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Update: Antigen Testing for NCI Staff and Students

25/04/22

Please note: you should not attend the NCI campus if you have Covid symptoms!

Free antigen testing, operated by the Scottish Nursing Guild and Acacium Group, is available for NCI staff and students at our IFSC campus. The walk-in service is available in Room 1.06 , Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9am to1pm and again from 1.30pm to 3pm.

This service was due to end in March, but in light of rising numbers will be extended into May. This article will be reviewed on Wednesday 18th May.

Please note that HSE-approved rapid antigen tests are also available to NCI students and staff. A collection point for for self-testing kits will be located in the Atrium each Tuesday and Thursday. At all times, rapid antigen tests can be requested from the reception desk.

Key Antigen Testing Service Information 

  • No appointment is necessary – however, no more than three people will be permitted to wait at any given time, so you may be asked to come back later. The testing process is very quick, so you should not have to wait long. You may attend this service, even if you are not scheduled to be on-campus for a class or for any other appointment, so long as you observe protocol.
  • This test is for personal information only, with the prime purpose of prompting any individual who tests positive to engage directly with the HSE for a PCR test. No test is 100% accurate. All tests have limitations.
  • You must present your College ID to avail of this service. You will be asked some standard questions regarding allergies, etc., and you must formally consent to be tested – however, none of your data will be retained once your test results are through, and all information pertaining to your appointment will remain private.
  • Antigen tests use a swab to take a sample from your nose – note, this may feel uncomfortable. The sample does not need to go to a lab. Usually, you will have your test results within one hour.
  • You will receive verbal confirmation of your test results, you will not be given a digital or printed record of the test.
  • An antigen test will find the virus, if it is present, in most people who have symptoms. If your antigen test shows a positive response, you must self-isolate and make an appointment for a PCR test at a HSE COVID-19 centre. Continue to follow HSE advice before returning to campus.