TESTING CONCEPT FOR PROTECTING AGAINST SARS-COV-2 INFECTION
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Testing Concept for Protecting Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
(Issued: 12. May 2021) NOTE: Please observe the General Hygiene Concept! The current version is available from the HBK website .
INTRODUCTION
All persons are entitled to testing for direct identification of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, in accordance with legal requirements and subject to the
availability of testing capacity. Federal and state governments enable one free rapid PoC antigen test per week for every citizen (it is therefore also known as the
‘Citizen's Test’ (‘Bürgertest’); see Annex below for information on the different tests). So-called PCR tests provide final confirmation of the existence of an infection.
They are conducted by professional medical personnel. Rapid tests and PCR tests are not organised by the university, nor is it responsible for them. However, the
university test concept does require that everyone is able to access the offer. Please note that the offer of rapid and PCR tests may change quickly for reasons
beyond the university’s control. This means not least that restrictions may occur in university operations as a result of shortages due to external circumstances.
The present concept is limited to the use of self-tests (also occasionally referred to as ‘rapid layperson's tests’ (‘Laienschnelltests’) at the HBK. The key assumptions
and general goals of the test concept are as follows:
• Self-tests are not a substitute for the measures stated in the General Hygiene Plan but accompany and support them. Self-testing is a measure based on
voluntary self-commitment. It supports individual responsibility in combating the pandemic.
• No special rights accrue to tested persons within the university operations.
• It is unrealistic that all infections can be detected by self-tests. A negative result does not rule out the existence of a viral infection with SARS-CoV-2, which
means that in the event of a suspected COVID-19 infection, it should be verified using molecular diagnostic methods.
• In the absence of weekly testing, persons should refrain from attending the university. There is, however, no obligation to participate in the tests.
• Self-tests must be employed efficiently.
• Due to the increase in worrying virus variants with higher transmissibility, the performance of a low-threshold test is recommended before any symptoms become
apparent. The aim is to reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality in the context of SARS-CoV-2. This includes the prevention, early detection, and effective
containment of outbreaks, provision of rapid treatment for cases with an increased risk of severe illness, and early identification of cases in which an infected
person has been in contact with persons in a high-risk group, so as to prevent such persons from becoming infected.
• Self-testing can be performed without any specialist medical knowledge by the test persons themselves, but they must be conducted strictly in accordance with
the instructions. Ideally, a positive self-test will enable persons to be identified quickly who have been infected with the coronavirus but are not displaying any
typical symptoms. In the event of a positive test result, protective measures can be immediately taken to avoid spreading the potential infection within the
institution and among colleagues, students, family and friends.
• Self-testing is an occupational safety measure, the aim of which is to support safe working on site.Testing Concept for Protecting Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
(Issued: 12. May 2021) NOTE: Please observe the General Hygiene Concept! The current version is available from the HBK website .
IMPLEMENTATION
• The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) has amended the SARS-CoV-2 occupational health and safety regulations (Corona-ArbSchV) on
several occasions. The current version came into force on 21 April 2021 and applies until 30 June 2021 at the latest. According to this, to reduce the occupational
risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the employer must offer employees a test for direct identification of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pathogen at least twice per
calendar week, provided they are not working exclusively from home. The mandatory requirement for universities to also offer an equivalent test to students
arises from § 2 Section 1 Sentence 3 of DGUV Regulation 1 "Principles of Prevention”.
• Self-tests are not designated for use in association with the public. Employees and students who, in a calendar week, work exclusively from home or are on
holiday or sick leave are not entitled to layperson’s rapid tests in the respective calendar week and have no additional claim to them in a later calendar week.
• In a pilot phase, tests are given out to students on a trust basis on presentation of an HBK Card. Should there be increasing evidence of gross misuse and
inappropriate utilisation, measures to determine requirements will be taken (such as attendance lists in face-to-face classes).
• The state of Lower Saxony offers free weekly self-tests for all direct state administrative employees, provided that the incidence rate for the last three days was
over 35 and tests are available. The decisive factor is the incidence rate at the location of the workplace. The state does not provide funding for tests for students
or guests of the university. The university will therefore take all steps to procure self-tests of sufficient quantity using its own budgetary resources. If this proves
unsuccessful, for instance because procurement is impossible under the current market conditions, the HBK will be unable to offer tests.
• Anybody with symptoms should not come to the university or present themselves for testing. The self-test is not for the purpose of diagnosing an illness.
• Each person must collect the test personally from the outside window of the post room (Building 16) and obtain an acknowledgement of its collection. The post
room is available for the issuing of tests on Monday to Thursday from 8 am till 3.30 pm and on Friday from 8 am till 12:30 pm. If bottlenecks or queues should
occur in practical operation, a system for booking individual time windows online will be introduced for the collection of tests.
• Tests are conducted in the assembly shop (Building 18) Compulsory mask wearing and social distancing rules must be observed. The one-way system must be
followed. Tables, seating and a disposal facility for test utensils are available. It is possible to wait in the assembly shop for the test results (approx. 10 to 15
minutes).
• All persons must personally perform their own tests on themselves. Information on conducting the test is displayed in the assembly shop and must be observed.
The test person is responsible for reading his or own self-test results.
• The ‘Confirmation of a positive rapid SARS-CoV-2 test result’ (‘Bescheinigung über einen positiven SARS-CoV-2 Schnelltest’) form is also available from the
assembly shop (Building 18); in the event of a positive test result, this must be placed in an envelope and put in the box located in the assembly shop (see
separate box below: ‘What to do if you have a positive SARS-CoV-2 self-test result’).
