A guide for healthcare staff self-testing for coronavirus using a Lateral Flow Tests

This guide has been taken from the NHS guide and has been updated and given a browser experience rather than PDF.

It will help you remain well at work and keep your patients safe. This lateral flow test is suitable for healthcare workers.

About the Lateral Flow Test Kits:

The Lateral flow tests are part of the government’s response to the pandemic and its commitment to controlling infection and supporting our healthcare staff.

Please follow the instructions in this booklet as this sets out how the test can be self-administered. This has been agreed with experts and the manufacturer has been informed. Other than taking a swab yourself from just inside both nostrils, the process is the same as set out in the manufacturer’s instructions. If you still feel unsure about using this lateral flow tests after receiving training, please contact your local NHS organisation.

Overview

Here is a quick checklist for how to use the COVID-19 Lateral flow tests. It is really important that you follow these steps in the correct order. You should test yourself twice a week, every 3 to 4 days, to fit your shift pattern – for example, every Monday and Thursday or Wednesday and Sunday.

Prepare your test area and unpack your equipment

• Take your swab sample (nasal swab only)
• Process your sample and wait 30 minutes
• Read your result
• Report your result
• Safely dispose of your lateral flow test equipment

Remember, store the lateral flow test kit at room temperature – not in direct sunlight and not in a fridge or freezer. Keep the lateral flow test kit away from children.

__If you receive a positive test from your lateral flow test, you must report the result to your organisation, either via your occupational health department, line manager or as per local guidelines.

You will be asked to take a confirmatory PCR test; you and your household should self-isolate according to HM Government Guidelines until the result of that test is known.

If your PCR test is positive you DO NOT need to self-test using the lateral flow tests for 90 days, from the date you became positive.

Before you start your Lateral Flow Test:

Read the instructions with the Lateral flow tests carefully.

Taking the lateral flow tests may feel a little uncomfortable and unusual for most people.

You can see a demonstration of how to take the test by watching this video: https://learninghub.nhs.uk/self-swab

Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, using soap and warm water.

This is so that you do not contaminate the lateral flow test kit.

Now dry your hands.

Clean and dry a flat surface, where you will take the test. Unpack the sealed test equipment for one test and place onto the clean flat surface.

Ensure that the lateral flow test swab and extraction solution are not damaged, broken or out of date.

Use the lateral test kit checklist to make sure you have everything. Use a clean, one inch deep lid or other small container (e.g. clean egg cup) to keep the extraction tube upright and prevent spillage.

Prepare your test:

Gently blow your nose into a tissue to get rid of excess mucus. Wash and dry your hands again (or use sanitiser if this is available). Check the swab in the sealed wrapper in front of you. Identify the soft, fabric tip of the swab.

Place the extraction tube in a small cup to keep it upright. Unscrew the extraction buffer pot.

Place 6 drops only of the extraction buffer into the extraction tube. Try to avoid touching the tube with the bottle. Reseal the extraction buffer for future use.

Take your swab sample Open the package and gently take out the swab. Do not touch the fabric end of the swab. Put the swab gently into one nostril, you may feel a slight resistance (insert about 1.5cm or about half an inch). Roll the swab 10 times slowly along the inside of the nostril. Remove the swab and repeat 10 times in the other nostril. Now put the fabric end of the swab into the bottom of the extraction tube. Press the swab head against the edge of the tube with force, while rotating the swab around the tube for 10 seconds to squeeze as much fluid out as possible. Take out the swab while squeezing the tube and fabric end of the swab. Place the swab back into the wrapper and dispose of it at home in your household rubbish bin. Press the nozzle cap tightly on to the tube to avoid any leaks. Turn the tube upside down and lightly squeeze two drops onto the specimen well.

Place the Rapid Test Strip on a flat surface for 30 minutes. -Set a clock, timer, or watch and wait 30 minutes to read the results.

Do not read your results until the 30 minute mark.

Reading your lateral flow test results

Leave your test for the full development time to get an accurate result. Do not read your results until 30 minutes. If the Lateral Flow Test is left to develop longer you may receive a false positive result and you will need to repeat the test.

Positive result Two lines – even faint lines – indicate the test is positive. Negative result This indicates the test is negative. Invalid result The test has failed and should be retaken.

Reporting your lateral flow test results:

If your test result is positive

You must immediately report your positive test results to your organisation – either via your occupational health department, line manager or as per local guidelines. Your NHS organisation will provide you with information on where you need to go to have a confirmatory PCR test. Until the results of this test are known, you and your household should self-isolate according to HM Government Guidelines. If your PCR test is positive you DO NOT need to self-test using the LFD for 90 days, from the date you became positive. You must also record your positive test results on the report sheet at the end of this document.

If your lateral flow test result is negative:

Record the information on the report sheet at the end of this document or one provided by your organisation. If you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms please refer to NHS guidance online nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-COVID-19 as this test may miss some positive cases.

If your test result is invalid: Record the information on the report sheet at the end of this document or one provided by your organisation. Repeat the test with a new test kit.

Disposing of your lateral flow test Carefully dispose of the Lateral Flow Test and equipment in your household rubbish.

(Disposal advice may be subject to change based upon future waste disposal guidance.)

Need more help with your lateral flow test:

If you need more help using the lateral flo test kits contact the NHS organisation that provided you with the test kit. If you can’t perform the test you should contact your NHS organisation’s helpline.

Coronavirus guidance and help: If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have contracted coronavirus COVID-19, please refer to NHS guidance online nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-COVID-19 If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) and your condition gets worse, or you do not get better after 7 days, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service, 111.nhs.uk. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999. Do not delay getting help if you are worried. Trust your instincts.

We are working with NHS Test and Trace to collect safety and performance data during the roll out of COVID-19 testing initiatives. Problems with this lateral flow tests can be reported directly to MHRA https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/