Effective Implementation of Lateral Flow Testing for Staff in Primary Care
Implementing regular lateral flow testing for staff in primary care settings is crucial to reduce transmission and protect the workforce. This includes details on testing procedures, result reporting, storage requirements, and follow-up actions in case of positive results. The testing process is voluntary, and staff are encouraged to administer tests at home to fit their schedules. It is vital to follow guidelines accurately to ensure reliable results and proper management of staff health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Presentation Transcript
PHA AHP and Policy Officers Meeting PHA AHP and Policy Officers Meeting 31/3/21 31/3/21
To provide testing to staff in Primary Care To reduce transmission and increase protection of staff drive down staff absences
Using Lateral Flow Devices (handheld nasal swabs) 30mins to administer and deliver result Pilots-schools, HEIs, mass population trials Effective in detecting active COVID-19 any queries related to the use of devices, reporting or outcome of results they should email england.covidlfd@nhs.net.
Lateral flow device storage and box contents Space will need to be made available for storage of devices at between 40C and 30C. The testing kits will arrive in boxes. The dimensions of each box are: 7 by 4.5 by 5.5 inches. Each box contains the following: 25 foil pouches containing the test cartridge and a desiccant two vials of 6 mls buffer solution 25 extraction tubes and 25 tube caps 25 sterilised swabs for nasal sample collection
Client facing staff will administer tests twice weekly-at home to fit in with working patterns-Annual leave record their results immediately on the NHS Digital platform (www.gov.uk/report- covid19) -result-all even if negative/invalid If invalid a new test must be re administered Positive results will need to be confirmed by qRT PCR tests. Inform line manager(family self isolate until full test results are confirmed) Primary care staff can access qRT PCR tests via their organisation s usual route. An HEE instruction video and written instructions, including on interpretation of results, are available for staff to learn to self-administer their test. Face to face training may be required for bilingualism/those with dexterity issues If a staff member has symptoms they must follow guidelines and seek a qRT PCR test
PC will be able to order test kits through the PCSE online portal LFD testing is entirely voluntary. Numbers of staff who do not use the device should be documented and recorded.
Negative result may occur if not tested correctly- if staff have symptoms then follow Government guidelines Positive or negative test results do not rule out co-infections e.g.Influenzae A or B Lateral flow devices do not detect non-infectious virus during the later stages of viral shedding that might be detected by qRT PCR molecular tests. Hence, they will not detect staff members who are recovering from having had the virus.
identifying our private practitioners encouraging them to embrace the concept of ongoing testing encourage them to register their details and receive supplies of the lateral flow tests encourage them to record the results.
Rough estimate of IPs to be sent to ceara.gallagher@hscni.net by cop tomorrow Cover email to be created by PHA for PO s to share with their professional bodies/members Template to be shared for completion Date of follow up meeting-Monday 12thApril 9-10am or 4-5pm