•Testing Concept for Protecting Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
(Issued: 12. May 2021) NOTE: Please observe the General Hygiene Concept! The current version is available from the HBK website .
WHAT DO TO IF YOU HAVE A POSITIVE SARS-CoV-2 SELF-TEST RESULT
If you receive a positive result from a SARS-CoV-2 self-test, this means that you have a suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anyone with a positive test result must
do the following:
• Immediately fill in the ‘Confirmation of a positive rapid SARS-CoV-2 test result’ (‘Bescheinigung über einen positiven SARS-CoV-2 Schnelltest’) form on site and
place it in the box in the assembly shop (Building 18); all contact with HBK staff or any other persons must be avoided;
• Please also inform the university of a positive test result, from home if at all possible, by sending a mail to the functional email address: corona@hbk-bs.de;
• Go immediately into self-isolation and observe the safety and hygiene measures recommended by the RKI for self-isolation (it is permitted to interrupt self-
isolation to conduct a PCR test. In this case, you must wear a full medical mouth and nose cover and go directly to and return directly from the test centre);
• Obtain a confirmatory PCR diagnosis in accordance with § 1 Section 3 and § 4b of the Federal Coronavirus Test Regulation (Coronavirus-Testverordnung des
Bundes) (this may be done at a GP practice or a recognised test centre or test point.
• Notify the responsible Health Department (Gesundheitsamt), stating the following information:
o First name and surname
o Date of birth
o Telephone availability
o Address (place of residence) and address of place of self-isolation, if different.
o E-mail address
o Date of test and place at which the test was performed or, if applicable, statement that a self-test was performed.
o Symptoms indicating a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 illness in accordance with the latest current criteria of the Robert Koch Institute, including the date of its first
appearance.
o First names and surnames of all persons living in your household.
• Immediately inform any persons with whom you had any contact in the last two days before taking the self-test that you have a possible coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
infection.
• Even if you receive a negative PCR test result in respect of a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection, please immediately notify the responsible Health Department
(Gesundheitsamt) of the test result to enable any measures (such as quarantine) to be lifted as soon as possible.Testing Concept for Protecting Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
(Issued: 12. May 2021) NOTE: Please observe the General Hygiene Concept! The current version is available from the HBK website .
ANNEX: Information Graphics of the State of Lower Saxony
(Source: https://www.niedersachsen.de/Coronavirus/Testung/hinweise-zur-testung-auf-corona-198156.html,
issued: 30 March 2021)
Information on Coronavirus Testing
www.niedersachsen.de/coronavirus/testung
How and where can I test myself, and which test should I use?
PCR Test
The PCR test is the standard diagnostic instrument and is used in medical facilities and test centres, for instance to clarify if a person with symptoms has a
coronavirus infection or to verify a positive rapid test or self-test.
PoC Rapid Antigen Test
Rapid antigen tests are currently used in care homes, hospitals and schools to provide regular testing for staff or residents. Since 8 March, all citizens are able to
test themselves once a week with such a rapid test. These free tests are performed in the test centres of the local health departments (Gesundheitsamt) or by
commissioned third parties (such as doctors, and, in the near future, also pharmacies) - we provide updated information on testing here.
Self-Test
Self-tests (purchased privately) can offer additional security in concrete everyday situations, such as when making private visits, obtaining a service that involves
physical closeness, or, in the medium term, before visiting a theatre or cinema. If a self-test turns out positive, it is essential to verify the result with a PCR test.
IMPORTANT for use under the Lower Saxony Corona Regulation (§ 5 a Testing) (Niedersächsische Corona-Verordnung (§ 5 a Testung)):
A PCR test for verification in the sense of the Regulation (e.g. for services involving physical proximity) must not have been taken more than 24 hours
beforehand.
A rapid test or self-test (under supervision) must be verified by the testing institution and is valid for 12 hours after the sample is taken.
PLEASE NOTE:
All institutions offering tests must undertake to report positive test results, stating names, to the responsible health department (Gesundheitsamt). The legal basis
already exists for facilities under medical direction and will shortly be legally extended to all test facilities.
Issued: 11 March 2021Testing Concept for Protecting Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
(Issued: 12. May 2021) NOTE: Please observe the General Hygiene Concept! The current version is available from the HBK website .
Information on Coronavirus Testing
www.niedersachsen.de/coronavirus/testung
Overview of testing options
PCR Test
PCR tests are the standard diagnostic instrument among the coronavirus tests.
Samples are taken by medical personnel and evaluated by laboratories.
They are also used to verify a positive rapid test or self-test.
PoC Rapid Antigen Test
The rapid antigen test is performed by trained personnel.
As with the PCR test, it involves applying swabs to the back of the nose and throat.
In contrast to the PCR test, it is evaluated on site.
Since 8 March, anybody is entitled to such a rapid test.
Self-Test
Self-tests can be performed by anybody, and are suitable for use at home. Self-tests are designed for use by laypersons. For instance, the test can be conducted
with a nose swab (in the front of the nose) or with saliva. Please read the instructions before use.
IMPORTANT:
Unlike PCR tests, rapid tests and self-tests produce a high rate of false results.
It is therefore important that a PCR test is always carried out for confirmation after any positive rapid test or self-test
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