Sentinel Testing
Random testing a percentage of a campus’s population weekly provides a snapshot showing how much of the COVID-19 virus is circulating across campus.
This random approach to testing, also called sentinel testing, is a system that collects information useful for monitoring trends in diseases and pathogens. It assesses the stability or change in COVID-19 spread across campuses. For the COVID-19 pandemic, plans are to test between 2.5% to 5% of the on-campus population weekly to identify how much of the COVID-19 virus is circulating. Sentinel testing is being adopted by higher education campuses across Alabama. Sentinel testing will help in the fight against COVID-19 as we all work to keep our communities safe.
Participating in Sentinel Testing
New to GuideSafe™ Testing?
If you did not participate in GuideSafe™ Entry Testing: you must first create a Verily account to be randomly selected to participate in Sentinel Testing. Create your Verily account in 3 easy steps.
1 Go to healthy.verily.com.
2 Create an account using your school email.
3 Confirm your account via email.
Once you’ve been selected for randomized sentinel testing:
Check your school email frequently for testing information.
Schedule a test appointment after random selection.
Go to your scheduled appointment.
What to Expect
A minimally invasive nose swab test not the dreaded up-to-your-brain swab.
To get back to life right after getting tested. There is no need to quarantine if you’re not experiencing symptoms.
Not to pay a dime. This is 100% free.
Schools Currently Participating
Miles College
Oakwood University
Stillman College
Talladega College
Troy University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of North Alabama
Phishing Awareness for Sentinel Testing
Participants, please note that:
- Emails from Healthy at Work / Healthy at School will always be sent from healthy@verily.com or healthyatwork@verily.com
- Healthy at Work / Healthy at School will NEVER ask you for personal information by email
- If you receive such an email, do not respond to the email or call the number provided in the email
- If you are unsure of the authenticity of any inquiry, reach out to your program administrator or call the Verily User Success team at +1 855-286-6156
What is phishing?
Phishing is the most common online fraud. Individuals are randomly targeted by criminals sending out mass emails usually containing an urgent message regarding account status, with instructions to click a link within the email directing them to a fraudulent website. Once the individual clicks the link, he/she is exposed to the threat of having personal information stolen, including bank account information, user IDs and passwords, and social security numbers.
How to verify emails
To verify that an email sent from this address has not been spoofed, participants can check the SPF, DKIM, and DMARC status:
- In Gmail, click on the three dots menu at the top right of the message
- Select “Show Original”
- Verify that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC all say PASS
Sentinel Testing FAQs
Am I required to participate in sentinel testing?
Will the test hurt?
How will I get my results?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you will receive a call from a healthcare provider to give you next steps on how to protect yourself and others around you.
