KAUST-developed COVID-19 test kit ready for University community
A KAUST-developed COVID-19 RT-PCR test, the Kingdom’s first, is now SFDA-approved and available to the KAUST community and their guests. KAUST startup Noor DX launched the service at KAUST Health last week. Noor DX provides a full suite of processing equipment using biotech diagnostics developed by KAUST Professor of Bioscience Dr. Samir Hamdan and his Rapid Research Response team. President Chan was the first to be tested.
People can expect high accuracy results delivered via QR code technology to their personal devices within 24-hours, with most results returned under 12. The test is priced at 140 SAR for university community members and guests (previously 200 SAR). Urgent tests are also available for 400 SAR (previously 1000 SAR), with results received in less than five hours. The costs reflect a significant reduction from previous tests. Tests for business-related travel are free. Book your PCR appointment at a convenient time using this KAUST Health online form.
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September 19 COVID-19 update
As of September 12, there were three new positive case of COVID-19 confirmed at KAUST in the last 7 days.
- Two symptomatic individuals from the same family who had recently returned from international travel.
- One additional symptomatic individual who had received one dose of vaccine.
All positive cases are in quarantine and contact tracing has been completed.
For the most up-to-date information, please check the KAUST COVID-19 Dashboard.
The 14-day positivity rate* at KAUST is currently unavailable** as of Sep 19, 2021.
We remind all community members that we are currently operating in Keeping KAUST Safe Tier 1A. This means that Face Coverings must be worn indoors at all times on campus, and in various other indoor settings, including on buses, such as the Work Haul bus, the Medical Bus and the buses to various malls. We urge all community members to practice physical distancing, hand washing and adherence to the Keeping KAUST Safe guidelines.
If you have symptoms, please stay home and call KAUST Health at 012 808 0940.
* Positivity rate = % of positive tests returned from the total number of tests taken during a 14-day period.
Excludes where the result is still pending or the swab was rejected.
** This rate will only be displayed if the number of tests conducted achieves a given significant threshold (724 tests). Over the past 14-day period, 450 tests were conducted, with 3 positive cases.
See the most up-to-date information about KAUST COVID-19 cases anytime by clicking on the button below or visiting – hse.kaust.edu.sa
Where to turn when you need to know
- Facilities Management – 012 (808) 0959 or email FMCallcenter@kaust.edu.sa
- Human Resources – 012 (808) 2055 or email HRHelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa
- Health, Safety & Environment – visit the website
- Graduate Affairs – 012 (808) 3412 or schelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa
- KAUST Health – 012 (808) 0940 or visit the KAUST Health website
- Wellness services – visit the Health, Safety and Environment website
COVID-19 booster program
There is currently no booster program in Saudi Arabia except for those who are on dialysis or have recently had an organ transplant. In these cases a third dose can be administered.
These will be completed with the Moderna vaccine at least 30 days after the second dose and as such will need to booked and administered in Jeddah or elsewhere.
