The State of Wisconsin and Vault Medical Services have teamed up to offer a new COVID-19 testing option for everyone who lives in Wisconsin, with or without symptoms, at no cost. This new service allows people to collect their own saliva samples for testing in their home. The capacity is expected to expand over time.
Step one: Request an at-home collection kit
Request an at-home collection kit using the button below. A collection kit will be delivered directly to your home; PO boxes are not eligible to have kits delivered.
Step two: Collect your sample
Once you receive your collection kit, you must collect the sample in the presence of a licensed health care professional over a virtual Zoom call (Download Zoom). Once you have downloaded Zoom and are ready to produce a saliva sample, you may join a virtual waiting room.
Step three: Send in your sample
After you have collected your saliva sample, you will need to drop off your collection kit at a UPS drop-off location.
PLEASE NOTE: If you entered credit card information when ordering a collection kit from Vault, they will refund the charge in full. You will receive an email from Vault regarding this refund.
You should not be asked for credit card information when ordering a collection kit. If you are asked for that information, please try starting a new order or contact Vault customer service at 800-800-5698.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test detect the new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus?
Yes, the Vault COVID-19 RT - qPCR saliva test detects the new SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant. We target 3 genes with our test - N, S, and ORF1ab. The new SARS-CoV-2 variant causes 2 of the 3 genes to be detected in positive samples when tested using our assay, with only the S gene being undetectable.
Are there other languages available?
Languages available: English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali
If you are deaf, visually impaired, or otherwise require additional accessibility for your saliva collection over Zoom video call with Vault, please reach out to their Patient Experience team by email.
Who can order a collection kit?
Both adults and children can use these kits, though they may not work well for children under the age of 4 or those that may have suffered a stroke, who may not be able to produce enough saliva. An adult 18 or older must request a kit for a child.
When I go to order a collection kit, I receive a message saying that there are no more kits available. What should I do?
A limited number of collection kits are available each day. We recommend you visit one of our community testing sites or call your health care provider to get a COVID-19 test more quickly. Otherwise, you are welcome to try ordering again the next day.
Do I need to provide my insurance information?
Yes. If you have insurance, provide your information so your insurance company can pay for your test. If your insurance does not cover COVID-19 tests or does not cover all of it, the state will cover the cost. If you do not have insurance, the state will pay for your test. Whether you have insurance or not, you will not receive a bill.
Do I need to provide my credit card information?
No. Do not enter your credit card information on the Vault website. If you are asked for this information, please close out of your browser and use this link for the Vault website to try again. You may need to open the link in a new private or incognito browser. Vault also provides paid tests nationally, so it’s important for Wisconsinites to access the site through the above link to ensure they can get tests at no cost. If you have been charged for a test, please contact Vault customer support at 800-800-5698.
How do I return my collection kit so my saliva can be tested at a lab?
You must drop off your collection kit at a UPS location. You should return the specimen the same day you collect it. In the event that a UPS location is not accessible, Wisconsin is proud to work with a number of partners to provide community testing sites throughout the state.
Is this a molecular test or an antigen test?
This is a PCR (molecular) test. Check out this fact sheet for more information on testing types.
Is this a nasal swab or a saliva collection?
This test requires a saliva sample.
Can I eat, drink, or chew before my collection?
Do not eat, chew, or drink anything (even water) for at least 30 minutes before your saliva collection. You should not open your testing kit before your Zoom session begins.
Do I really need an email address for each of my children and family?
Yes. Currently, a unique email address and account is required for each person who needs a collection kit. This might mean that you have to create a new email for each of your children and household members. There are many options for free email accounts that you can use just for the purpose of creating a Vault account and receiving COVID-19 test results, like Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, and iCloud Mail.
How does my saliva collection work over a Zoom video call?
Do not open your collection kit before your Zoom session begins. When you are ready to collect a saliva sample, you will log in to access the Vault virtual waiting room. You may have to wait for some time in the virtual waiting room. The collection supervisor will give you instructions and make sure you do the collection the right way.
What do I do with my sample after I complete the saliva collection over the Zoom video call? How long will it take to get my results?
After your saliva collection, you will then send your sample to a Vault lab using the prepaid label that came with the collection kit. Once it arrives at the lab, you will get your test results by email in 48 to 72 hours.
Do I need to put my saliva sample in the fridge?
No. Temperature will not affect the accuracy of your test. Remember, the sample must be put in the UPS dropbox on the same day it was collected.
What do I do while I am waiting for my test results?
While you wait for your COVID-19 test results, self-isolate and monitor for symptoms.
How will I receive my test results?
An email will be sent to the address you provided when ordering your collection kit.
How is my privacy protected?
For more information about how your privacy is protected, visit Vault's privacy policy webpage. Some of the information contained in the privacy policy does not apply to Wisconsinites utilizing this program. For example, people under 18 years of age are able to receive collection kits using Wisconsin's portal, but not through Vault's main website.
Only order collection kits from the button at the top of this webpage to receive a free collection kit. Do not order collection kits from Vault's main website, as you may be required to pay.
Is Vault collecting my DNA from this test?
No. The only purpose of the test performed on your saliva sample is to determine whether you have a COVID-19 infection when the sample was taken.
I have other questions about the collection kit. Where can I get more information?
More information about the collection kit and process is available on the Vault website. You can also contact Vault's Customer service team by email or by calling 800-800-5698
