We no longer require you to report your lateral flow result using our portal. Please record your result on the government website.
Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result on the government website.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Being tested for COVID-19 regularly will help you to know if you are carrying the virus, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Knowing if you have COVID-19 and need to isolate will help to reduce the spread of the virus in our communities - protecting you, your patients, and your loved ones.
Why is the NHS rolling out asymptomatic (no symptoms) testing for NHS staff?
Regular testing of NHS staff will:
- Reduce the risk of staff with COVID-19 spreading the infection to colleagues, patients and families
- Reduce the number of staff members who are off work due to COVID
- Support both COVID19 and non-COVID-19 clinical pathways over the winter period/second wave
What is lateral flow device testing?
Lateral flow device (LFD) testing is a form of test that detects the presence of the COVID-19 viral antigen from a swab sample. The test is self-administered using handheld devices and produces results in 30 mins.
Who is eligible for lateral flow testing for COVID-19?
All staff who work all or part of their usual working hours in the hospital will be offered the opportunity to do regular self-testing for COVID-19. We may be able to extend the self-testing programme to staff working at Royal Papworth House or at home in the future.
I am eligible to do regular lateral flow testing – where can I pick up my kit?
We no longer provide kits from the hospital or Royal Papworth House. You can order a rapid lateral flow test through the government website.
First time use and training
Please watch this self-swab video guide before carrying out your first test.
You can also find a written instruction leaflet.
IMPORTANT: When taking your swab sample, we would advise that you insert the swab 1.5cm or half an inch into your nostril, as in the video guide (the instruction leaflet in the testing kit advises inserting the swab further into your nostril)
If you need further support and would like someone to observe you please contact the Infection Prevention Control team available Monday- Friday, 08:00 – 17:00 papworth.infectioncontrolnurses@nhs.net 01223 638 685 or 638052.
When to start and frequency
The test should be completed twice a week, with a three to four day gap in between testing (for example you could test every Wednesday and Sunday, or Monday and Thursday).
How to use the kit, dispose of the kit and record your results.
Please refer to the instruction leaflet published by Health Education England which explains how to use and dispose of the kit.
It is important to record the results of every test you do, whether it is positive, negative or invalid.
Report your COVID-19 lateral flow result
Is the test voluntary?
Taking part in the self-testing programme is voluntary, but we are encouraging staff to take part to help protect their colleagues, patients and loved ones. By identifying people carrying the virus and asking them to self-isolate, we can reduce the virus spreading to others.
The self-testing programme is an important way of preventing COVID-19 spreading to vulnerable people who could become seriously ill if they were to catch the virus. It will also help reduce pressure on NHS services caused by large numbers of patients needing hospital admission due to COVID-19.
What happens if I get a positive result?
The Trust has a clear process for reporting positive test results. If your lateral flow test result is positive you must do the following:
- You and your household/bubble should isolate as set out in government guidance.
- Inform your line manager and ask them to report the positive lateral flow test result on Healthroster. You will then be assigned a Keeping in Touch (KIT) manager who will book a PCR test to confirm your positive test result. They will then work with you and your line manager to act on the results as appropriate
- Ensure that you have also recorded your test result on the self-test recording portal
- If you are not contacted by the KIT team within 48 hours you should contact them directly using the following email address: papworth.kit-covid@nhs.net
What should I do if the lateral flow test result is positive but the PCR test is negative?
If your lateral flow device result is positive and you have a negative PCR result, no further isolation is needed, and you can inform your line manager or KIT manager and return to work. You can recommence the lateral flow device testing as normal.
What should I do if my test result is invalid?
If your result is invalid, please log your invalid test result and then repeat the lateral flow test with a new test kit. Take care to ensure that you follow the instructions closely.
If you get a second invalid test you will need to follow the same process required for a positive result – isolate, record the result on the online reporting portal and inform your line manager who will engage a KIT manager to confirm the result via a PCR swab.
What should I do if my test result is negative?
Please record your negative result using the government reporting portal. You can then carry on with your usual routine. It is important to remember that a recent negative test result should not stop you following the Trust’s infection control measures or from following the symptomatic process should you develop symptoms.
What should I do if my test result is negative, but I have coronavirus symptoms?
Please record your negative result using the self-test recording portal. If you have coronavirus symptoms please follow the Trust’s process for reporting symptoms: isolate and inform your line manager who will engage a KIT manager to obtain a PCR swab for you.
You can also refer to NHS guidance online. Typical COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Temperature of 37.8 or above
- Continuous cough
- Loss of sense of taste and/or smell
You should pause your self-testing regime whilst you await the results from your PCR test.
What should I do with the used tests?
You can safely dispose of the test items in your normal household waste but should pour any residual buffer solution away first. This advice is the same if you have a positive result with the device.
If I have a positive PCR COVID-19 test, when should I start the lateral flow tests again?
If you have tested positive you should restart testing 90 days after your positive test was taken.
If I am already regularly being tested through other regular testing schemes eg the SIREN study, should I still carry out the lateral flow tests?
If you are already enrolled in another testing regime, this should not be replaced by the lateral flow tests.
If you are participating in research studies where the frequency of testing is not weekly (eg monthly) you should undertake twice-weekly lateral flow self-testing as well. For example, staff members participating in the SIREN study and having a test every two weeks should also take part in the twice-weekly lateral flow testing.
Should I continue with testing after I've had a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, please continue to test even when you've had the vaccine.
What is in the testing kits?
The testing kits will arrive in boxes containing the following items:
- 25 foil pouches containing the test cartridge and a desiccant
- two vials of 6mls buffer solution
- 25 extraction tubes and 25 tube caps
- 25 sterilised swabs for sample collection
- Instructions for use of the device (IFU)
When taking your swab sample, we would advise that you insert the swab 1.5cm or half an inch into your nostril, as in the video guide (the instruction leaflet in the testing kit advises inserting the swab further into your nostril).
Why is the testing method different from that described in the manufacturer’s original instructions for use?
We are recommending the swab is used and the sample taken in a different way to the instructions for use, with more rotation of the swab at a lower level of penetration, to enable easier self-administration of the test. This is based on advice from experts. The manufacturer has been informed of the planned use of the tests for self-administered asymptomatic staff testing within the NHS and trusts have been asked to provide a local support package to include staff access to a helpline/further training and, if deemed necessary, on-site training arrangements. It is recommended that staff are observed by a trained healthcare colleague the first time they administer the test.
Can I use the tests for my symptomatic family members?
If you or a member of your household develops symptoms of COVID-19 you or they should access a PCR test in the normal way by reporting your symptoms to your line manager who should record it on Healthroster. You will then be assigned a KIT manager who will book a standard PCR test for you or the symptomatic member of your household.
If you have any other queries, please contact Infection Prevention Control, available Monday to Friday (08:00 – 17:00) on 01223 638 685 or 638052 or via email on Papworth.infectioncontrolnurses@nhs.net.
At what stage is Test and Trace informed of the result?
At the point the confirmatory PCR test result is known, and this is positive result, test results will, as normal, be referred to Test and Trace.
If I am told to isolate by Test and Trace even though I have had the vaccine, do I need to do so?
Yes, continue to take advice and follow instructions given by Test and Trace.
Can 14 day isolation following contact tracing be shortened through use of this testing?
No. Fourteen day isolation following notification that a staff member has been in close contact with a COVID-19 case without relevant PPE should be followed as per Test and Trace advice. Testing with lateral flow antigen tests are being used in pilot sites to verify whether daily testing might lessen the need to isolate, but this is not currently the advice and isolation should be followed as per instructed by Test and Trace.