Asymptomatic Testing
Our Asymptomatic Test site is currently CLOSED. To help keep our community safe from Covid-19, we ask everyone attending campus to take part in twice weekly home testing, with test kits for students and staff available to collect at Plymouth College of Art. There are two types of tests that are currently widely available.
Lateral Flow Tests
Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) give a response within 30 minutes. Because they are intended to detect people who have Covid-19 but are asymptomatic, these are only to be used if you have none of the main symptoms. We strongly advise that everyone attending a Plymouth College of Art campus takes two tests, three days apart before attending and continue to do this weekly during the pandemic.
Students and staff members can collect Lateral Flow Tests between 12pm and 2pm weekdays at our main Tavistock Place campus and at Palace Court.
Please report your test results through the NHS registration portal here using our Site ID code: BEVI.
In the case of a positive result, please make sure you inform us through the online absence reporting form. All positive LFT results need to be confirmed by taking an NHS PCR test.
If you have tested positive for Covid-19 by a PCR test, you become exempt from asymptomatic testing for the next 90 days from the date of your initial symptoms. If you do develop new symptoms you should isolate and book a PCR test.
IMPORTANT
If you do not get a PCR test within two days of a positive rapid lateral flow test at a test site, you will need to self-isolate for 10 full days, even if you then receive a negative PCR result.
PCR Tests
PCR tests are designed for people who are experiencing any of the three main symptoms of Covid-19:
a high temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
You will need to book a free PCR test here at either a drive-through or walk-in centre. Alternatively you can also order them to be sent to your house, but your test will need to be sent to a lab before you receive a result. Results can be given as quickly as 48 hours. You and anyone you live with will need to isolate while waiting for your PCR results.
This is a specific programme to test individuals who don’t have any symptoms, but who could still spread the virus to others.
The lateral flow testing is for students without symptoms who may be infectious but unaware. Testing is voluntary but highly recommended.
Lateral flow tests are 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.
Anyone with symptoms should not register for a LFT test but follow the guidance online on how to book a PCR test – https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test – or call 119. Lines are open 7am to 11pm.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 by a PCR test you are exempt from testing for the next 90 days from the date of your initial symptoms. If you do develop new symptoms you should isolate and book a PCR test.
If you get a negative test result you do not need to self-isolate. You should continue to follow all national restrictions and university safety measures to reduce the risk of transmission. We do not need you to share negative test results with the health@pca.ac.uk.
If you get a positive LFT result:
- you will be legally required to self-isolate immediately for 10 days
- your household and/or support bubble must also self-isolate for 10 days
- Get a PCR test (a test that is sent to a lab) to confirm your result as soon as possible – get a PCR test to check if you have coronavirus on GOV.UK.
Continue to self-isolate until you get the result of the PCR test. Follow the advice you're given when you get the result. - you should fill in our COVID-19 absence reporting form - this will enable us to support you through your self-isolation period.
You should also send a copy of your positive test results text message to health@pca.ac.uk so we can enter the evidence of this period of absence into your student records, in case you need support from your course or Registry at a later date.
You should then tell us your test result is positive by filling out our COVID-19 absence reporting form.
If you are required to self-isolate and feel that this will seriously affect your work, visit the Registry section of the Student Portal for more information about individual applications for Extenuating Circumstances (ECs).
If your LFT result is inconclusive you should take another test as soon as possible.
If you are a close contact of a positive case, or someone in your household/support bubble tests positive you must self-isolate for 10 days even if you receive a negative test yourself. The negative test means you were probably not infectious at the time of the test, but you could become infectious.
You do not need to book LFT testing during self-isolation period. You should order a PCR test if you develop symptoms.
- If it’s about Test and Trace then please visit the NHS Test and Trace guidance
- You can keep up-to-date with restrictions on the government website
- For anything else related specifically to Plymouth College of Art about the testing facility or Covid-19 support please email health@pca.ac.uk
Watch an example of what happens when you go for a test
If you have any Covid-19 related queries, please send an email to health@pca.ac.uk.
You can also keep in touch with the Students’ Union and your peers who may be isolating locally or at home by using the Facebook group or Whatsapp chat.
