UNMC leaders are encouraging members of the UNMC community to make more use of the free saliva testing at Williams Science Hall as the omicron COVID-19 variant continues to quickly spread.
"The latest cases we’ve seen at the Williams Science Hall testing site and in the community show high incidences of asymptomatic infections even among vaccinated individuals," said Jane Meza, PhD, interim executive director of health security. "Screening tests can identify cases earlier and help prevent further transmission in our communities. Frequent testing is encouraged."
In the past week, UNMC’s asymptomatic testing has shown that:
- Nearly one in six individuals on campus participating in asymptomatic screening tested positive.
- Frequent testing (more than once per week) makes the most sense for omicron given the short incubation period and high transmissibility. Testers have seen multiple individuals test negative early in the week, and then test positive on serial testing later in the week.
- Individuals should stay home and isolate if they test positive. Read about UNMC's latest isolation and quarantine guidance.
UNMC faculty, staff and students who are not sick and want to be tested for COVID-19 for any reason can do so Monday through Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Omaha campus in the Williams Science Hall, level one atrium.
No reservations are needed, but individuals should register online prior to testing. Individuals who have previously registered for saliva testing do not need to re-register.
Saliva PCR testing is easy — simply spit in a tube — and results are returned by email within a day. Testing will be performed by the UNMC Emerging Pathogens Laboratory.
Nasal swab collection for COVID PCR testing also can be obtained at the Nebraska Medicine Doctors Building South. This is a simple, painless nasal swab and is not a nasopharyngeal test. An appointment is required, and walk-ins are not allowed. Use this link to review available dates and times and reserve an appointment. Testing is performed by the Nebraska Public Health Lab, and results are emailed.
Stay home if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 or flu and call Employee Health at 402-552-3563 or the Student Health clinic serving your campus.
UNMC faculty, staff and students on campuses outside of Omaha can obtain testing through the following resources. (Details vary per site so please make direct contact for more info):
- Kearney campus: UNK Student Health at 1-308-865-8279 or email UNKHealth@unk.edu. Learn more.
- Lincoln campus: Learn more about UNL’s saliva-based testing program.
- Norfolk campus: Antigen and PCR COVID testing is available through Faith Regional Occupational Medicine. Learn more.
- Scottsbluff campus:
- Nomi Health drive-thru testing site near Regional West Medical Center is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. for rapid testing only. Appointments are preferred but not required. Register here. To schedule an appointment for PCR testing for travel purposes, call 308-436-2101. For symptomatic testing, proceed to Urgent Care at 3011 Avenue B or call 308-630-2100 for COVID-19 questions.
- Walgreens – Weekday testing available (limited number of spots per day).
- Urgent Care – Walk-in only so wait time will vary, insurance information needed.
- Quick Care – Walk-in only so wait time will vary, insurance information needed.