How is the test specimen disposed of after testing?

How is the test specimen disposed of after testing?

Test specimens are safely and permanently destroyed once testing is completed in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency rules and regulations. Negative, inconclusive, invalid, and rejected specimens are immediately discarded to be destroyed in accordance with Illinois EPA regulations. Positive specimens’ viral samples may be saved up to thirty days before being discarded to be destroyed in accordance with Illinois EPA regulations.


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      No. The covidSHIELD test targets specific COVID-19 markers and is not able to test for other communicable disease, substances, or DNA.

    • What happens if someone, including a child, cannot produce an acceptable saliva specimen?

      Our supportive collection site staff members can help you produce a sufficient saliva sample. However, in order to complete the test, an acceptable saliva specimen is  required (i.e., no food, liquids, or other substances in the mouth for one hour ...

    • Can I schedule a test for myself?

      SHIELD Illinois does not offer individual testing. However, individuals can get tested using the covidSHIELD test by SHIELD Illinois through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) community testing sites. The list of sites and times can be ...

    • How does the testing process work?

      The test is self-administered and non-invasive. After checking in with a collection site staff member, you will receive a vial to deposit a small amount of saliva into. Then, you place the vial in a collection rack and leave the collection site.

    • Why was my specimen rejected?

      Specimens can be rejected by the lab for a number of reasons. The reason a specific specimen was rejected can be viewed on the Agency Lab Results screen in Point and Click Mass Tester.  "Rejected" is not a result as much as a status. Specimens that ...