The Innova SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow Test (LFT)
What is it?
The Innova SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow Test (LFT).
A swab which is inserted to the nostril, this is then placed into an extraction tube with the reagent and dropped on to a plastic tray. Results are then known within 30 minutes. The test can be conducted at home and should be used to identify Covid status of staff prior to attending work. It should be repeated every 3-4 days.
We are rolling the test out from week commencing 23rd November to all patient facing staff and those who are working on site at any trust premises. Tests are voluntary, but staff should be strongly encouraged to take part to help keep their workplace safe for patients, visitors and all their colleagues.
We have released an instructional video about the Test, featuring our own Rob Sillito and NHS England below.
What are the outcomes of the trial?
The trial has detected Covid-19 in 2-3% of all staff tested. For more details please follow link https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2020-11-11-oxford-university-and-phe-confirm-high-sensitivity-lateral-flow-tests-following
Who will be using it?
All patient facing staff and those who are working on site at any trust premises. Tests are voluntary, but staff should be strongly encouraged to take part to help keep their workplace safe for patients, visitors and all their colleagues.
How and when will the kits be dispatched?
Boxes of 25 swab kits (the size of half a shoe box) will be dispatched to all inpatient and office sites at Harplands on Monday and all other Trust locations on Tuesday and Wednesday next week via the Estates Team.
How will it be recorded?
The kits need to be registered by a staff member and then the following details recorded following all tests;
- Name
- DOB
- Home postcode
- Ethnicity
- Date of test
- Result of test
- Result of follow up test
This will be recorded electronically via a secure, personal web based form, access via URL or QR code. This business card will be inserted to every box prior to delivery next week. The ICC will be required to return all records to NHSE/I via a weekly sit rep which will be automated via the staff record.
What happens in the event of a positive result?
If a test was to be positive, staff are required to isolate and booked and attend a PCR test to confirm the result. In the event the PCR is negative staff can return to work and conduct the next LFT 3-4 days later. However if staff have symptoms they must follow the guidance nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-COVID-19
If the result is positive staff will be required to inform their line manager, follow the track and trace procedures and isolate for 10 days.
How many do we have?
On Wednesday 18th November we received 1600 boxes containing 25 kits per box, they were delivered to Harplands.
When and how are staff being informed?
A project group, chaired by the Deputy Director of Operations has been developing the procedures in order to roll out the LFT next week. In order to support this initiative we have been provided with a SOP, FAQ’s, written and video instructions on how to conduct the test. In addition, we have developed an introductory video and staff FAQ’s. This will all be released on Friday via Director of Operations Covid bulletin. In addition, all Associate Directors, Service Managers and IPC have been briefed and will advise staff who require they additional support.
If you have any further questions about the test, please send them to covid.questions@combined.nhs.uk