Lateral Flow Tests: Frequently Asked Questions
General
Do I have everything in my kit?
Your test kit contains:
- 3 test cartridges,
- 3 swabs,
- a small bottle of buffer solution
- 3 test tubes with nozzles.
I don’t have any buffer solution
From 18 December to 4 January, contact the Lodge on 01865 279500.
How do I dispose of my test safely?
Use the sealed yellow plastic bag the kit came in to put your used tests in, and then dispose in a bin with a liner.
How do I register my test result?
You should upload your test results as soon as you have taken each test.
My test is positive; what do I do?
If you have a positive result, you are asked to do the following three things:
-
book a laboratory-based PCR test via the EAS (Early Alert Service). Note that EAS is closed 22 December to 3 January so you should book your test via the NHS during this period - see additional FAQ below.
-
inform the College using the email address: easresults@new.ox.ac.uk
-
remain in or return to your room to self-isolate for 10 days from the date on which your Lateral Flow Test (LFT) tested positive.
Christmas Closure
EAS (Early Alert Service) is closed; what do I do?
The Testing for COVID-19: Early Alert Service will close from Tuesday 22 December to Sunday 3 January inclusive. If you are in Oxford during this period of closure and develop symptoms, you should book a free NHS test. You should not wait for the Early Alert Service to reopen. (Please note that although you may be asked for your NHS number, this is not required and will not prevent you from booking a test.)
Hilary Term
Hilary Term Return to Oxford: Voluntary Lateral Flow Test
All students are encouraged to take a Lateral Flow Test on the day of their return for Hilary term. Two further tests are taken on day 3 and 10.
Who can get a test?
Test kits will be provided for every student that is travelling and making a journey to return to Oxford for Hilary term.
How can I get my test kit?
A test kit will be available for collection from the Lodge on Holywell Street.
When do I take the test?
Take the first test on your arrival day (this is day 0), take the second test on day 3 and the third on day 10.
Do I need to self-isolate between tests?
No, as long as the test results are negative. If you are positive, see the FAQ above for ‘positive result’.
I don’t know how to do the test?
If you would like refresher guidance or you haven’t taken a test before and need to follow the guidance from the beginning you can visit Canvas.
How do I record my result?
It is vital that you register your test result. The Canvas portal will explain how you do this. Currently, test results are registered here.
Do I have to take a test?
The tests are voluntary. If you decide not to take a test, please return the test kit to the Lodge.
Travel Quarantine and International Students
Test and Release
The Lateral Flow Test (LFT) does not qualify as a test that can release you from quarantine. You will need to book and pay for a PCR test.
Can I get out of travel quarantine early if I take the LFT?
International students can take the LFT but it won’t let them out of any travel quarantine periods early.
I need to take a PCR test to get out of travel quarantine on day 5. Do I need to take a LFT as well?
The benefit of taking a LFT on day 0 and day 3 would be if you test positive on the LFT, you know there is no point booking and paying for a PCR test on day 5 of your quarantine. If you test negative you know booking and paying for a PCR test to release you from quarantine early would be worthwhile.