Testing & Tracing
Guided by public health officials and experts, Harvard is no longer requiring routine testing for COVID-19. However, all affiliates have the option of testing if they wish, by taking a self-administered test and submitting it via Color. Anyone with symptoms or known exposure should also continue to test and follow HUHS guidance.
The University’s testing plan is subject to modification based on community risk and the broader public health environment.
To learn more about the public health guidance related to optional testing, read the Gazette’s Q&A with experts. For other questions, your local testing coordinator is your primary point of contact for logistics around accessing testing. If you have clinical or policy questions about testing, you should contact Harvard University Health Services at healthservices@huhs.harvard.edu.
To request a testing accommodation, employees should contact disabilityresources@harvard.edu or your local HR; students should contact your School’s local student disability coordinator.
Testing FAQs
- How do I set up my Color account and get tested?
- Where do I pick up my test kits?
- How do I self-swab?
- How often do I test?
- Where and when do I drop off my sample?
- What do my test results mean?
- What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed?
- What type of test does Harvard use?
- How else can I get tested?
- What should I do if I test positive outside of Harvard’s testing program?
How do I set up my Color account and get tested?
Harvard has partnered with Color, a health testing company, to administer the University’s testing procedures. These include providing testing kits and delivering test results to individuals. All testing is done through unobserved self-swabs.
1. Once you’re notified that you’re eligible for our testing program, you should create your Color account and enter your 8-digit HUID number when prompted for the email or ID that’s associated with the program. For questions about whether you’re eligible for this testing program, or technical questions about creating your Color account, email support@color.com.
2. If you have trouble establishing your account, review the Color End User Support FAQ. If your question is not answered there, or if you have other questions about your testing eligibility, contact your School or Unit’s local testing coordinator.
3. To learn more about the steps for self-testing, see the training module “How do I self-swab?” linked below.
Where do I pick up my test kits?
You may have access to a local supply of test kits in your department, unit, or residence.
Staff, faculty, and researchers: check with your supervisor.
Students: check with your tutor/proctor/resident advisor, or unit or property manager.
You can also check with your School or Unit’s local testing coordinator for test kit pick-up locations.
See kit pick up information by School or UnitOpens new window
How do I self-swab?
The Harvard University Clinical Laboratory has a brief manual on how to self-swab.
View the testing calendar for collection dates and times
Drop-off bins
Drop-off bins are available at multiple locations across campus to collect unobserved test samples. View the map and click or tap into each location to see last pick-up times. Test kits must only be returned to the designated drop boxes by the individual who tested; they should not be passed onto others or aggregated for group drop-offs.
I just got my test results. What’s next?
Color will send you an email and text notification when your results are available.
The HUHS Contact Tracing Team will email you instructions once they receive the alert from Color. Check your Harvard email and use the resources below to inform your next steps.
If my test is negative
No further action is needed. Continue to practice healthy habits and maintain your testing cadence.
If my test is positive
HUHS will contact you to explain next steps, including how to isolate. Contact tracers rely on your Harvard email for communication, so please check your inbox.
If my test is unsatisfactory or inconclusive
Occasionally, your result may be unsatisfactory; in rare instances, it may be inconclusive. If you receive either result, you will need to promptly repeat the test.
I think I’ve been exposed. What should I do?
Use the resources below to inform your next steps. Follow these steps if you think you were exposed to a COVID-positive individual—whether on or off campus—but you have not tested positive.
Get tested, and follow HUHS’ exposure guidance
If you’re a close contact, your quarantine requirements will depend on your vaccination and booster status. Take an optional Color test or at-home rapid antigen test.
Report your exposure
Use Crimson Clear to report your exposure, symptoms, or if you tested positive outside of Harvard’s testing program.
Review HUHS FAQs
HUHS has gathered a list of FAQs to help you navigate the changing policies and procedures related to testing, exposure, quarantine, and isolation.
COVID-19 Testing and Tracing
Test Methodology
Harvard’s testing program utilizes reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests analyzed by the Harvard University Clinical Laboratory and the Broad Institute’s Clinical Research Sequencing Platform.
If you need to show proof of a negative PCR test (e.g. to fulfill a travel requirement), you can download your complete clinical report from the results page in your Color account.
COVID-19 Testing and Tracing
Data collection and privacy
Learn what data will be collected, how data will be used, and what the University is doing to protect your privacy.
How else can I get tested?
Anyone unable to test or looking for alternative options is encouraged to use rapid antigen tests, also known as “at-home” tests. Tests can be ordered for free at COVIDtests.gov, and are also offered by many local health departments. Individuals may also buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores, which may be eligible for reimbursement by private health insurance providers.
Other testing options include the Stop the Spread program (free to Massachusetts residents), the Cambridge Public Health Department program (free to people who live or work in Cambridge), and Boston COVID-19 testing sites.
If you’re traveling internationally, carefully research your destinations’ requirements for entry (e.g. testing, vaccination, quarantine, etc.)—which are changing on short notice. You also need to research the availability and cost of testing in your destination to ensure you can comply with U.S. re-entry requirements.