On March 1, the outstate IANR saliva-based testing initiative launches. IANR is making it possible for all current IANR faculty and staff, including county-based support staff, to take part in this initiative. Testing is inclusive and voluntary. It is one of the many ways we can mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to help protect our health and the health of our families, colleagues, and communities.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or are concerned you have COVID-19, contact your primary care physician or TestNebraska (https://www.testnebraska.com/en). Do not use these saliva-based testing resources.
Before visiting one of the collection sites, there are some steps you need to take before actually submitting a sample:
REVIEW
Review the following resources to learn how to submit a sample and access the Safer Community App and UNL COVID-19 Testing Portal:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln:
1. How to take the Saliva Test (2 minute video) https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/15266
2. Do’s and Don’ts: What you need to know the day of your saliva test https://studentaffairs.unl.edu/news/dos-and-donts-what-you-need-know-day-your-saliva-test
3. Campus Spring Testing Updates & UNL Frequently Asked Questions https://studentaffairs.unl.edu/news/dos-and-donts-what-you-need-know-day-your-saliva-test
4. UNL COVID-19 Testing Portal (campus testing appointments, test results, check campus building access) https://covidreport.unl.edu/portal
5. Safer Community App (download for iOS and Android) https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/safer-community-mobile-app-available-for-download/
Nebraska Extension: The employee must be logged into the Nebraska Extension Employee Resources to access this information
1. Statewide Saliva Testing webpage (https://myextension.unl.edu/statewide-saliva-testing): Visit the webpage to learn more about the locations that offer testing, on what days and at what times they will be collecting samples, and how to prepare for a test.
PREPARE
1. Download Safer Community App to your mobile device. No mobile device? Be ready to provide your NUID when you check in with the sample collector at the collection site. If you don’t know your NUID, contact the UNL Help Desk at (402) 472-3970. https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/safer-community-mobile-app-available-for-download/
2. Use the Collection Site Map to find a location near you. The map provides the collection day(s), collection time(s), and contact information for each site. https://myextension.unl.edu/statewide-saliva-testing
3. Call the collection site preferable the day before you plan to test to confirm they are available to offer you the test. This also gives the sample collectors an opportunity to prepare for your arrival. https://myextension.unl.edu/statewide-saliva-testing
ON THE DAY OF YOUR TEST
DO:
• Do drink plenty of water the day you test. You can drink water up until 10 minutes before checking in at the sample collection site.
• Do bring a bottle of water in case you need to resubmit a sample. Water can be used to swish out your mouth and you will need to wait 10 minutes before resubmitting a sample.
DON’T:
• Do not eat or drink anything other than water 30 minutes prior to checking in.
• Do not eat any food, use mouthwash, cough drops, lozenges, chewing gum, tobacco products, or nasal sprays in the 30 minutes prior to checking in. Do not drink coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks, or flavored water 30 minutes prior to checking in. Avoid using tinted lip balm and lipstick.
Checking in to a Collection Site
1. Bring your NUID, Photo ID, and your mobile device with Safer Community App. Wear a mask.
2. Check in with the sample collector and follow their instructions.
3. Provide your saliva sample as instructed. You must do this outdoors or in your vehicle.
4. Give your saliva sample to the sample collector.
5. Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands when you are finished.
6. Wait for the sample collector to accept the sample and it is logged into the system. Once your sample is accepted, you are free to leave.
Note: There may be rare instances where your initial sample may not be acceptable. If the sample collector needs you to resubmit your sample, they will provide additional instructions.
TEST RESULTS
Test results within 24 hours of being received by the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center. Results are available on the Safer Community App (https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/safer-community-mobile-app-available-for-download/) or through the UNL COVID-19 Testing Portal (https://covidreport.unl.edu/portal)
IANR COVID-19 Saliva-based Testing Team:
Ashley Mueller, Soni Cochran, Angie Rushman, Linda Tempel, Michael Bergland-Riese
More details at: https://myextension.unl.edu/statewide-saliva-testing