As COVID-19 testing has become part of our regular routines, it’s important to remember what to do once you receive your test results.
Depending on which type of test you have taken there are a number of steps you need to take once you receive your result.
1. Reporting process for PCR tests (tests for those with symptoms or for those identified as a ‘close contact’)
Positive result
If your result is positive you will need to self-isolate for 10 days from the day your symptoms started. You must self-isolate even if you have been double vaccinated.
Make sure you:
- Self-report your positive Covid-19 test result as soon as possible using the University’s Case Management System. The data will be accessed by the University’s Contact Tracing Team, who will then be in touch to follow track and trace protocol.
- Let the people you live with and anybody you have been in close contact with (for 48 hours before your symptoms started) know that you have tested positive for Covid-19. Depending on their age and vaccination status they may need to isolate for 10-days or access a PCR test. You can find further detail about this on the NHS webpages.
- Email your School Support Office if you feel too unwell to study online to let them know that you are ill and unable to attend face-to-face sessions. If you feel able to study you should continue to attend the sessions that you can remotely.
- If you live in university halls you should let your hall manager or hall reception know. If you are in private halls of residence, you must inform your halls’ nominated contact. If you are unsure who this is contact the hall reception.
- If you are employed outside of the university you should also let your employer know.
- Tell us you are self-isolating by completing the COVID-19 Self-Isolation Form. By letting us know you are isolating, we are able to reach out and offer you support – even if you are not on campus.
- If you need help or support whilst you are isolating please email covort@liverpool.ac.ukor read our self-isolation guidance.
Negative result
If your result is negative, you can stop self-isolating and inform your close contacts that you have received a negative result. If you were identified as a close contact it is recommended that you continue to limit your social contacts and wear a face covering.
Inconclusive result
If your result is inconclusive you will need to book another test. If you have symptoms you should continue to self-isolate until you get your result.
2. Reporting process for Lateral Flow tests (tests for those without symptoms)
Positive result
If your result is positive you will need to self-isolate immediately for 10 days from the date of your test and follow the steps below. You will be asked for your name and contact details at the test site which will allow us to provide support to staff and students who test positive. Personal information will be treated safely and only by those who need it. Once your result is passed onto the University Contact Tracing team, they will begin contact tracing and ask you to book a confirmatory PCR test as soon as possible. If the PCR test is negative you can stop self-isolating.
Steps to take now:
- Self-report your positive COVID-19 test result as soon as possible using the University’s Case Management System. The data will be accessed by the University’s Contact Tracing Team, who will then be in touch to follow track and trace protocol.
- Tell us you are self-isolating by completing the COVID-19 Self-Isolation Form. By letting us know you are isolating, we are able to reach out and offer you support – even if you are not on campus.
- Let the people you live with and anybody you have been in close contact with (for 48 hours before your symptoms started) know that you have tested positive for Covid-19. Depending on their age and vaccination status they may need to isolate for 10-days or access a PCR test. You can find further detail about this on the NHS webpages.
- Email your School Support Office to let them know you are ill and unable to attend face-to-face sessions. If you feel able to study you should continue to attend the sessions that you can remotely.
- If you live in university halls you should let your hall manager or hall reception know. If you are in private halls of residence, you must inform your halls’ nominated contact. If you are unsure who this is contact the hall reception.
- If you are employed outside of the University you should also let your employer know.
- If you need help or support whilst you are isolating please email covort@liverpool.ac.ukor read the self-isolation guidance.
Negative result
If your result is negative, you are free to study on campus. You are required to repeat test twice weekly if you are regularly working or studying on campus.
Inconclusive result
If your result is inconclusive we’d recommend taking a repeat lateral flow test.