In the first phase of the roll out we are offering all patient-facing staff the new asymptomatic lateral flow test. This is part of our collective effort to protect staff and reduce infection rates, particularly nosocomial infections (also known as hospital-acquired infections).
If you have been identified as a member of staff who has direct sustained contact with service users and who requires a testing kit, you will receive an email which will provide details on where to collect your test, how to perform the test and how to record your results.
During each phase of the rollout you will receive a direct email with information about how and when to collect your test kits. Please do not forward this to colleagues as they will only be able to collect a kit when they receive their own direct email. All staff will be able to collect test kits in due course, so please bear with the phased approach.
To help us to avoid queues or unnecessary crowding, please only come in to collect your testing kits please if you are due on shift. Do not come in if you are on leave or not working – kits will still be available for you to collect on your shift days.
Need to know – quick overview
Taking part is voluntary. If you choose to take part, you’ll be provided with a box of 25 tests. 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.
You must enter your results on the LYPFT reporting system whether it’s positive or negative – see below.
If you have already tested positive for Covid-19, please wait for 90 days following your positive test before you take part in the Lateral Flow Testing.
Store your test kits at room temperature – not in direct sunlight and not in a fridge or freezer, and keep the test kit away from children and animals.
A delivery schedule of Lateral Flow Test Kits will be available to download for more information on where and when the kits will be delivered. As this document is currently being finalised, please check your email from lateral.testing@nhs.net on where and when you can collect your testing kit.
Get the full low down in this 20 minute video from Nichola Sanderson, Deputy Director of Nursing, which covers what you can expect during the roll-out of this testing as well as the national instructional video:
Here’s the five minute short training video on the NHS Learning Hub from the Chief Nurse at NHS Test and Trace, which provides step-by-step instructions on self-administering a Lateral Flow COVID-19 test.
Take your swab sample (nasal swab in both nostrils)
Process your sample and wait 30 minutes
Read and report your result
Carefully dispose of the test device and equipment in your household rubbish.
Recording your results
Whatever your test result (positive or negative), you must enter your results on our Trust’s reporting system after each and every test. You can report via a very simple form here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/L7VX8O/
If your test result is positive
If you get a positive test result you will need to register your result and report to your line manager that you are self-isolating due to being symptomatic. Please report and record absence from work in the normal way.
You will then need to book a regular lab-based PCR test by contacting the Trust’s Infection Control Team on 0113 85 55957 or email infectioncontrol.lypft@nhs.net.
Further information on what testing is available near you, including how to book an appointment is available on the NHS website. You can also book at test through the Self-Referral Portal on gov.uk.
If your test result is negative
You will need to report this on our system too. If you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms please refer to NHS guidance online as this test may miss some positive cases.
If your test result is invalid
Repeat the test with a new test kit.
Where can I get help?
Got a question or two? Chances are they’re covered in this Frequently Asked Questions document provided by NHS England. Lateral flow test FAQ-16 Nov 20
We are currently developing a local FAQ – coming soon.
Our Infection Control link champions and peer vaccinators are playing a key role in training and supporting staff with these tests.
For any further queries please contact the Trust’s Infection Control Team on 0113 85 55957 or email infectioncontrol.lypft@nhs.net. There is an answer machine in operation which will direct you to the colleague on call.
Please only request a test if you have Covid symptoms e.g. a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
If you do have any coronavirus symptoms you must isolate immediately for 10 days, don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so. If you have been in contact with a positive case you must isolate for the full 10 days, even if you have had a negative test during that period.
Please do not get a test:
If you don’t have symptoms, and have not been advised to take a test by a doctor or a public health professional
If you’ve returned from abroad or are about to travel, or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case or a member of your household has symptoms. You may be advised to isolate but you should only get a test if you have symptoms.
Information on what testing is available near you, including how to book an appointment is available on the NHS website. You can also book at test through the Self-Referral Portal on gov.uk.
Drive through tests
Different sites have different ages they can test. For example Temple Green in Leeds only tests 12 years and above. More details about Leeds mobile test units and drive through testing can be found on the CCG website.
Home testing kits
Home testing kits are suitable for anyone aged 5 years and above. Staff members can order home testing kits for themselves and members of their household aged 5 years and above through this link.
Child testing at Leeds Teaching Hospitals for 0 – 12 year olds
A child test (0 to 12 years) through Leeds Teaching Hospitals can be arranged by a line manager completing a referral to LTHT. Download and complete the how to refer to LTHT for Child testing form to arrange a test.
We are aware that there is a delay for people receiving results. These results are sent to you from Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH) and not LYPFT. Negative results will be sent to you via text message and you will receive a phone call if your result is positive.
If you are contacted by the NHS Test & Trace Team, or you are aware that someone you have been in contact with has tested positive, please:
The official NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app has launched to help people find out more about the level of coronavirus risk in their postcode district, check symptoms, order a test and find out if they have been near other app users who have tested positive for coronavirus.
Staff are encouraged to download the app for personal use. However, it is essential that the contract tracing function within the App is turned off at work to prevent being told to self-isolate unnecessarily. Remember to turn it back on after your shift.