On-Campus Asymptomatic Testing
COVID Testing for University students and staff
In November, we introduced asymptomatic testing on campus for staff and students; enabling us to continue to play our part in helping to stop the spread of the virus, protect other people and save lives.
Many people may display no symptoms of COVID (asymptomatic infection) but could still pass the virus on to others.
This simple testing process is a step you can take to look after yourself and those close to you, providing additional reassurance for you, your fellow students and University staff, and your family.
The national testing programme directly supports the fight against COVID-19 for our staff, students and the wider community.
We have resumed asymptomatic testing in readiness for the incoming Semester.
This simple process is a step you can take to look after yourself and those close to you, providing additional reassurance and confidence for you and your family.
This testing offered is only for those WITHOUT SYMPTOMS.
Who should take the test
This test is available to staff and students without symptoms, including those students living in a term time address (either student accommodation or private rented), those travelling into campus from home for essential on-campus teaching, as well as those students who will study fully online from home this semester.
To protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our university community, we strongly encourage all students, as well as those staff who are required to be on campus for essential work, to take up this opportunity to be tested.
What the test involves
The tests are conducted using Lateral Flow Devices, an approved screening device for COVID19 that delivers results promptly within the hour.
The test requires participants to swab the back of their own throat and nostrils, with appropriate supervision from trained University staff.
Collect a test kit and test at home
Staff and students can also collect LFD test kits for convenient use in the comfort of their own home, in quantities of either 7 or 14 tests.
Staff and students can collect on behalf of others, but must record the details of the person for whom they are collecting the kits.
So that we can record the details of those who collect the tests for home use, please book here.
Book a test on campus
The testing programme is currently available on all four of our campuses until the 17th December.
Two tests are recommended, a minimum of 3 - or up to 7 - days apart.
The test centres will open from 09:00 -17:00 (closed 13:00- 14:00) at the following Ulster University campus locations:
Belfast campus
- BA 000 10
Coleraine campus
- Commercial Mall (old Bank of Ireland area)
Jordanstown
- Block 18 Commercial Mall
Magee
- Block MD (just off the canteen seating area)
With two testing bays on each site, our centres will initially operate two days per week on each campus:
- Belfast and Coleraine on Monday and Thursday
- Jordanstown and Magee on Tuesday and Friday
Arrangements are in place to enable students and staff from St Mary’s University College to book a test at any Ulster University campus.
You will be made very welcome.
Key information
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Rescheduling or amending bookings
We recommend that you use your Ulster University email address when booking a test.
You will receive a notification that will allow you to amend the booking if necessary.
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Test results
If both tests return a negative result, please continue to take all appropriate precautions to minimise your risk of infection and follow the public health guidance in place.
If your test result is positive you must immediately self-isolate and book a PHA PCR test.
If the PCR test returns a positive result you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date your PCR test was taken.
Please familiarise yourself with the steps to take for reporting positive cases to enable proactive contact tracing within the wider University.
Remember to complete the online COVID-19 Notification Form and inform your Course Director if you are EITHER self-isolating OR test positive for COVID-19.
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If you develop symptoms
It remains so important that we stay vigilant.
Information is available on our webpages to support you and others and help you to stay safe, including guidance on symptoms, when to self-isolate, student households, and close contacts.
Remember, you must stay at home and self-isolate if you, or someone you live with, has symptoms or has tested positive.
If you develop symptoms:
- Follow Public Heath Guidance for those with symptoms
- Book a test at www.nhs.uk
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Attending the test centre
What you’ll need to bring to the Test centre
- A copy/screenshot of your appointment ID
- Your UU student or staff card
- A mobile phone/tablet to register on the NHS testing web page
- Please wear a mask to the test centre
- You may also wish to bring hand sanitiser or antiseptic wipes
- You may also want to bring a bottle of water as we cannot provide water at the test centre.
What happens at the test centre?
- Check in for your test at any of the three locations with your booking ID. You will be issued with your Registration card.
- Proceed into the testing room, where you should scan the QR code on the Registration card and enter your details on to the NHS Coronavirus testing website.
- You will then be directed into a dedicated test booth/bay.
- A poster on the wall of the booth will provide instructions on how to self-administer the throat and nasal swab.
- An LFD swab will be passed to you by the Test Assistant.
- You will self-administer throat (first) and then nasal swabs under supervision.
- Place the swab directly into the prepared extraction tube provided.
- You will then leave the test centre using the one-way system. You should retain the Registration card.
- The sampling procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to complete and the result will be sent to you by PHA Test and Trace (by email or text, as specified when you register) within 24 hours.
- Ulster University staff will be available to answer any queries that you may have at the test centre.
Queries
For any queries relating to on campus asymptomatic testing please email covidtesting@ulster.ac.uk