At-home testing
At-home antigen test kits are available while supplies last for the campus community. This supplemental testing is optional and designed to help keep you and those around you as safe and healthy as possible. These rapid antigen test kits are self-administered.
Test kits are available at select locations listed below on the Columbus and regional campuses.
Before You Throw Out “Expired” Tests
Visit the Food and Drug Administration website to view information test shelf-life and where to find the expiration date for that test. The shelf-life is how long the test should work as expected and is measured from the date the test was manufactured. The expiration date is set at the end of the shelf-life. In some cases, the expiration date for a test may be extended. An extended expiration date means the manufacturer provided data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized.
Order Test Kits By Mail
At-home test kits can be ordered through the federal government at covid.gov/tests.
Report Positive Tests
Ohio State students and employees using these tests should report their positive test result to the university by uploading your information and positive result to: go.osu.edu/SelfReportTest.
Locations
Columbus Campus:
- 18th Avenue Library – circulation desk
- Biomedical Research Tower – room 105 during testing site hours
- North Rec – front desk
- Ohio Union – main info desk
- RPAC – welcome center information desk
- Thompson Library – circulation desk
- Younkin Success Center – second floor reception desk
Regional Campuses:
Mansfield:
- Reidel 104
CFAES Wooster
- ATI Library front desk
- Wooster Campus Research Library front desk
Marion
- Alber Student Center front desk
Lima
- Perry Webb Student Life Building – Nutrien Welcome Center desk
- Library – Cook Hall – inside main door foyer
Newark
- John L. and Christine Warner Library, Warner Center, first floor, room 169, front desk
- Student Financial Services, Hopewell Hall, In the Gateway area, front desk
- Education Curriculam Center, Hopewell Hall, Room 84
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the at-home test kit?
An instructional video is available in the app. Detailed instructions are also included in the test kit and can be found online.
How long does it take?
The process takes about 15-20 minutes, including the app registration, taking the test, waiting for the results and interpretation of results.
Why are there two in the box?
Self-administered test kits can be used at your discretion. It is recommended that one test be administered prior to departure and that the second test be used 48 hours prior to your return to campus.
Why are you offering at-home testing kits and am I required to use them?
This supplemental testing is optional and designed to help keep you and those around you as safe and healthy as possible when you are not able to participate in routine on-campus testing.
What happens if I test positive?
The eMed Telehealth provider will share with you the need to isolate to protect others. Your results will be conveyed to the appropriate public health authorities, who will follow up.
Test results will not immediately be communicated to the university. Ohio State students and employees using these tests should report their positive test result to the university by uploading your information and positive result to: go.osu.edu/SelfReportTest.
What happens if I test negative?
No further action is required in most cases. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 you should still follow up with your medical provider.