Skip to main content

The Testing Process

Review the video below and the saliva collection step-by-step guide (PDF). Exact saliva collection process may vary from the video slightly. Please refer to the step-by-step guide for instructions.

Do NOT eat, drink, smoke or chew gum 30 minutes prior to testing.

Testing Process: What to Expect

Before Your COVID Testing Appointment

Bring the following to your appointment:

  • Boise State campus ID or state identification card
  • Insurance card along with the primary policy holder’s date of birth and address
  • The COVID Testing Center will bill your insurance, and you will not be charged a copay or other out-of-pocket fees.

Boise State students and employees who do not have insurance but are required to test by the university will never be charged a fee for testing services. Additionally, those under 18 will not be turned away regardless of ability to pay.

All other individuals without insurance may pay, with check or credit card, to be tested by Boise State, or can request a Vault mail-in test at no cost.

Print or screenshot your laboratory requisition barcode (for first time testers only). This is found when initially completing the online registration and by clicking on the “Download Collection Form” button once submitted.

woman in an orange cowboy hat welcoming you to campus
Play

During Your COVID Testing Appointment

Immediately alert staff if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID. Individuals are required to wear a facial covering and observe physical distancing when visiting the testing center. Be ready to present your Boise State campus ID or state identification card when requested.

Use the following tips to help promote saliva production:

  • Swallow minimally until you are able to provide your saliva sample
  • Think of your favorite foods
  • Gently massage the outside of your cheeks
  • Make chewing motions with your mouth

Receiving your results

After testing you should receive an email when your test result is ready in 1-3 business days. For urgent testing needs, testing before noon is recommended for fastest results. This email will come from “noreply-clinicallab@stratusdx.net” with the sender name “Boise State”. The email will include the language “print or download the Result Report” and contain a link to sign-in to the Patient Portal. If this email does not arrive in your inbox, check your Spam folder.

To access your COVID-19 test results:

  1. Visit the Patient Portal and enter your email address – be sure to use the same email address that was used when setting up the account.
  2. Check your email inbox for a verification code.
  3. Enter this verification code on the sign-in page.
  4. Once logged in, click on “My Results.”
  5. Confirm the collection date of your test and status is “Final.”
  6. Click the PRINT Results button to generate a PDF of the final report.

Tips: Try to access and view your results from a computer rather than a mobile device. If you choose to use a mobile device, do not use the Safari web browser. Google Chrome is the preferred browser for both computer and mobile access.