Pre-departure rapid testing that delivers results within 15 minutes is being trialled at Edinburgh Airport, as part of recovery planning for aviation in Scotland.
The week-long trial started on 1 March 2021 and uses tests that only require a saliva sample, instead of a nasal swab, providing a more positive testing experience.
PocDoc and BioSure are running the trial, using PocDoc’s end-to-end testing solution and the new BioSure saliva antigen test.
The trial will be open to staff and campus volunteers due to low passenger numbers and will demonstrate how testing can be scaled at airports, potentially adding to the testing capability already in place at Edinburgh Airport.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, commented: “We know testing will be part of our travelling future, so it makes absolute sense that we look at how that is possible in an airport environment as we prepare for aviation’s recovery.
“Although there is a lack of detail on when that recovery might be able to take place, we are going to do all we can as an airport to make sure we put processes in place so we are in the strongest position possible when conditions allow.
“This trial with PocDoc and BioSure will provide some insight into rapid, efficient and affordable testing and we will study the findings before deciding our next steps.”
