Book a free COVID-19 Test
It’s possible to be positive with COVID-19 but not be aware of it. By taking a test when you don’t have symptoms, you will help to stop the spread of the virus, protect other people and save lives.
All students and staff should get tested before coming on to campus for any reason and then arrange regular testing twice a week or as often as possible for as long as you are on campus. In the first instance, you should arrange two tests no less than three days and no more than seven days apart.
Get Tested to Protect Others
This testing is only for students and staff without COVID-19 symptoms (asymptomatic) - to help confirm that you do not have COVID-19.
This will help to protect those at high risk, fight the virus and ultimately help enable us to go back to as normal a way of life as possible.
The lateral flow testing programme does not replace current testing policy for those with symptoms. If any member of the Queen’s community develops symptoms at any time, it is essential that you self-isolate immediately and book a test here.
Your support and commitment is vital in ensuring the campus remains a safe place to live, work and study.
Central Test Centre
Our test centre is in the Whitla Hall, directly beside the main Lanyon Building.
Address
University Road, BelfastNorthern Ireland, BT7 1NN
How Does it Work?
- Book your two tests online and get a time slot
- You will swab yourself to do the test
- Get the results within around an hour
We recommend you get tested twice a week, or as often as possible. You should have at least one negative test before engaging in any activity on campus (including, for example, going to the library).
If you test negative, you can engage with your scheduled activities on campus. If you test positive, you and members of your household will be required to self-isolate and you will have to make necessary arrangements for your on-campus commitments.
Students: Book a test before returning to campus
Living in University accommodation?
Students will be able to check in before taking a test but should arrange a test for the day of their arrival or as soon as possible after they have moved in.
Living in private rented accommodation?
Students should arrange two asymptomatic tests 3-7 days apart and should not engage in on-campus activity until you have had at least one negative asymptomatic test.
Staff
Staff should arrange two asymptomatic tests before returning to work on the campus or as soon as possible thereafter and, where possible, avoid being on campus until you have had at least one negative test.
If you have work or study commitments that you are expected to attend on campus and have not been able to access a test due to lack of capacity, please contact covidtestbooking@qub.ac.uk and, if possible, you will be accommodated with a test before your first commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Asymptomatic Testing
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Why should I get tested even if I have no symptoms?
Many people can have Covid-19 and be unaware as they have no symptoms. This means that you could be spreading the virus and passing it on to others without realising, including those who may be vulnerable. At a time when our health services are under extreme pressure, it is essential that we all play our part and do what we can to limit transmission of the virus – you can do this by getting tested (and self-isolating if you test positive).
Getting tested will give you peace of mind and reassure you that you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and those around you. If all members of the Queen’s community who need to be on campus and/or live in University accommodation get tested regularly then we minimise the risk of the virus spreading and keep the campus a safe place to live, work and study.
The tests are free, quick and easy to do and we are asking all members of the Queen’s community to get tested before coming on to campus for any reason and then continue to get tested regularly (ideally twice a week) if you are going to be living, working or studying here.
- Who can get tested?
All staff and students are invited to come forward for asymptomatic tests. In particular, any staff or students who need to be on campus (including those living in University accommodation, those studying in the library and those who still have on-campus learning or research commitments) should arrange tests before coming onto campus or as soon as possible thereafter.
Others working on University premises, (e.g. contractors, spin-out company staff) are also able to access the testing.
- How often should I get tested?
You should arrange two asymptomatic tests and have at least one negative result before coming onto campus (including moving into accommodation or studying in the library/other study spaces such as the Graduate School). If you need to be on campus for work or study (including living in accommodation) then you should continue to get tested on a regular basis every week.
Ideally, you should aim to be tested twice a week. There are no limits to the number of tests you can have but should not exceed two tests per week, no less than three days and no more than seven days apart.
- Can I have a test whilst in self-isolation?
No. If you are self-isolating for any reason then you should complete your period of isolation before getting tested.
- Can I move in to University accommodation before getting tested?
Ideally, you should have a negative test result before moving in to or returning to accommodation. However, we know that this may not be possible, especially for those students who have just joined the University and/or have travelled from outside Northern Ireland. Therefore, you will be able to check in to your accommodation before your test but you should arrange a test for the same day or as soon as possible afterwards.
You should also arrange a second test no less than three days and no more than seven days after your first test, and then regular tests every week after that, ideally twice per week.
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What do I do if I can not get a test before I need to be on campus?
If you have work or study commitments that you are expected to attend on campus and have not been able to access a test due to lack of capacity, please contact covidtestbooking@qub.ac.uk and, if possible, you will be accommodated with a test before your first commitment.
- What happens if I test positive?
If one of your asymptomatic tests is positive, you will be required to complete a ten-day period of self-isolation and arrange a confirmatory PCR test, as you would do if you had symptoms. All members of your household will also have to self-isolate for a period of ten days.
- What happens if I test negative?
If your first asymptomatic test is negative, you can continue to engage in planned on-campus activities but you must attend for a second confirmatory asymptomatic test. Once you have received a second negative result, you should bear in mind that you may still pick up the virus at any point afterwards and you should always continue to follow public health guidelines about staying at home as much as possible, social distancing, regular hand washing and wearing face coverings.
You should also arrange regular on-going tests if you intend to remain on campus or regularly return.
- What if I already have Covid-19 symptoms?
This testing programme is only for those without symptoms. If you develop symptoms, then you should self-isolate immediately and arrange a different (PCR) test here. If you have an asymptomatic test booked but subsequently develop symptoms then you should not come to the test centre and cancel your appointment.
- How effective is asymptomatic testing?
Extensive clinical evaluation shows lateral flow tests are accurate and sensitive enough to be used in the community, including for asymptomatic people. Find out more here.
The Testing Process
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How to book a test
You can arrange your asymptomatic test by booking online here. You can select a date and time that suits you and you will be asked to attend the Whitla Hall on Main Campus to undertake the test.
- What does the test involve?
Once you have booked a test, you will be sent a confirmation email, including a unique barcode. You should bring this (on your phone is fine) as well as your student/staff card to the Whitla Hall at the time of your test. You should also wear a face covering (unless you are exempt for medical reasons).
You will be given clear instructions and a testing kit to swab your own throat and nostrils. You will then put your swab in a tube and hand it over to a member of staff for processing. You will then be informed of the result by email or text message. You will also have to return to the Whitla Hall for a second test no less than three days after your first test.
- How can I reschedule or get a new time?
You must use your Queen's email address when booking at test.
If you have used your Queen's email address, you will receive a notification that will allow you to amend the booking if necessary.
If you have used a personal email address, it will not be possible to amend or reschedule your booking.
- Do I need to inform anyone of my results?
Yes. So that the University can maintain accurate records of the rate of infection and provide appropriate support to those who test positive (along with members of their household), it is important that you inform the University of your result. Shortly after your test you will receive an email from the University where you can inform us of your result with one click.
This information will only be used for the purposes of maintaining these records and providing support to those who test positive. It will not be used for any other purpose.
