As you are aware, the Department of Health in the Generalitat de Catalunya recently launched an appeal for mass screening tests at Catalan universities. UIC Barcelona will hold these screenings on 22 April (Barcelona Campus) and on 29 April (Sant Cugat Campus) between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The tests are voluntary and will be carried out in both morning and afternoon time slots by appointment only. They are reserved for asymptomatic students and University staff. Those not eligible for the screening tests include: 

● Individuals presenting COVID-19 symptoms (in this case, you should visit your primary healthcare centre)

● Individuals who have been vaccinated (whether it's just the first dose or the full vaccination)

The screening points will be: on the Barcelona Campus, the screenings tests will be carried out in the Aula Magna (main lecture hall) and in the Saló de Graus room. On the Sant Cugat Campus, they will be carried out in the physiotherapy gyms (Floor -2). 

You are free to choose your preferred screening point, regardless of the campus you study on. Healthcare staff from the Department of Health will conduct the tests on both campuses, in line with the established protocol. 

Anyone who would like to take a test needs to identify themselves using their CatSalut Healthcare Card (with their personal identification code). Those who do not have this card will need to show their national ID card or passport. 

The tests offered at the University will be a PCR by self-administered nasal swab and/or a rapid blood test, which detects the presence of antibodies.

You can decide whether to take both tests or just one of them. Should you choose to take both tests, the PCR will be performed first and blood test will be performed second.

This video shows how to carry out a self-administered PCR test. In short, the procedure is as follows:

● Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before attending your appointment.

● Collect the equipment (swab and tube) and unscrew the cap of the tube so that it is ready to use.

● Insert the swab into one nostril until it hits the back of your nose (about two centimetres).

● Leave the swab for five seconds, whilst making circular movements.

● Repeat the same steps in the other nostril.

● Insert the swab back into the tube, break it off where indicated on the stem, and replace the cap.

● Place the sticky label vertically along the length of the tube.

● Place the labelled tube in the bag, and seal it.

● Follow the instructions provided when filling out the documentation.

If you want to take a screening test, you will need to make an appointment and register here by selecting the campus where you want to take the test.

The information derived from the screening tests will allow the Government of Catalonia to outline future mitigation measures to control the pandemic over the coming weeks, and will therefore be decisive in reaching academic, and general social normality, sooner rather than later.