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REDDILab

Frequently Asked Questions

Clemson COVID-19 Dashboard
 

Protecting the Community

A fully operational lab can process all on-campus screening tests and be able to help with testing in the surrounding community. With results often returned on the same day, participants can learn if they have COVID-19 within hours. Such a short turnaround also allows individuals to return to work or regular activities if they receive a negative result.

If you have a question that is not answered below, please reach out to us by email or by submitting a form on our contact page.

For questions about your own individual test result, please call the lab during open hours.
Lab Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm
Saturday 10:30am-2:00pm
Lab phone number: (864)656-8859

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General

Find out about registration, insurance, and what to bring with you.

General >>

Testing Process

Want to know the accuracy of tests and about any false positives?

Process >>

Test Results

What you should do whether you receive a positive or negative result.

Results >>

Scheduling Tests

Learn how to schedule a test, find results, and check clearance status.

Schedule >>

General Information

Testing Process

Test Results

  • How long should I quarantine if positive?

    Current CDC recommendations are a minimum 10-day isolation period. If symptoms persist, you should quarantine until you have not experienced a fever or other symptoms in the last 24 hours.

  • What is an Inconclusive test, what causes it, and what do I do if that happens?

    An inconclusive test result means that the lab could not determine whether or not the specimen contains the virus. This can occur if the saliva specimen quality is low (e.g., there was too much phlegm in the sample, the sample was too diluted by food or drink). You should return to the collection site and provide another sample at your earliest convenience. If you have had a known COVID-19 exposure, you should isolate until you receive test results.

  • I got a positive result but feel fine?

    Many people test positive while they are pre-symptomatic. You may experience symptoms in a few days. Additionally, some people only experience mild symptoms, like fatigue and a headache. However, while you may feel fine, a positive test means that there is a significant amount of virus in your saliva and you are probably contagious. Therefore, you should still isolate for 10 days to prevent transmission to others.

  • I got a negative test but have covid-19 like symptoms, should I test again?

    Yes, some people may not have as many viral particles early in the course of the disease, so they may test negative if they test too early. This is particularly important if you have had a known COVID-19 exposure.

  • Do I need to keep testing if I tested positive until I’m negative?

    No, if you no longer have symptoms and have isolated for 10 days, you do not need to test negative. Additionally, you do not need to test for 90 days if you have received a positive test result.