Covid-19 PCR and LFD Testing Social Care Workforce (excluding adult care homes) Care at Home and Communitybased services Frequently Asked ...
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Covid-19 PCR and LFD Testing
Social Care Workforce
(excluding adult care homes)
Care at Home and Community-
based services
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
* Separate FAQs are available for mental health and children and young
people’s community services (please refer to Objective Connect for these). For
residential accommodation for children and young people, homelessness and
addiction, FAQs may vary slightly and these will be highlighted below.
12 July 2021
1Who this guidance is for
Asymptomatic testing is being rolled out for staff in the following social care
services. The rationale for testing is based on “test to protect” – to protect those who
are cared for and supported by these staff groups. Please see the testing strategy for
more information Coronavirus (COVID-19) - testing strategy: update - March 2021 -
gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Testing priorities are determined on a national basis and informed by scientific,
clinical and public health advice.
Personal assistants
Care at home
Adult day care centres/day services
Sheltered housing/housing with multiple occupancies
Women’s shelters
Learning disability services
Social workers
Care inspectorate inspectors
Children and young people residential settings and community based services
Addiction services
Homelessness
Mental health
Independent Living Fund Scotland assessors
PLEASE NOTE: this is a live document will be updated at regular intervals.
Detailed guidance
You should access the Essential Training in the first instance:
FOR LFD (DHSC): Mental Health and Children and Young People’s Community
Services ONLY – you will receive an invitation to Objective Connect (shared
document platform). You will receive SEPARATE training and FAQs to the
information on this document.
FOR LFD (NSS): Assisting care at home staff to self-test for COVID-19 using a
Lateral Flow Device (LFD) | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)
FOR PCR (DHSC): Care at home staff self-testing for COVID-19 using Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR) test | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)
FOR PCR (NSS): Assisting care at home staff to self-test for COVID-19 using a
Lateral Flow Device (LFD) | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)
Please register for TURAS using the following link and clicking on register at the top
of the page - Home | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)
2There is also a downloadable video on how to use LFD testing which can be
used as an addition to the Essential Training: https://vimeo.com/508038093
If you have any specific queries please contact CareHomesCPAG@gov.scot
Dates and links for Care at Home Testing (LFD and PCR) Workshops
We held a number of online training workshops January-May. Future workshops will
be communicated here.
Helpful phone numbers:
0800 008 6587 - NSS general helpline for LFD and PCR queries
0300 303 3020 - number for personal assistants, social workers and staff working in
adult day centres/day services and ILFS assessors to locate their nearest PPE hub
for accessing kits.
119 – for care at home/mental health/children and young people’s community
services providers who are having difficulty ordering kits from the Department of
Health and Social Care. This number can also be used to change delivery address.
What are the benefits of testing?
Information on the importance of testing is available.
Regular testing provides an additional layer of protection against Covid-19 for
individual staff, those they care for, their family and the wider public.
Testing does not replace or mitigate the need for the other layers of the protection
that are already in place including PPE and infection protection and control. Testing
must also continue after both the first and second dose of the Covid vaccine.
Both PCR and LFD tests are licenced and effective for picking up Covid in
asymptomatic individuals (people who have Covid but who are not displaying any
symptoms).
The swabbing method is the same for both PCR and LFD tests the difference is
what happens with the test once the swabbing is complete (see guidance).
PCR tests are more sensitive than currently available LFD tests for Covid-19. This
means that they can be done less frequently, on a once weekly basis. It is suggested
where possible the test is undertaken on the same day (Thursday, Friday, Saturday
or Sunday each week).
3LFD tests taken every three days prevent a similar amount of transmission
compared to PCR swabs taken every 7 days, assuming that all symptomatic persons
self-isolate upon onset of symptoms.
PCR tests may continue to detect viral fragments once someone is no longer
infectious.
LFD self-testing is widely used across a range of different settings and is an
approved process by the manufacturer. The number of inconclusive results is low
and in line with expectations.
What testing is available?
Staff will be offered testing if they fall into one of the cohorts outlined at the beginning
of this document. Testing priorities are determined at a national level.
