Members of the public who don't have easy access to a Covid-19 test centre will be able to pick up free Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test kits from the University of Aberdeen Test Centre from next week (Monday, May 24).
Everyone in Scotland is now able to access free LFD tests if they have no symptoms. Test kits will be available for people to pick up from the University of Aberdeen Covid Asymptomatic Testing Centre on University Road.
The rollout of the kits is aimed at finding cases that would otherwise go undetected, so anyone testing positive can self-isolate and avoid transmitting the virus to those around them.
It means anyone without Covid-19 symptoms who does not already have access to asymptomatic testing in their workplace or community can test themselves.
Each pack contains seven rapid lateral flow device tests that can provide results in around 30 minutes. A positive result means people should self-isolate with their household and order a PCR test to confirm the positive result.
Debbie Dyker, Director of People at the University of Aberdeen said: “It is important, as restrictions begin to ease, that members of the local community are still able to protect themselves and others from the spread of Covid-19.
“It is great that we are now able to offer individuals the opportunity to pick up tests to take away with them to carry out at their own convenience. We know that not everyone has easy access to a test centre or it may not be possible for them to attend twice in a short space of time. It could be that people are beginning to plan social gatherings and just want some reassurance that they aren’t carrying Covid-19 without even realising.
“We still encourage those who are able to attend the test centre readily to do so for their tests, especially those who are still working or living on campus or in the local community. Individuals can also collect kits for family members, so even if you are still being regularly tested on site, it may be you use this service to benefit those who can’t.”
Test kits can be collected from the University of Aberdeen Covid Asymptomatic Testing Centre at the Butchart Centre on University Road from Monday 24 May. The centre is open from 8am – 5pm on Mondays and Thursdays, and from 8am – 2pm on Tuesdays and Friday.
Anyone who wishes to be tested at the centre, can still book an appointment online.