As we move into the autumn and winter months, we are continuing to encourage staff to test twice-weekly with lateral flow device (LFD) testing kits. By continuing to test and record results regularly using an LFD kit, ensures we can isolate those positive staff at the earliest opportunity, therefore reducing any potential spread of Covid-19 infection. The Scottish Government had advised that we will be transitioning from the current Innova kits of 25 tests per box to the new Orient Gene kits with seven tests per box.
Staff are encouraged to take two or more boxes home with them to test twice weekly. Speak with your manager if you need further test kits and they will be supplied to you. Alternatively, visit FirstPort for further information at https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/novel-corona-virus-covid-19/nhsl-staff/
Staff are also reminded that they should be recording their results EVERY time they test in the portal at www.covidtestingportal.scot
Please see attached for information relating to the new Orient Gene test kits. These are different from the Innova test kits and all staff are urged to read the new instructions for use. Orient Gene test kits should be read 15 minutes after adding the sample drops to the testing cassette and no longer than 20 minutes. Â
Please note that the manufacturer’s ‘Instructions for Use’ included in the Orient Gene LFD test kits directs users to contact the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via the yellow card scheme if they are harmed by a lateral flow device. In Scotland, the appropriate pathway is to notify NSS IRIC at https://www.nss.nhs.scot/health-facilities/incidents-and-alerts/report-an-incident/
