Frequently Asked Questions

About Asymptomatic Testing

• 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 while 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.

• 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. 

  Following a negative test result, you should as always continue to follow public health guidelines, including 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.

• I have been vaccinated - should I continue to undertake asymptomatic testing?

  It is not known at this stage if the vaccination stops infection or just disease, therefore we are encouraging the University community to continue to get tested regularly until more information is available. 

• If I have tested positive for COVID-19 (positive PCR test result), should I resume asymptomatic testing after my self-isolation period ends?
  If you have recently (within the last 90 days) tested positive for COVID-19, you are likely to have developed some immunity. However, given the current prevalence of the virus and the pressing need to reduce transmission, you are encouraged to take an LFD test regardless of whether you have tested positive previously as this is a good indicator of high viral load, and therefore infectiousness. 

   

  If you choose to have an LFD test as part of our asymptomatic testing programme, please ensure that the LFD test is not taken while you are within your self-isolation period following the last confirmed test.