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Rapid Antigen Testing Program

Since the start of the academic year, York University has offered a free testing program to community members on both campuses, in partnership with the Provincial Antigen Screening Program (PASP). Rapid antigen testing allows the University to proactively identify cases of COVID-19 that may have otherwise been missed, helping to reduce the spread of the virus while supporting community health and safety. 

To make rapid testing even easier and more convenient for the York community, we are pleased to announce that York is launching an at-home rapid antigen testing program.  

With the at-home program, students, staff, faculty and instructors will be able to pick up a four-week supply of rapid antigen tests. They will be provided clear instructions on how to use them and can electronically upload test results in a secure and confidential manner. These tests are available to York community members free of charge. 

This program is for asymptomatic individuals only. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.) should stay home, self-isolate and complete a self-assessment using YU Screen.  

This testing does not replace the lab-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic testing. A person who receives a positive result from a rapid antigen test must self-isolate and schedule a PCR test within 24 hours through an accredited COVID-19 testing site.  

How to perform a test
Submit your results

How to participate in the at-home rapid antigen testing program 

Starting October 13, 2021, you can pick up a package of test supplies at one of these locations: 

Packages are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. 

Additional pick-up locations will be added in the coming weeks.  Check this page regularly to review pick-up location information.   

To pick up your package, you will need to present: 

  • Your cleared YU Screen (electronic screenshot or hard copy).  
  • Your YU-card 
  • If you do not have your YU-card, you may provide your student or employee ID number 

Pre-booking is not required. You will be registered at the pick-up location when you receive your four-week supply of tests.  

Note that you are required to upload your test results using the COVID-19 Test Result form. 

Step-by-step instructions of how to self-administer 

Follow the screening process shown in the provided step-by-step breakdown below or download the detailed instructions.

Step 1

Wash your hands, gather materials and place them on a clean surface.

Step 2

Open the test device no more than 2 hours before use, placing it on a flat surface with the reader facing up.

Step 3

Holding the plastic end of the swab, place the cotton end 2cm into your nostril, swirling five times in each nostril.

Step 4

Put the cotton end of the swab in the tube and swirl five times.

Step 5

In the tube, squeeze the cotton tip to release the fluid. Then, snap the handle off the swab and put the blue cap back on the tube.

Step 6

Twist off the white lid on the tube, put five drops into the testing device well, then put the white lid back on.

Step 7

Set a timer for 15 minutes. The test window will turn pink.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, check your results. One line at “C” = negative, two lines = presumed positive, no lines or one line at “T” = inconclusive.

Step 9

Write today’s date on your test device, take a photo of it and upload it at: yorku.ca/go/COVID19TestResult

Step 10

Dispose of all used test materials (swab, test device, tube, wrappers).

Step 11

Negative result: If you are subject to mandatory testing, you may access campuses for up to 72 hours. 

Positive result: Stay home, update YU Screen to report a positive rapid test and book a PCR test. 

Inconclusive result: Repeat test or book an appointment through the YU Test Clinic or an accredited COVID-19 testing site. 

Download the PDF

See detailed steps for at-home rapid antigen testing. 

FAQs about York’s at-home rapid antigen testing program  

York’s at-home rapid antigen testing program is one way for individuals who are not fully vaccinated to satisfy York’s mandatory testing requirement.  

If you are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test must be uploaded through the COVID-19 Test Result form or provided to a YU Test Clinic within 72 hours of coming to campus. There are a variety of ways in which University community members can get tested and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test:   

  • Participate in the at-home rapid testing program and report your test result through the COVID-19 Test Result form. 
  • Keele Campus: Ross Building, Room S166 
  • Glendon Campus: York Hall, Centre of Excellence, Room A224. 

York community members who are fully vaccinated but who would like to participate in the rapid antigen testing program are encouraged to participate. When you participate in the program you are required to report your test result through the COVID-19 Test Result form. 

Testing should take place at home, prior to coming to campus. Students living on campus should complete the test prior to leaving their residence room/apartment.  

Testing should be completed as close as possible prior to visiting campus. A negative test result is valid for 72 hours. 

All test results must be self-reported using the COVID-19 Test Result form. You will be asked to indicate if the test result was positive or negative and to upload a photographic image of the dated test device. 

Upload your result to the COVID-19 Test Result form. If you are subject to mandatory testing, you may be physically on campus within 72 hours of a negative result.  

Start self-isolation immediately. Complete YU Screen and answer YES on the question “In the last 10 days, have you tested positive on a rapid antigen test or home-based self-testing kit?” A designated staff member will follow-up with you to ensure public health guidelines are being followed. Next, you must: 

Repeat the test with new test supplies from your package.   

If you are out of supplies, book an appointment to be tested at the YU Test Clinic or through an accredited COVID-19 testing site. After you have a negative result, you can pick up a new test supply package. 

If the second test result is inconclusive, book an appointment to be tested at  the YU Test Clinic or through an accredited COVID-19 testing site. 

In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), Reg. 364/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Stage, Schedule 1, Section 2 (3), under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 and York University's Policy on Access to Information and Protection of Privacy, the personal information provided on the form is collected under the authority of the York University Act, 1965 for the purposes of complying with current public health recommendations, directives, orders or legislation and for the purposes of protecting the health and safety of students, faculty and staff who are studying or working on campus or living in residence.  

If you have any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of this information by York University, please contact YORK-YUTestingClinic@yuoffice.yorku.ca.   
 

Test supplies are currently provided by the Ministry of Health and the Abbott Panbio™ test is being supplied at this time.  

Administering the test takes less than five minutes, followed by fifteen minutes to obtain results. 

Abbott Panbio™ tests need to be kept at room temperature, between 2o C and 30 o C.  

The rapid antigen testing package being provided have a 28-day expiry date after the day it was assembled. The expiry date for the supplies is written on the outside of package. 

There is currently no direct cost for those participating in the York at-home rapid antigen testing program. The test supplies are currently provided by the provincial Ministry of Health. 

Contact us 

 For any questions, email: YORK-YUTestingClinic@yuoffice.yorku.ca