Q&As: Asymptomatic Testing

For further information and advice regarding Covid-19 testing and vaccinations, and for support during Ramadan please contact Imam Mohsen Elbetagi, Swansea University Mosque at faith.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk or the MyUniSupport team at myunisupport@swansea.ac.uk. 

The 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 a test, you will help to stop the spread of the virus, protect other people and save lives. 

What are Lateral Flow antigen tests?

Lateral Flow antigen tests are a new kind of technology that could be used to test a higher proportion of asymptomatic people (those who are infectious, but not aware of this).
Lateral Flow antigen tests detect the presence or absence of coronavirus by applying a swab or saliva sample to the device’s absorbent pad. The sample runs along the surface of the pad, showing a visual positive or negative result dependant on the presence of the virus. The tests have been validated by Public Health England. They are safe and offer reliable results.

Important: The Lateral Flow antigen test is only for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms. If you get symptoms you will need to self-isolate and book a test by calling 01639 862757. There is also a Local Testing Site (LTS) situated in Swansea City Centre’s Grand Theatre and this is open 8am-8p m every day. Appointments must be made via the Welsh Government website https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test.

If you have symptoms, have already tested positive or are already self-isolating you should not book a test, you must finish your self-isolation period in your current home and then return home.  

You should also not book a test if you are unable to administer the swab test yourself as we are not able to provide support for this.  

If you get a positive lateral flow test you must self-isolate immediately, in accordance with current government guidance, and take a PCR test at a test centre within 24 hours. You should inform the University via MyUniSupport@swansea.ac.uk   

Tests are voluntary, however if you experience Covid-19 symptoms must follow the standard Welsh Government guidance, including self-isolating immediately.   

Students participating in testing, should ‘lay low’ for the three days between tests. This means taking extra care to minimise social contacts and only go out for essential purposes such as medical care or to exercise alone or with someone in your household outdoors.

If you test positive on either of your tests you will be required to self isolate.  

Please see the Privacy notice: COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing

Please ensure you are aware of any entry restrictions, screening or quarantine requirements specific to the country you intend to travel to. This method of asymptomatic testing may not be accepted by some countries for entry, you would therefore need to arrange an independent test, details can be found here. 

There are two main types of test used to check if people currently have coronavirus.   

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 coronavirus. 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 in this programme.   

Lateral flow tests are very accurate (highly specific), which means that only a very small proportion of people who do not have coronavirus 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. 

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. 

The University cannot accept liability for a false negative or if someone contracts the virus after testing and before returning home.  

Please continue to have two tests even if you have had the vaccination. It takes time for the vaccine to build up an immune response and it hasn’t yet been established whether those vaccinated can still carry the virus and therefore could still be contagious.