How is COVIDSHIELD Different?
Developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, covidSHIELD requires only a small amount of saliva from an individual and provides results within 24 hours. This quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test process uses fewer steps and components than many other processes, avoiding supply chain shortages that have hampered COVID-19 testing worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic.
Regularly testing large numbers of people will decrease cases of COVID-19. The covidSHIELD process was used on the UIUC campus to enable in-person learning during the 2020-21 academic year. covidSHIELD was implemented on a large scale and provided quick results, which enabled rapid contact tracing and isolation.
A new method
for testing
COVID SHIELD
About
CovidSHIELD is a protocol for doing inexpensive saliva-based RT-qPCR COVID-19 testing in designated laboratories.
The covidSHIELD process bypasses the RNA extraction step common to many COVID-19 tests, which speeds up the test process, reduces the cost and avoids supply chain challenges.
4M+
More than 4 million covidSHIELD tests have been processed at the three University of Illinois campuses and by SHIELD Illinois/Shield T3
96%
In a recent FDA-reviewed study, covidSHIELD's results on positive samples matched a comparator test 96% of the time
99%
In a recent FDA-reviewed study, covidSHIELD's results on negative samples matched a comparator test 99% of the time.
FDA EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION
EUA Summary
The summary document provided by the FDA detailing the emergency use authorized for covidSHIELD.
Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers
Details about the covidSHIELD test intended for healthcare providers.
Fact Sheet for Patients
Details about the covidSHIELD test intended for people who are utilizing the test.
Success and Outcomes
In Fall 2020, covidSHIELD was used to safely open and operate the three University of Illinois System campuses, with more than 3 million tests being performed.
In Fall 2021, covidSHIELD is being used at more than 1,000 K-12 schools, universities, colleges, community colleges, businesses, and government units across Illinois.
2M+
Tests performed by SHIELD Illinois
1000+
K-12 schools in Illinois that are using the covidSHIELD test in 2021-22
7
Labs in the SHIELD Illinois network that are designated to process covidSHIELD tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
Is a mask required on campus?
Utilize our FAQ document for these, please. I'll upload it to the Google Drive folder once the newest version is approved by our leadership
01.
Is a mask required on campus?
Utilize our FAQ document for these, please. I'll upload it to the Google Drive folder once the newest version is approved by our leadership
01.
Is a mask required on campus?
Utilize our FAQ document for these, please. I'll upload it to the Google Drive folder once the newest version is approved by our leadership
01.
Is a mask required on campus?
Utilize our FAQ document for these, please. I'll upload it to the Google Drive folder once the newest version is approved by our leadership
01.
Is a mask required on campus?
Utilize our FAQ document for these, please. I'll upload it to the Google Drive folder once the newest version is approved by our leadership
How COVID Shield is unique
Saliva Based
Unlike many tests that require a nasal swab, covidSHIELD needs only a small amount of saliva for its test process.
Extraction-Free
The covidSHIELD process bypasses the RNA extraction step that is common to many COVID-19 test processes. This speeds up the test process and reduces the cost, while also avoiding supply chain challenges.
Benefits
- • The covidSHIELD test requires only a small amount of saliva for its test process
- • covidSHIELD bypasses the RNA extraction step that is common to many test processes, reducing the cost and processing time of the test
- • covidSHIELD has been shown to be highly accurate in detecting presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in multiple scientific studies
Quantified Benefits
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The University of Illinois System is a trusted
source for top-quality research and expertise drawn from all three universities.
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The University of Illinois System is a trusted
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The University of Illinois System is a trusted
GET TESTED
Find a nearby testing location
Find a community testing site where anyone can get a free SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 test.