This is a specific programme to test new technology on individuals who don’t have any symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19), but who could still spread the virus to others. The Government has set out its priority groups for testing on the GOV.UK website. Asymptomatic students (who don’t have any symptoms) are not currently a priority group for symptomatic PCR (polymerise chain reaction) testing, but they are one of the groups covered by the new testing technology for those without symptoms.

The lateral flow testing programme is a new technology to identify individuals who don’t have any symptoms, but who may be asymptomatic carriers and therefore could still spread Coronavirus (Covid-19) to others.

This technology will help the Government to better understand where to best use Lateral Flow tests and how they can be operationalised in the real world to protect those at high risk, find the virus and help enable us to go back to as normal a way of life as possible.

The Government’s normal testing service for symptomatic individuals will continue. It is the most effective way to know if you are positive and need to self-isolate. Even if you take part in Lateral Flow testing, if you have symptoms, you should continue to book a test via nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 in England and Wales, or 0300 303 2713 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Students and staff who attend campus regularly are encouraged to be tested twice weekly through the test centre. For regular test results, it is more efficient for students and staff to create an NHS account as this speeds up the registration process.

Any students or staff member who experiences coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms must follow government guidance, including self-isolating immediately and booking a test through nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 in England and Wales, or 0300 303 2713 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A lateral flow test is designed to detect the level of virus in individuals who do not experience and show any symptoms (they are asymptomatic), but who could still be infectious and pass the virus to others. By taking part in testing, you will help to stop the spread of the virus, protect other people and save lives. 

There are two main types of test used to check if people currently have coronavirus (Covid-19).

The first type of test is known as a PCR test, and looks for the virus’s genetic material (Ribonucleic acid or RNA). These tests are currently more commonly used in the NHS for symptomatic testing. They require a laboratory to be processed.

The second is called a lateral flow antigen test, which detects the coronavirus antigen that is produced when a person is infectious with Covid-19. These are quicker tests, that produce a result within 30 minutes and do not require a laboratory to be processed. This is the test that is currently being offered to students

Lateral flow tests are validated technology, they are safe and the results are trusted. These tests have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation including at Public Health England’s research laboratories to ensure they are verified for use.

Lateral flow tests are very accurate (highly specific), which means that only a very small proportion of people who do not have coronavirus (Covid-19) will receive a positive result (false positive). However, in mass testing, because so many people without symptoms are being tested there is still the possibility of getting a false positive result. Therefore, everyone who tests positive is advised to have a confirmatory PCR test to make sure the result is correct.

Tests don’t need to go to a lab and results are provided within an hour or so, depending on demand, so you won’t have to wait long to know.

Although they give a result much more quickly, the lateral flow tests are not as sensitive as the PCR tests. This is mitigated by testing people regularly, because the more times someone with the disease is tested, the more likely they are to be picked up by the test.

This also means that if you test positive on a lateral flow test, it is likely that you are infectious at that moment, whereas people testing positive on the PCR test could be in the less infectious early or late stages of disease.

The requirements for international travel are set by each country. It should not be assumed that Lateral Flow testing will give internatonal students the ability to travel abroad.

 You will receive a message with your results by text or email, depending on which details you provided when you registered.

Tests don’t need to go to a lab and results are provided within an hour or so, depending on demand, so you won’t have to wait long to know.

NHS Test and Trace also takes the protection of your privacy very seriously. To find out how your personal data will be used when you register for a coronavirus (Covid-19) test read the Government’s coronavirus privacy note.

If the test result is negative, you can continue to work/attend class as usual and you will be informed of any future testing.

If you test positive, you and the people you live with need to self-isolate immediately and you will need to get an NHS Covid-19 test (known as a PCR test) to confirm if you have Covid-19. If your PCR test comes back positive, please let us know by completing this form so that we are able to support you. 

This test is aimed at identifying coronavirus (Covid-19) infection in those without symptoms. If you have symptoms of Covid-19, please self-isolate and call 119 in England and Wales to book a free diagnostic test.

If we can’t read the sample it means it’s not possible to say if you were infectious when the test was done.

You’ll need to take the same tests again as soon as possible. If this is the second time you’ve got this result, you’ll need to book a different test – follow the advice you were given when you were tested or go to www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

You only need to self-isolate if:

• you have or get symptoms of coronavirus – you’ll need to book a different test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
• someone you live with tests positive, or has symptoms and has not been tested yet
• you’ve been traced as a contact of someone who tested positive
• the test you provide identifies you as being asymptomatic.

If you have a positive test, anyone you live with must self-isolate until ten days after the date of your first test or after your symptoms began (if earlier), unless they are participating in the specific trial of regular testing for contacts – in which case they will be given specific instructions on what they can and cannot do during this period. 

If you have a positive test result, your contacts will be traced by NHS Test and Trace. They will be required to self-isolate until ten days after their most recent contact with you, unless they are participating in the specific trial of regular testing for contacts – in which case they will be given specific instructions on what they can and cannot do during this period.

If you have a positive antigen test but get a negative result on the PCR test, your contacts do not need to be traced.

If you have a negative or unclear (or “could not read sample”, “void”, “borderline” or “inconclusive”) result, your contacts do not need to be traced.

After a negative test, an individual is still susceptible to becoming infected and spreading the virus. Respecting distancing when it's needed and other rules is the most powerful way of stopping the spread of the virus.