This page provides all the details AWP staff need regarding accessing a test for COVID-19
Lateral Flow COVID-19 Testing
All patient-facing staff will be offered Lateral Flow Testing
This test is part of the government's response to the pandemic and its commitment to controlling infection and supporting our healthcare staff.
This testing will help us to ensure that we are prioritising patient and staff safety at all times. It will do this by limiting the risk of the virus spreading due to asymptomatic staff not realising that they are carrying COVID-19.
What's involved?
If you choose to take part, you will need to test yourself twice a week. You will be provided with a box of 25 tests.
If you would like to take part you will need to register using the appropriate registration form on Ourspace where we will collect information that is required for onward reporting to Public Health England.
If you don't have access to Ourspace at work you will have been given a dedicated administrator name who will complete the online registration form for you. Please complete the paper registration form and hand it to them next time you are on shift.
You must enter your results on the appropriate reporting form on Ourspace after each and every test and by registering you are committing to report in line with the procedure.
How the testing works
Here is a quick guide of 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
- Report your result
- Read your result
- Carefully dispose of the test device and equipment in your household rubbish.
For full guidance on how to use the Lateral Flow tests, please read A guide for healthcare staff self-testing for coronavirus using a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) (PDF)
AWP have also created a video, please take the time to watch and listen
How to Swab Video
The HEE have produced a video on "How to Swab". Check it out here
Storage
Remember, store the test kit at room temperature – not in direct sunlight and not in a fridge or freezer. Keep the test kit away from children.
Results
Whatever your test result (positive, negative or invalid), you must enter your results on the appropriate reporting form on Ourspace after each and every test. If you do not have access to Ourspace from home you can report your test result in one of 3 ways:
- Next time you are at work – if it is within 72 hours
- Or if it is positive, to your line manager in the first instance who can record the result on your behalf on both Healthroster and the Ourspace form. If any concerns please contact the dedicated telephone support line 01225 362710 (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, AWP staff only).
- If you don't have acess to Ourspace at work you will have been given a dedicated administrator name who will input your results for you. Please complete the paper results form each time you test and take it to work the next time you are on shift.
If your test result is positive
If you get a positive test result, you will need to report that you are self-isolating to your line manager. You will then need a PCR test and will be contacted with a time to attend a local testing centre for the test to be undertaken
If your test result is negative
No further action is required after reporting on Ourspace or through your dedicated administrator
If your test result is invalid
Repeat the test with a new test kit
If you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms please do not use the Lateral Flow test. Contact your line manager and a PCR test will be arranged. It is possible for the Lateral Flow test to miss some positive cases.
Any questions?
Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) information should be able to answer most questions, but if you have additional queries, contact 01225 362710 (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, AWP staff only)
Also take a look at our guidance document for details
Antigen / PCR Testing
This is the formal testing mechanism for diagnosing COVID-19
- If you have symptoms and need a test, please report to your line manager immediately and a test will be arranged, alternatively you can visit the government website, but this may not be as timely as the internal arrangements.
- If you have had a positive Lateral Flow result and need a test, you will need to inform your line manager immediately and will be contacted with an appointment
Antibody Testing
We are not currently providing testing for COVID-19 antibodies
