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UniCoV study has now closed - A pilot surveillance study to assist in the detection of increased levels of COVID-19 across higher education institutes with the aim of facilitating the safe and sustainable re-opening of campuses
To facilitate the safe, continual return to on-campus learning and teaching for University students and staff, UniCoV will explore effective rapid testing and surveillance systems within third-level institutes to assist with the early identification of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2. Findings will inform the development of early warning systems and expedite future outbreak prevention and control.
Thank you for your interest in joining the UniCoV study at Trinity College Dublin. Please read the Participant Information Leaflet and Privacy Notice before continuing:
You will be expected to:
- Ensure you have a smartphone to download the UniCoV app (details to follow below)
- Read and understand the participant information leaflet and TCD UniCoV Privacy Notice
a. For any questions refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section - Complete the consent form/personal information section which has a series of questions designed to seek your informed agreement to take part in this study
a. Remember; you can withdraw from volunteering in this research project at any time, as prompted by a weekly questionnaire or by emailing UniCoV@tcd.ie - Upon submission of the consent form/personal information section you will receive an email within the hour with details on how to download the UniCoV app
a. Load the UniCoV app onto your device and login with your TCD credentials – study participants will automatically be allocated to a study arm (Group A or Group B)
b. The following guide provides details on how to download and use the UniCoV app - Collect the participant package (saliva collection kit and antigen test kit – one pack per person which provides a 2.5 weeks supply) available from kiosks located in the Arts Building Concourse and Hamilton/Panoz Building between the hours of 11.30am – 3.30pm daily.
a. A full list of collection locations is available below - An information sheet accompanies the packs and demonstrates how to use the kits. Please also reference the UniCov explainer video and a 'how to take your test' video
- Carry out tests as requested in line with group allocation
- Saliva samples for LAMP PCR testing are collected from stations (outlined below) at 11am on both Mondays and Thursdays and are tested same day. Samples can be deposited at any time. However, providing samples closer to the collection time ensures any positive cases are flagged in a timelier manner.
- As part of the study a short weekly questionnaire will be circulated for completion
Pack Collection Locations
COVID-19 lateral flow antigen test kits and saliva sampling kits can be collected from these locations:
| Location | Address Information |
| Trinity Main Campus | Arts Building Concourse - open 11.30am - 3.30pm daily |
| Trinity Main Campus | Hamilton/Panoz - open 11.30am - 3.30pm daily |
| Trinity Centre - St. James's Hospital | Trinity Centre - Main Reception - open 08.00am - 12.00pm on Mondays and Thursdays |
| Trinity Centre - Tallaght Hospital | Located outside Kylemore Cafe- open 08.00am - 12.00pm on Mondays and Thursdays |
| Trinity Hall Dartry | Reception area - opening times to be confirmed |
Saliva Sample Drop-off Locations
Saliva samples for LAMP PCR testing are collected from the Drop off locations below at 11am on both Mondays and Thursdays and are tested same day. Samples can be deposited at any time. However, providing samples closer to the collection time ensures any positive cases are flagged in a timelier manner.
| Location | Address Information |
| Trinity Main Campus | Arts Building Concourse |
| Trinity Main Campus | Hamilton/Panoz |
| Trinity Centre - St. James's Hospital | Trinity Centre - Main Reception |
| Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute | TBSI - Room B1.06 |
| The Lir Academy | Located inside the main door to the left |
| Trinity Centre - Tallaght Hospital | Located outside Kylemore Cafe |
| Trinity Hall Dartry | Area behind reception and beside the vending machines |
For more information on the study, you can read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. The UniCoV research study leaders can be viewed here.
Remember, testing alone doesn’t stop transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and development of COVID-19. Please continue to follow public health guidance……wear a mask, avoid crowds, wash your hands and stay apart.