Proactive Community Testing (PCT) for COVID-19

Protect Texas Together by safeguarding our community. Participation is voluntary and results are confidential.

About PCT

Proactive Community Testing (PCT) provides a quick and painless saliva-based COVID-19 test for asymptomatic UT Austin students and employees provided at no cost by the university. Testing helps the campus community monitor and respond to COVID-19 cases and contributes significantly to slowing the spread of the virus.

PCT Testing Schedule

Appointments are recommended and same day appointments are usually available. Walk-ups are also accepted at the testing sites.

To Qualify for PCT

You must be a current UT Austin student or employee who:

• Is not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild. PCT is for those who are 100 percent healthy. If you feel even a little sick, call your healthcare provider. Students, contact University Health Services for testing options. Employees, contact your healthcare provider or UT Health Austin.
• Has not been tested for COVID-19 in the past seven days
• Has not had a positive COVID-19 test in the past 90 days (since )

How To Schedule a Proactive Community Test for COVID-19

On the Day of Your Test

• If you do not feel healthy, cancel your appointment and contact your healthcare provider. Students, contact University Health Services for testing options. Employees, contact your health provider or UT Health Austin.
• Download the Protect Texas Together App and:
  • Complete the Symptom Survey for your Campus Pass. If denied access, cancel your PCT appointment, do not come to campus and contact your healthcare provider as noted above
  • Give your consent to be tested. Click the PCT tile and follow prompts. You must show your Campus Pass and PCT Consent at the clinic. If you cannot use the app, paper forms for symptom checking and giving consent are available at the clinic.
• Drink water so you are hydrated for the test, but do not eat, drink, brush your teeth or use tobacco for 30 minutes before your appointment.
• Do not apply lip products before your appointment (e.g., lip balm, lipstick or lip gloss).
• Be well-hydrated before the 30-minute cut-off period prior to your test time.
• Wear a mask. Double masking is suggested indoors.
• If testing in the Student Services Building, free parking is available in the 27th Street Garage. Bring your parking ticket into the clinic for validation.

Test Results

• Most people get results within 12 to 24 hours, but occasionally it may take up to three days.
• Results will be available on the MyUHS patient portal. To access results, log in, click Medical Records and select the Labs tab.
• We will send a secure message to you for all results.
• Results will not be released to your department/faculty/employer.
• If positive, your results may be shared with appropriate entities, such as Austin Public Health or HealthPoint/Occupational Health Program, for contact tracing purposes.

Protect Texas Together App Activity Pass and PCT

A “cleared” designation (green check) in your Activity Pass allows you to attend university-related events where COVID-19 documentation is required for one week from the date of your last PCT test. To begin this process:

• Test with PCT and sign the Activity Pass consent housed in the Protect Texas Together App.
• When your result becomes available in the MyUHS portal (see Results above), your Activity Pass will be updated with your clearance designation. If the virus is not detected, your “cleared” designation will be valid for one week after your test.
• Test weekly to keep your green check.

Laboratory Information and CLIA Certificate

PCT-collected specimens are analyzed by the UT Austin High Throughput Testing Core (HTTC), a unit of the Center for Biomedical Research Support (CBRS) core research facility (Office of the Vice-President for Research). HTTC is certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform clinically diagnostic testing. View our CLIA certificate.

For questions about PCT not answered above, email pct@austin.utexas.edu.