A video which takes users behind the scenes of the University Testing Service has been shared as part of the university’s campaign to remind all students, and staff working regularly on campus to take frequent Covid-19 tests.

A day in the life of a saliva sample takes viewers through each stage of the testing service, from depositing a sample at one of the testing centres across our campuses, to work in the different labs to generate the results.

Regular testing will help keep us safe as individuals, protect our university community and the communities around us, and ensure that our university can remain open for essential teaching and research.

Technical Lead Francesco Tarantini said, “Something that many people may not realise is how quick and accurate results from the Asymptomatic Testing Service are compared to other forms of testing.

From the moment samples are received by the lab team, it will only take between 5-6 hours for them to be inspected, inactivated and analysed (sometimes twice!). However, most samples are delivered towards the end of the day, meaning that a next-day result is usually more likely”.

The team will be taking to social media on Wednesday 10 March for a ‘Testing Takeover’ to help spread the message about regular testing and answer any questions people may have.

As banners, posters and digital screens bring the message to life across our campuses and social media campaigns begin, staff and students are invited to get involved and help share the message that simple and swift asymptomatic testing needs to become a part of everyday university life for the time being.

We are refreshing the staff  toolkit (Sharepoint login required) regularly to give colleagues at all levels and in all Schools and Departments, ideas and tools to use to play their part in encouraging regular testing.

This could be as simple as highlighting ‘test to protect’ messages on social media accounts, flagging information at the end of teaching sessions or ensuring that your working environment displays campaign materials encouraging students and colleagues to take the test.

Our measures are most effective when we work together and follow the rules to keep everyone safe.