Wheaton College is implementing a program to perform a non-diagnostic COVID-19 “RT-LAMP” surveillance test (“Surveillance”) and a diagnostic COVID-19 PCR test as part of the College’s efforts to maintain a safe environment for our campus community. 

In order to perform these non-invasive COVID-19 tests, the student or employee being screened will deposit a small amount of saliva in a container at his/her residence or at Student Health Services. It is imperative that the container has a label securely fastened with an assigned barcode number. The container should then be wiped clean, placed in a sealable plastic bag, and deposited in one of the designated drop-off containers on Wheaton College's campus or dropped off at the front desk of Student Health Services. The saliva will then be screened for the presence of COVID-19 (Surveillance) or tested for the presence of COVID-19 (PCR). Saliva samples will be used solely for the purpose of performing the tests and then destroyed in a manner appropriate for biological specimens. Individual results of the testing will not be published under any circumstances.

If the Surveillance shows "findings of potential clinical significance" a follow-up PCR test will be required. The individual will be required to isolate from all College-related and other activities for 10 days from the start of symptoms or the positive test result, complying with Wheaton College guidance on return to work/school protocols.

By entering information below and submitting it to the College, you (if a student or employee that is 18 years or older) or, for your child, voluntarily consent:

1.      to participate in the non-diagnostic detection (Surveillance) or diagnostic detection (PCR) of the presence of COVID-19 via saliva collection for the sole purpose of this testing; and

2.      that I will refrain from eating, drinking, brushing my teeth, chewing gum, or putting any foreign objects, including dentures, in my mouth for 30-60 minutes prior to providing each saliva sample; and

3.      that all saliva samples provided will be collected on the day they are submitted for testing; and

4.      to the disclosure of "findings of clinical significance" or a positive diagnostic test result to College personnel with a medical or educational need to know. This information will be maintained as a student or medical record per those protocols; and

5.      acknowledge that the results of the Surveillance should not be used as the sole basis, or any definitive basis, to diagnose or confirm COVID-19 or inform infection status and that no surveillance is 100% accurate; and

6.      that I release, promise not to sue, hold harmless, and indemnify the College from any claims (including legal costs) arising out of the participation in the testing, including but not limited to any inaccurate test results.

This consent will apply to the 2021-2022 school year.

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 surveillance or PCR tests, please contact Student Health Services at student.health.services@wheaton.edu. 

If at any time you choose to revoke consent as provided here, the College must receive revocation in writing indicating your desire to revoke your consent for you or your child to participate in the administration of the COVID-19 testing as detailed here.