Rapid Test Availability
To support our community’s health and safety, COVID-19 rapid testing kits are available to students, faculty and staff.
Testing is not mandatory but may help our community in better understanding their health. Remember: If you feel sick, stay home.
The University of Guelph currently has rapid antigen test (RAT) kits available to help decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus.
Designated unit contacts may order RAT kits through the Physical Resources Stockroom. Units must ensure secure, indoor, temperature-controlled storage of kits.
Unit contacts may make tests available to faculty, staff and graduate students. Tests should be administered at home. Instructions are provided with the kits.
Rapid antigen test kits are available to students living in residence. Students are encouraged to pick up kits and to test early if symptoms develop. Early testing can reduce the risk of transmission. There are different scenarios where individuals may wish to use rapid antigen tests. The examples provided below are based on public health self-isolation/monitoring requirements and do not represent a comprehensive list of use-cases.
The University will continue to provide RATs while inventory is available; however, a continuous supply of tests is not guaranteed. These tests are not intended for day-to-day COVID-19 surveillance.
For more information please review:
- COVID-19 Integrated Testing & Case, Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge
- Training Module: Collecting Specimens for COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
The rapid antigen test is a convenient and effective way to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in individuals who are not displaying symptoms. When using a rapid antigen test to diagnose symptoms, negative test results are more reliable if testing is done frequently while symptoms are present (e.g., repeat test every 1 to 2 days when symptomatic). A single positive rapid test result is sufficient to confirm COVID-19. PCR testing is available at testing centres in Ontario and at Student Health Services for those who are eligible.
Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms who rapid test may produce false negative results, particularly early in COVID-19 infection. Repeat testing at least 24 hours after an initial negative test improves confidence in a negative test result. Individuals should continue to follow guidance in the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 self assessment tool.
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Students (Guelph campus): Starting in September, Hospitality Services will have rapid tests available for students at the checkout counter of various locations across campus:
- Chef’s Kitchen in the University Centre
- Creelman Hall
- Starbucks in the library
- the Bookstore
- wayfinding stations in Branion Plaza and Creelman Plaza during Orientation Week
Rapid tests will also be available from Student Health Services.
Residence: Rapid tests will be included in each residence welcome package. Residence students can also access tests through their Residence Desk. Residence staff will be responsible for ordering tests through the Physical Resources stockroom and separating boxes of 25 tests into smaller bundles for distribution.
Individual University/College units: Order rapid test kits through the Physical Resources stockroom. Tests are available in boxes of 25. Unit contacts will be responsible for separating the boxes of 25 into smaller bundles and distributing. Distribution should focus on graduate students, faculty and staff. Instruction sheets have been updated and have been sent to unit contacts for inclusion in the kits.
Ridgetown: Rapid test kits will be available through the front admin desks. The student residence at Ridgetown will provide rapid tests to students. Departmental units will have tests available for students, faculty and staff. Rapid tests tests can be ordered through the Physical Resources stockroom.
Athletics: Rapid tests will be provided to coaches for distribution to athletes.
Local pharmacies and grocery stores also offer free rapid test kits provided by the Government of Ontario.
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To complete your rapid test, refer to the instructions provided with the testing kit or view this video from the Ontario Science Table.
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If your rapid test produces a positive result, please refer to the What to do when you’re sick or have been exposed page of this site.
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Rapid antigen test kits must be kept between 2 C and 30 C, away from direct sunlight in accordance Ministry of Health guidelines.
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Health Canada has extended the expiry dates of Panbio rapid testing kits for a total shelf life of 24 months. Expiry dates of other brands is indicated on the package.
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Contact the COVID-19 Call Centre at covid.calls@uoguelph.ca.