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Stanford
COVID-19 Health Alerts

Where can I get tested?

Surveillance testing, or regular testing for individuals who are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, is an essential part of Stanford’s response to the pandemic and a safeguard to minimizing the spread of COVID-19 within our community. Stanford introduced surveillance testing during the autumn quarter for members of our community who have a regular presence on one of Stanford’s campuses. 

Below is more information about the testing programs available based on Stanford affiliation. 

Student testing

Ongoing surveillance testing for students began Aug. 31, and more information is available here. This program provides asymptomatic testing; students with COVID-19 symptoms should contact Vaden Health Services or another healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.

Faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars testing

Surveillance testing for faculty, staff and postdocs started in late August for individuals with a regular presence on campus. Starting January 4, 2021, through at least the winter quarter, the surveillance testing program will be required for faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars who are approved to work on-site. Details about faculty, staff and postdoc surveillance testing are available here.  

Individuals involved with patient care

Stanford physicians, clinicians, medical students, and postdocs who work in patient care areas and perform clinical research in a medical setting may contact the COVID-19 Healthcare Workforce Response Team through Stanford Health Care at (650) 497-9595. Individuals who meet criteria will be scheduled for testing. Stanford Medicine healthcare workers should review hospital intranet sites for updated information.

Other members of the Stanford community

CardinalTemps, Stanford contractors, interns, vendors and affiliates

The health and well-being of all members of our community is extremely important. We will be working with contractors, vendors, and others to identify the appropriate testing protocols for these populations in support of community health. To minimize the spread of COVID-19, these individuals are strongly encouraged to participate in regular testing. The most common form of diagnostic or surveillance testing involves a nasal swab, though oral and throat swabs may also be administered. The turnaround time for results may vary, but could be available as early as 24-72 hours.  

Testing information and COVID-19 related guidance are being updated frequently. Please review the resources below, which may be dependent on your health coverage.

What happens if a vendor, contractor or affiliate tests positive for COVID-19? Those who test positive should self-isolate and refrain from coming to Stanford’s campuses. If an individual tests positive within 14 days of coming to Stanford, they should report the result to their Stanford supervisor or sponsor, who will complete the Contractor COVID-19 Case Reporting form.

COVID-19 Testing Options

County testing programs

  • San Mateo County offers testing for anyone who lives or works in San Mateo County regardless of symptoms. 
    • Cost: There is no cost, but if you have health insurance, it may be billed. 
    • Appointments: For scheduling details, visit https://www.smcgov.org/testing
  • Santa Clara County  offers testing to residents per the County’s Testing Order. 
    • Cost: Testing is free regardless of immigration status, and no doctor’s note is needed. No up-front costs and no health insurance required. If you have health insurance, you will be asked to share that information.
    • Appointments: For scheduling details, visit www.sccfreetest.org; Pop-up testing sites are also available with no appointment needed for individuals who are asymptomatic.

Stanford Health Plans and Providers

  • Stanford Health Care (SHC) plan members may request a COVID-19 test and the system will triage scheduling based upon clinical priority.
    • Cost: Testing cost may be covered in a variety of ways, including health insurance, COVID CARES Act or by Occupational Health, depending on the individual’s circumstances.
    • Appointments: For scheduling details visit https://stanfordhealthcare.org/discover/covid-19-resource-center/testing.html or call 650-498-9000 or book an appointment in MyHealth.
    • For Individuals who are NOT existing Stanford Health Care patients: Please contact your current provider first to inquire about COVID-19 testing. If testing is not readily available, you can contact Stanford Express Care at (650) 498-9000 for phone screening and assistance scheduling the testing.
  • Kaiser plan members, anyone receiving urgent/emergency care at Kaiser facilities, and essential workers may request a COVID-19 test.
    • Cost: Testing is free for Kaiser members through Dec 31, if Kaiser deems the test is necessary.
    • Appointments: Visit kp.org to login and request a test. You may need to answer a few questions. Appointments are scheduled within 1-2 days.
  • Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF). An evaluation by a clinician is required to determine if you need a COVID-19 test. If you meet testing criteria, your doctor or a clinician will order a test and refer you to a testing site.
    • Cost: PAMF will charge the member’s health plan, but members may be responsible for a portion of the cost.

Appointments: Sutter Health members should start the appointment process by calling the COVID-19 advice line at (866) 961-2889.

Report to Stanford if you tested COVID-positive