COVID-19 Pilot Research Testing

Commencing Monday 2nd November we are offering students and staff on our Jordanstown campus the opportunity to take part in a pilot testing programme to assess their COVID-19 status. As has been widely reported, it is possible for individuals to be asymptomatic and unaware they are carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. The test will determine if an individual is currently negative or positive for the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) virus.

Are there any risks for me taking part?

The risks involved with the study will be kept to a minimum, and appropriate infection control measures will be in place in adherence with government guidelines and University health and safety policies. Health care professionals and members of the research team will be dressed in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). There may be some discomfort associated with the nasal and throat swabs, however they will be carried out by trained healthcare professionals.

What will happen to my information?

All information collected about you for the study will be kept strictly confidential. Data to be handled on computers will be coded so that you cannot be identified, and personal information will only be stored on an encrypted University server. Information will be safely destroyed once it is no longer required or at your request should you decide that you no longer want to take part in the study.

To find out more about how we use your information, visit the Ulster University website. It is intended that the findings from this study will be published in scientific or medical journals and presented at conferences, as well to inform University practice. You will not be identified in any report or publication.

This work has been approved by the Ulster Research Ethics Committee.

For further information please contact the Pandemic Team by email using the subject line UUJ Virus screening.