Fast-turnaround testing on campus
Information for staff and students about fast-turnaround Covid-19 testing on campus and how to book required weekly tests
Fast-turnaround testing for Covid-19 is available for students, staff and doctoral researchers at the University’s Loughborough campus.
This testing programme is for Loughborough University students, staff and Doctoral Researchers who do not have symptoms of Covid-19 but need to know whether they are Covid-19 positive or not.
It is a requirement that students returning to the University book and take a free rapid Covid test at our on-site Test Centre before accessing accommodation or any facilities. Thereafter, the University requires all students making use of on campus facilities to take at least one Covid-19 test every 7 days and be able, if asked, to demonstrate a negative result or proof of a positive test result within the last 90 days.
Students are required to get at least one test every 7 days if they fall into any of the three categories below:
- A student living in University-managed accommodation
- A student attending in person teaching sessions and/or using practical facilities for project work on campus
- A student wishing to use other on campus facilities (e.g. Library, computer labs, study spaces)
If your lateral flow test is positive, you will need to take a confirmatory PCR test.
Compliance with University requirements to get at least on Covid-19 test will be monitored and failure to comply could result in disciplinary action being taken.
Please note that if you have symptoms of Covid-19 you should book in for a test through the existing route via the University’s Connect and Protect service.
About the fast-turnaround test
It is called a lateral flow antigen test and it detects the coronavirus antigen that is produced when a person is infectious with coronavirus. The test is designed to detect the level of virus in people who do not experience and show any symptoms (i.e. they are asymptomatic), but who could still be infectious and pass the virus to others.
The test produces a result within 30 minutes and does not require a laboratory to be processed.
How to book a test at the University
Tests will be carried out at the Martial Arts Centre on the Loughborough campus.
From 11th July, the testing centre is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am-5.30pm and Saturday, 10am-4pm. It is closed on Sunday.
To make an appointment for a test you should book in through the existing route via the University’s Connect and Protect service but stating you are asymptomatic.
You will receive an email with your time, appointment details and instructions for taking the test. After your test has been carried out, you should return home/wait for your result.
Your result will be provided for you in writing via NHS SMS/email (depending on what you register) and you will receive an email from the Asymptomatic Testing Centre.
Taking a test at home
A home testing service is now available through the University to those who meet certain criteria.
To request to use the service
You will need to fill out this form to request to use the home testing service. You will then be notified by email if your request has been approved and sent a confirmation email with a QR code.
Students are still required to have tests at the Asymptomatic Testing Centre (in the Martial Arts Centre) unless they are commuter students or they have accessibility-related issues that make home testing more appropriate. If this is the case, please provide these details when filling out the form.
Collecting testing kits
Home testing kits are available for collection from the Martial Arts Centre on the Loughborough campus or the main reception desk on the London campus. You must show your confirmation QR code when collecting your tests, otherwise you will not be able to take the tests away. You will receive one box containing seven tests each time you visit the centre.
Logging your test results
As well as logging your results with the NHS, you must log your test results on the University’s home testing kit logging app. You'll need to download Microsoft PowerApps from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. Log in using your University log in details (you may need to use your ‘@lunet.lboro.ac.uk’ email address), go to ‘All Apps’ and search for ‘Loughborough University Home Testing’. Allow the app to access the camera, Outlook connector and Office 365.
You will then be able to log your results by following the on-screen instructions.