September 30, 2020
K-State expands testing to offer voluntary asymptomatic testing for students, rewards available
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
"We have been looking for ways to expand COVID-19 testing for K-Staters," said Kyle Goerl, medical director for Lafene Health Center. "By having students participate in voluntary asymptomatic testing, we can get a broader view of positive COVID-19 cases in the communities. This will help us better ensure that every Wildcat is a Wellcat."
Students who participate will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a variety of prizes. Students have the opportunity to win a 30-minute massage at Lafene Health Center, an Amazon gift card, coupons for Chick-fil-A in the K-State Student Union or a $500 scholarship by helping K-State track asymptomatic COVID-19 numbers.
What is asymptomatic testing and why is it important?
An asymptomatic carrier is someone who has contracted COVID-19 but shows no symptoms throughout the course of the virus. Asymptomatic carriers can unknowingly infect others and spread the virus. This makes finding asymptomatic carriers critical to slowing COVID-19 because asymptomatic testing helps mitigate the spread of the virus through early detection.
Students' role
K-State students are a large segment of the university and Manhattan communities. Because of this, Lafene Health Center is asking students to participate in a quick, voluntary asymptomatic testing clinic that begins Oct. 5.
From 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Lafene Health Center is running an asymptomatic testing site for all enrolled students, regardless of whether they live on campus or off campus. Appointments for asymptomatic testing are required and can be made on the myLafene+ patient portal. The tests are offered to students at no cost.
The testing site is located in the lower level of Lafene Health Center, with the entrance at the southwest corner of the building.
Students who participate in testing are entered into drawings for a chance to win 30-minute massages at Lafene Health Center, Amazon gift cards, Chick-fil-A coupons and three $500 scholarships.
What does testing look like?
The test is a 10-second self-administered nasal swab test. This is not the deep swab but is a more comfortable and quick testing method that is still very accurate.
Test results will be available 48-72 hours later in the myLafene+ patient portal. If a participant tested positive, they will receive a phone call when results are available and instructions for how to isolate and prepare for contact tracing.
If a student tests positive for COVID-19, they should not participate in asymptomatic testing for the rest of the semester. Students can only participate in asymptomatic testing once every two weeks.
Testing is the most effective way to know your COVID-19 status. It is vital that all symptomatic persons and close contacts follow Lafene Health Center or their primary health care providers' instructions on testing to help stop the spread.
Find more CDC tips to reduce risk and stop the spread of COVID-19 and learn more about health and wellness at K-State.