Navigating COVID-19 Testing at UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide

UCLA has implemented various measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus and within the broader community. These measures include accessible testing options for students, faculty, and staff. This article provides a comprehensive overview of UCLA's COVID-19 testing requirements and resources.

Campus Operations and Hybrid Work

While many employees involved directly in education delivery and support of the campus’s physical operations are working full-time on campus, a significant number continue to work hybrid schedules or are fully remote. UCLA provides resources for remote work, including the UCLA IT Support Center’s Collaboration Tools page, which offers information on using Zoom, Slack, VPNs, and other remote technologies. The campus also has a wide-ranging set of tips on how to work effectively from home, as well as ergonomic advice on setting up a home workstation. Campus IT Services has a list of IT support resources for each division, school, department, and unit.

Because a number of employees are likely to be on a hybrid work schedule or completely remote, some offices in which employees are working in person may want to update their conference room audio-visual systems to accommodate those who are off site. UCLA’s IT Services has put together a set of technology recommendations based on room types, sizes, and purposes to ease the burden of research and product selection.

Supervisors and department heads should remember to remind employees to follow all existing campus COVID-19 campus protocols. If employees demonstrate repeated noncompliance, a complaint can be made to an employee’s supervisor or unit head. Employees are encouraged to contact UCLA’s Staff and Faculty Counseling Center, which offers online advice and telehealth sessions for UCLA staff and their families and significant others.

Mandatory Surveillance Testing

Mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing for all UCLA students, faculty, and staff members who are coming to campus and other UCLA properties, regardless of vaccination status, resumed July 23, along with new indoor masking requirements. However, regular surveillance testing is not currently required of students, faculty and staff, unless they have symptoms or are concerned that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Self-Administered Saliva-Based PCR Tests

Self-administered saliva-based test kits are conveniently located in more than a dozen COVID-19 test vending machines and distribution centers throughout campus. Anyone with an active BruinCard may retrieve up to two of these tests per week. A complimentary $2 credit is added to all active BruinCards on a weekly basis to be used to purchase these tests.

Vending Machine Locations

Saliva PCR tests are available to the UCLA community at no charge via BruinCard through vending machines at the following locations:

Ackerman Union, South Entrance
UCLA Bookstore Haines Hall, West Entrance
Pauley Pavilion, North Side, adjacent to Bruin Walk
Neuroscience Building, West entrance

Step-by-Step Vending Instructions

Self-test vending machines accept only BruinCard. To ensure your BruinCard is active, visit the BruinCard office or log into your account online.

Swipe your BruinCard with the magnetic stripe facing inward, toward the digital screen.
After swiping successfully, the screen will display: $1.00 credit.
Select a letter/number combination to vend your test kit (Example: B6).
Take your test kit and clear the vending machine area to ensure other individuals are able to use the machine while you are completing your test kit.
Read and follow the instructions provided in your kit and make sure you register your test kit using the QR code provided.
Once completed, drop your test kit into the collection bin near the vending machine.

Any student, staff, faculty or approved non-affiliates with an active BruinCard can receive up to two self-test kits each week using the vending machines available on campus. BruinCards automatically receive a weekly credit to be used to purchase COVID-19 tests from these dedicated machines.

Specimen Collection and Processing

Once a test sample has been completed, it may be deposited in any of the adjacent collection bins. Test samples should be deposited within one hour of taking the test in order to maintain proper temperature. The collection boxes for completed samples are available for specimen drop off weekdays, Monday 8:00 AM through Friday 2:00 PM (excluding holidays). Results generally take 24-48 hours, sometimes longer depending on testing procedures. We recommend submitting your test before 11am M-Th to ensure the fastest turnaround time. These PCR tests are made available through a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in partnership with the UCLA SwabSeq Laboratory.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Please be aware that a small percentage of samples may require re-testing during processing, resulting in a delay of (1) additional business day before results are returned. Collection bins are located near every vending machine.

Processing of COVID testing samples may experience some delays during the following periods due to holiday closures: 12/24/25 - 12/28/25 and 12/31/25 - 1/4/26.

Fees

PCR tests through the campus vending machines are free to all current UCLA faculty, staff, and students.

Issues?

Having issues with your BruinCard? Contact the BruinCard office directly.Having issues accessing your PCR test results?

On-Campus PCR Testing

If you have symptoms or are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, PCR testing is available on campus. Campus PCR testing is only available to currently enrolled students, current employees and non-UCLA affiliates who have been approved to test. On-campus PCR testing is available through the California Department of Public Health, in partnership with the SwabSeq Laboratory.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Off-Campus PCR Testing

COVID-19 PCR testing is available throughout Los Angeles County and California if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to an infected person.

Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests can be given at a testing site or self-administered at home and return results in 30 minutes or less.

Choosing the Right Test

The following table summarizes when to use PCR and antigen tests:

Scenario	PCR Test	Antigen Test
If you have not had COVID-19 or have not had a positive test within the past 90 days	YES	YES
If an antigen test is used and the result is negative, multiple tests may be needed.
If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 30 days and you do not have symptoms	NO	Testing is not recommended to detect a new infection
If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 30 days and you have symptoms	NO	YES
If the result is negative, multiple tests may be needed.

If you test positive and complete your period of isolation, you should avoid PCR testing until 90 days have elapsed since your positive test (if you were asymptomatic) or the onset of symptoms (if you were symptomatic).

Isolation Protocols for Students

UCLA is following Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines (PDF) on isolation for students who test positive for COVID-19. Even after your isolation period, you must continue to mask for 10 days from the onset of your symptoms.

Some students may have to miss class due to COVID-19 isolation protocols. Instructors are committed to accommodating students who can’t be in class through video or audio streaming or recordings, makeup assignments and assessments, alternative projects, or other means. UCLA is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in the rich academic experience UCLA offers.

If You Are Experiencing Symptoms

Students who develop symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath should take a COVID-19 test and isolate while awaiting test results. If you tested negative, but continue to experience symptoms, contact your primary care provider or set up an appointment through the COLD/Flu Fast Track in the Patient Portal. A member of our staff will contact you within 1 business day to collect information about your symptoms, test date, and close contacts.

Note: We can only provide general information to parents and families. Students with COVID-19 concerns must call directly to discuss their protected health information.

Students who develop symptoms after an exposure to COVID-19, should take a COVID-19 test and isolate while awaiting test results. It is also strongly recommended for any student identified as a close contact get tested, wear a mask, and monitor your health for any newly developed symptoms.

Vaccination Policy for International Students

International students are encouraged to get vaccinated, including in their home countries. However, only vaccines that have been granted emergency use authorization by the World Health Organization meet the university’s current vaccination policy.

Campus Health and Safety Protocols

There may be times when students or others continuously ignore campus health and safety protocols. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is open during regular business hours, providing all services through telehealth.

Important Reminders

Please note: COVID testing via the campus vending machines is available to UCLA students, staff and faculty only. Per UCLA policy, any unauthorized use of campus COVID testing is subject to review by the Student Conduct Committee.

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