Lateral flow device staff testing programme continues

NHS Lanarkshire is continuing the roll-out of lateral flow device (LFD) testing kits to all patient-facing staff.

All staff are strongly encouraged to participate in the testing programme and register each test and result to protect themselves, their families, colleagues and patients. Staff can register most of their details in the portal so that they only need to record the date and result of each test.

Christopher Kueh, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology and honorary clinical senior lecturer, University Hospital Hairmyres, said: “I do lateral flow testing for Covid-19 mainly to protect my patients as well as those around me. Although there are concerns regarding the sensitivity of lateral flow testing for Covid-19 compared to the gold standard PCR testing for Covid-19, lateral flow testing has its advantages. It is quick and easy and can be done in the privacy of your own home.

“By regularly testing, I can quarantine myself if I test positive and limit my exposure to vulnerable patients, or even the members of public I may happen to interact with outside of my working environment.

“It is initially uncomfortable to insert a swab into your nose but after a few weeks one gets used to it.  The sacrifice of a moment of discomfort to break the cycle of Covid-19 infections in hospital and in the community is worth it.”

A total of 90,600 LFD tests were registered by NHS Lanarkshire staff as at 16 April. These have successfully identified 404 potentially positive asymptomatic staff across the organisation. This provides protection by isolating these staff and allowing further polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation testing thus preventing exposure to colleagues and patients.

Staff wishing to take part in the LFD testing programme can access training materials, documentation and guidance via the following links:

• A guide for healthcare staff self-testing for coronavirus using a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot);

• COVID-19 self-testing for healthcare staff using a Lateral Flow Device | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot);

• Using a lateral flow device to test for covid-19. Key points to correct technique;

• https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/40760/coronavirus-covid-19/protecting-yourself-and-your-workplace-environment/poster-healthcare-staff-self-testing-for-coronavirus;

• video message from Professional Jason Leitch, national clinical director, Scottish Government – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frZxhLeqplA&t=3s;

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Staff are reminded to complete a sign-off sheet when collecting their kit.

For any queries, staff should contact their line manager in first instance who can seek support via site contacts if required.

Photograph: Christopher Kueh, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology and honorary clinical senior lecturer, University Hospital Hairmyres