Testing

Guidance

Kansas State University has the capability for symptomatic COVID-19 testing of students, faculty and staff. Symptomatic testing is available at Lafene Health Center for individuals who are presenting COVID-19-like symptoms.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is not offered at Lafene Health Center. If an individual needs asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for travel or other reasons, a PCR test can be completed at Lafene Health Center. The cost of the PCR test will be the responsibility of the patient.

Students, faculty and staff at all campuses also may ask for testing from their local physician or applicable medical professional.

The university generally will not require employees, students or visitors to undergo testing for COVID-19. However, in limited circumstances, certain employees, students or visitors may be required to undergo testing at reasonable intervals if the individuals will be engaging in activities where the risk of transmission of COVID-19 is high, or if participating in the activity while actively infected or after having been infected could present a significant health risk.

Frequently asked questions

Is the university conducting COVID-19 testing for employee family members?

What is the process to propose and implement a required testing plan?

All proposed testing plans must be evaluated and approved by the appropriate vice president in consultation with the medical director for Lafene Health Center, the director of Environmental Health and Safety and the Office of General Counsel.

All testing activities shall be coordinated through Lafene Health Center, whether voluntary or mandatory. Costs associated with the testing plans are the responsibility of the requesting unit.

Plans for required testing must, in general, address a legitimate health and safety concern in relation to the activity in question and be reasonably tailored in order to advance specific health and safety goals. The least frequent and invasive testing measures as reasonably practicable, based on available evidence, methods, and availability of supplies must be used. The plan should include an evaluation of alternatives to testing, and why such alternatives would not achieve the health and safety goals.

When would employees be required to be tested?

When would students be tested?

Students who are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms should contact Lafene Health Center or a primary care physician to determine a recommendation for testing. If students are concerned that they have been exposed, please contact Lafene Health Center or a primary care physician to discuss the appropriate steps.

Students may be required to participate in COVID-19 testing as part of an approved university plan. The testing effort would address a legitimate health and safety concern in relation to the activity in question and be reasonably tailored in order to advance specific health and safety goals.

Is there a charge for COVID-19 testing conducted at Lafene Health Center?

Lafene Health Center offers COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff with COVID-like symptoms.

Since the federal government is no longer providing free COVID tests to our organization there is a charge of $80 for COVID testing. These charges will be submitted to insurance. Lafene Health Center is not in-network for Medicaid or Medicare and will not file insurance claims to those entities.

For any student, faculty, or staff member experiencing symptoms, please call Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544 or your local health care provider to determine whether testing is indicated.

Other health care providers or community testing centers may offer free testing. Individuals may also find that their health insurance will cover testing for symptomatic COVID-19 testing.