Testing Resources

Testing Resources

The university offers testing opportunities with Baylor Genetics, Methodist Hospital, and our own LAMP testing. Symptomatic testing is also available.

  • Fully vaccinated people coming to campus and coming into routine contact with others must schedule a test once per week.
  • Unvaccinated people coming to campus must test twice per week, regardless of whether they come into contact with other people.

On the Rice campus, two types of COVID testing are offered. Baylor Genetics and Methodist administer traditional PCR testing. The COVID LAMP test, also administered on campus, is a saliva test, developed by researchers in the Rice University Department of Bioengineering. The test is different than a traditional PCR test because it uses a technology called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). LAMP accomplishes the same end goal as PCR - amplifying RNA to detectable levels - but does so at a single temperature instead of through thermocycling. Its accuracy is equal to that of a PCR test.

To link to the list of on-campus testing locations, click here.

If you have filled out a health reporting form due to a known exposure to COVID-19, you must only test using Baylor Genetics (PCF#1) or Methodist (McNair Hall Room 140). The Rice LAMP testing (Space Science 106) will not test known exposures.

COVID Testing is available at the following locations on campus:

  • Baylor Genetics runs the PCF Tent #1 location (Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, daily lunch break closure noon until 12:30 pm). Baylor Genetics testing site is a self-administered nasal swab.
  • Methodist operates the McNair Hall 140/145 location (Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, daily lunch break closure from noon until 12:30 pm). Methodist gathers patient information on-site and Methodist staff administers these tests.
  • The university has also partnered with Rice University professor Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum on LAMP tests. The LAMP test is run on a saliva sample. LAMP is testing at the Space Science 106 location (8:00 am until Noon from Sunday through Wednesday, Thursday 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm) For more, specific, information about LAMP testing, please click here.

  • Testing appointment times are typically released a month in advance, so September appointments will be available in August.

Anyone experiencing COVID-like symptoms should complete a Health Reporting Form.

Information on these pages includes comprehensive details about current testing procedures and protocol. For more information, email covidtesting@rice.edu.

Schedule a test