Testing FAQs | Decker Student Health Services Center

What if I have symptoms and decline to have a 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 SARS-CoV-2 it may take some time for an individual to develop a positive test. Students whose symptoms seem consistent with COVID-19, but are testing negative with a home antigen test should continue their self-isolation and either make an appointment via the student health portal at the Decker Student Health Services Center to have a molecular test, or should repeat their home antigen test in 48 hours. If both antigen tests are negative, you can trust you do not have COVID-19.

Why is it that only students with symptoms, or who were exposed 5 days ago, 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 were directly exposed to COVID-19 five days ago. The accuracy of diagnostic COVID-19 tests decreases when they are used in non-approved ways. DSHSC wants to have the most accurate results possible for students.

Can I get a hard copy of my test results after receiving a molecular test at DSHSC?

You may request a hard copy of your test results by sending a secure message to the provider "OnlineNurse" in the student health 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 by the Decker Student Health Services Center?

No. Students do NOT need to upload proof of a positive COVID-19 test to the student health portal if the test was administered at the Decker Student Health Services Center.

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 to submit your result to the University.