities.
We recognize that this new testing process is different, and it may take once or twice to get used to it. We’re here to help. Please reach out to Georgetown’s Public Health team at carenavigators@georgetown.edu if you have any questions.
How to Register for Shield T3 Testing
- Go to the COVID-19 Testing Portal (which you can also access via the GU360 mobile app) and log in using your Georgetown NetID and password, using Duo two-factor identification.
- Enter your date of birth to confirm your identity, and sign the consent form to allow your test results to be shared with Georgetown’s Public Health team.
- After registering, you can click the “Profile” tab in the dropdown menu to update your address and mobile phone number as needed. You will be required to provide this contact information before you register your first test kit. On the “Profile” page, you will also have the option to disable and enable text message alerts regarding your test results.
You can review the Shield T3 testing registration process on the COVID-19 testing protocol page.
Where to Find a COVID-19 Test Vending Machine (Location Map)
- Main Campus
- Healey Family Student Center (HFSC): Located on the second floor hallway across from the dance studio.
- Intercultural Center (ICC): Located in the third floor elevator lobby, to the left of the main entrance off Red Square.
- Leavey Center: Located in the South Gallery hallway near the Faculty Club & Restaurant and current One Medical testing, accessed via Sellinger Lounge.
- Medical Center: Located in the Pre-Clinical Science Building around the corner from the POD market on G-level, next to the Wellfound Foods vending machine.
- Law Center: Located in the Ginsburg Sport & Fitness Center near the bookstore entrance.
- School of Continuing Studies (640 Mass Ave. NW): Located on Level 1, just past the turnstiles and the front desk.
How to Order, Take and Submit Your Test
You can order and retrieve your test from the vending machines at any time the building is open. Samples are collected from the drop box at 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Do not take or submit a test between 5 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday because your sample will not be collected in time for it to be processed accurately by the lab.
To order, take and submit your test, proceed to a COVID-19 test vending machine and:
- Use your smartphone to scan the “Step 1: Portal Login” QR code on the vending machine, log in to the testing portal, and click “Get a Shield T3 COVID-19 Test.”
- Note: If you do not have a smartphone, or have accessibility issues with the test vending or testing process, please email the Public Health team at carenavigators@georgetown.edu for assistance.
- Using your smartphone, scan the “Step 2: Dispense Test” QR code on the vending machine screen. Collect your test kit, which will be dispensed at the bottom of the machine.
- Note: Check for your kit even if you don’t hear it being dispensed because the machine is quiet.
- Find a private space away from other people, and take the test using the instructions included in the kit.
- Register your test kit in the testing portal by clicking “COVID Test Self Collect Activation” and entering the specimen number and kit number on your vial. You will be asked to provide/confirm your address and mobile phone number at this time if you have not done so yet.
- Collect your test sample.
- Wipe the vial with the alcohol wipe provided.
- Place the absorbent material and test vial into the small biohazard bag and seal it tightly.
- Drop the biohazard bag in the drop box next to the vending machine.
- Please recycle the plastic testing funnel and dispose of the other materials.
You can watch this Shield T3 instructional video for a full overview of the testing process.
Testing Tips:
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, floss, use mouthwash, brush your teeth or chew gum for 60 minutes before testing to avoid sample contamination.
- Remember to register your test kit in the testing portal before putting it in the drop box.
- Consider taking your test in a restroom or in a private space (e.g., office, campus residence) where you have easy access to hand washing and hand sanitizer. Most vending machine locations are located near or next to restrooms.
- Submit your sample on the same day that you take it, but you may order and keep a test kit on hand for future testing for as long as you want.
How to Get Your Test Result
You will be notified that your test result is available in the testing portal by email and by SMS text. Log in to the portal, and click “COVID Test Results”. Georgetown’s Public Health team will also be notified of your test result and will be in touch with you if you receive a positive or inconclusive result.
Please note that the university’s current quarantine and isolation policies and procedures remain in place.
Testing Transition
As a reminder, the current appointment-based One Medical nasal swab PCR testing will continue to be offered through the following dates:
- Ginsburg Sport & Fitness Center: Wednesday, November 30
- Leavey Center Ballroom: Thursday, December 22
Antigen testing will continue to be available free of charge in certain situations, when appropriate.
Thank you for your flexibility and adaptability as we launch this new process, and for contributing to its success.
Sincerely,
Ranit Mishori, M.D., MHS, FAAFP
Professor of Family Medicine, Vice President and Chief Public Health Officer