UIC researchers offer free rapid diagnostic testing for COVID-19 in vulnerable Chicago communities Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are offering free rapid diagnostic testing for COVID-19 in vulnerable Chicago communities and performing genomic sequencing on the samples to identify variants. The research is part of a National Institutes of Health-funded initiative called Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Underserved Populations, or RADx-UP. The UIC researchers are working to engage 7,000 Chicagoans in testing through self-collected nasal swabs, which can be taken at home or in-person at UI Health Mile Square Health Center and can be mailed to UIC or dropped off in person at Mile Square. Participants are notified of positive or negative COVID-19 results and a contact tracing team provides guidance, education, and resources.