Covid-19 testing
Regular testing helps to identify and isolate positive Covid-19 cases reducing onward transmission to your fellow students, staff and our university community.
About the university's testing service
The University offers an asymptomatic PCR testing service which detects the virus through a simple saliva sample. Details of the test methodology
Please do be aware that the testing service is, by definition, for individuals who do not exhibit Covid-19 symptoms. If you have symptoms, it is recommended you isolate as soon as possible, and get a Lateral Flow test if available.
Anyone with any specific needs can get in touch with the testing team on testingservice@nottingham.ac.uk so we can facilitate these for you and enable you to take your Covid test at least once a week.
Testing step by step guide
- Step 1: Attend the test at one of our testing hubs
- Step 2: Log your sample
- Step 3: Isolate while you await reults
- Step 4: We aim to deliver results via email the next working day
- Step 5: See guidance below for postive and negative results outcome
If you are struggling to submit your sample, follow our step by step guidelines here.
Positive result
If your sample tests positive for Covid-19, you will receive your result via email using the details you provided on your sample registration form. If you have any queries, please contact the AST by emailing testingservice@nottingham.ac.uk. The university reports all positive results to the UK Health Security Agency and you should act as if you are symptomatic and follow the Isolate, Notify, Test process.
For Staff, if you have already informed us that you are isolating and subsequently need to us know the outcome of a Covid-19 test, please do so within 48 hours by either phoning the HR telephone helpline on 0115 748 4800 or by emailing hr@nottingham.ac.uk
Negative result
If you receive a negative result, the government says that you do not need to self-isolate (unless otherwise indicated). However, it is encouraged that you continue to wear a mask and frequently use hand sanitiser to minimise the risk of catching and spreading the virus.
Please do bear in mind that a negative test result does not mean you aren’t infected, as we know that the virus is only detectable at certain times, particular in those who are asymptomatic. This is one of the reasons we are encouraging regular weekly testing
*Staff working from home off campus can also access the testing service, but we ask you not to take any unnecessary risks in travelling to our testing stations. Before staff get tested, they should make sure they have arrangements in place to travel home immediately and safely in the event they test positive.
Support for staff and students who test positive
Thank you for your support in helping us tackle the spread of Covid-19
Please note, that asymptomatic testing should never be seen as a substitute for any of the Covid-19 security measures in place across campus or the wider local public health rules. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
If anyone have any questions or complaints, please contact our testing team