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PCR tests now available from the Spark

You can now pick up a Covid-19 confirmatory PCR test from campus

22nd October 2021

To help keep our university community safe and our campus open, we’re continuing to ask all our staff and students to complete twice-weekly asymptomatic testing to help control the spread of Covid-19.

Since May 2021, lateral flow device (LFD) home testing kits have been available to staff and students to collect from the Spark reception.

We’re now pleased to announce that from Friday 22 October, Solent will be taking part in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)’s dual testing pilot, alongside other universities. So, if you’re picking up an LFD testing pack from the Spark reception, you can also request a confirmatory home PCR test.

The PCR test is to be taken in tandem with the LFD test, thus helping ensure consistent results through both test types.

As with the LFD tests, PCR tests can be picked up from the Spark reception on the following days:

  • Monday, 9am-12 noon
  • Wednesday, 1-4pm
  • Friday, 9am-12 noon

PCR tests can be dropped back to the post room or in the existing LFD post bags in our residences. If your test is positive, please return it by post along with the LFD test.

If you do test positive for Covid-19, please inform us by emailing covid.support@solent.ac.uk so that we can make sure you have the support you need. Staff should inform their manager in the first instance. You should also record your test results, positive or negative, to Test and Trace.

You can find out more about Covid-19 testing on our dedicated web page >

Also, if you still aren’t double jabbed, we encourage you to book in before the winter months. You can book a vaccination slot or find a walk-in centre on the NHS website. Don’t forget, you need both vaccinations to be fully protected.

If you have any queries, students should contact the Student Hub and staff should contact their Business Partner.