Does Purdue have the capability to test for COVID-19 on campus? (Updated August 16)

June 12, 2020
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Does Purdue have the capability to test for COVID-19 on campus? (Updated August 16)

Yes. As part of our preparations for the fall semester, Purdue has established a comprehensive internal testing and contact tracing system to rapidly assess, sample and test any student, faculty or staff member reporting COVID-19 symptoms and those identified through clinically relevant contact tracing. Testing protocols have been established in conjunction with CDC and Indiana State Department of Health guidelines, and will adapt as needed based on those guidelines.

Building on existing testing capabilities at the Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab (ADDL) in the College of Veterinary Medicine, which has been CLIA certified to test human diseases, our protocols include testing symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals following CDC guidelines with the goals of:

  • Protecting the most vulnerable.
  • Caring for symptomatic and sick individuals.
  • Managing the spread of the virus.

Additionally, we have built a mechanism for actively and accurately tracing the contacts of those who test positive for the virus, through a combination of in-person interviews and technology.

Furthermore, Purdue will determine the most appropriate utilization of antibody (a/B) testing and its potential implementation on our campus.

If you need or want to be tested for COVID-19 on campus, please contact the Protect Purdue Health Center 24/7 at 765-496-INFO (4636) or toll-free at 833-571-1043 (press option “1”).