The majority of staff groups within social care are using LFD. For highly mobile care
at home staff (staff who travel extensively and visit multiple clients) we have
engaged with each individual HSCP/employer who have subsequently told us what
services will be accessing LFD or PCR testing
Tests will be either be picked up via a PPE hub or sent directly to the individual
provider. Our preference is where possible tests are sent directly to
providers/employers.
The following staff can pick up kits via the PPE Hub those working within adult day
centres/day services, those working as personal assistants, in ILFS and social
workers. Note; testing for social workers (qualified and non-qualified) are for those
who directly work with clients. There is no need to undertake testing if you work full
time in an office.
How do I self-swab?
The swabbing method is the same for both LFD and PCR tests. Please note that it is
a throat and nose swab. More information is available at the Scottish Government
website:
Scottish Government website
There is also information on swabbing on the following site including a video NHS
Education for Scotland website.
4What happens if I receive a positive lateral flow test?
If an individual tests positive, they should isolate immediately self-isolate along with
their household/bubble and arrange for a confirmatory PCR test from the following
link: Get a free PCR test to check if you have coronavirus - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
or 0300 303 2713 telephone route if individual does not have internet access
If the individual’s confirmatory PCR is positive, their household/ bubble will also need
to self-isolate and NHS Test and Protect Scotland will be in touch to contact trace.
If a staff member receives a positive test on duty, other staff members do not need to
isolate.
Self-isolation information in accessible formats and other languages
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-self-isolation-factsheet/
Can I change testing route?
You should remain on the testing route you have been allocated unless there is a
justifiable reason to change. In this case, conversations should first take place at a
local level through your Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
Is staff testing mandatory?
Staff testing is not mandatory but it is encouraged. It is there to protect service users,
the people they care for and their families and adds an additional layer of protection.
Regular testing also enables services to manage outbreaks more effectively and
take actions more quickly. This in turn also protects people who have been a contact
with a symptomatic person. If you have been a close contact, Test & Protect will
contact you and advise you to self-isolate if necessary.
Employer will need to ensure that staff performing the tests have access to training
and supervision. The Scottish Government are also running a series of workshops
for staff and providers to attend (see list at top of page).
All staff who will conduct LFD or PCR testing should complete the online training
resources online at:
Assisting care at home staff to self-test for COVID-19 using a Lateral Flow Device
(LFD) | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)
Care at home staff self-testing for COVID-19 using Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR) test | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)
5Should staff working part time undertake testing?
Yes. Staff should undertake a once weekly PCR or twice weekly LFD test. For those
undertaking PCR testing please note this should be carried out between Thursday to
Sunday. For those staff undertaking LFD testing it is recommended staff test twice a
week in line with shift patterns.
What if staff are unable to undertake the test?
Staff testing is not mandatory but highly advisable. It is there to protect service users.
It adds another layer of protection combined with PPE and infection protection and
control measures.
If you have concerns about the testing process itself then you should contact your
employer in the first instance to ask for provide additional support.
How long do I need to wait before restarting testing after a positive PCR test?
You must wait 90 days after receiving a positive PCR Covid result before
undertaking LFD or PCR testing. For LFD testing please note that upon receiving a
positive result – you must undertake a follow up PCR test. The staff member will
need to liaise with their Employer to track the date at which the retesting should start.
However, if the staff member develops COVID-19 symptoms during that 90 day
period, they must self-isolate in line with government guidance and arrange a PCR
test.
Are LFD or PCR tests are still required when antibodies have been detected in
an individual’s system following the antibody test
Yes. At present, even if someone has previously had COVID, we don’t yet know if
that protects them from reinfection, or for how long.
The only exception is if you have previously had a positive COVID PCR test – then
you must wait 90 days before taking the LFD test again.
Do I continue with testing once I have had the Covid vaccination?
Yes. Testing must continue after both the first and second doses of the vaccine. The
vaccine does not interfere with the Covid test and staff who have received their first
and second dose are strongly encouraged to continue to take part in testing to
protect themselves and those for whom they provide care. The current vaccines
have demonstrated a high level of protection against coronavirus - but no vaccine
6provides 100% immunity. If you have chosen to have the vaccine you are reducing
your risk of developing coronavirus and your symptoms are likely to be milder if you
do get it. The duration of effectiveness of the vaccines remains unknown, further
doses may be necessary in future.
Can LFD testing be carried out at home?
Presently, where possible LFD testing should be carried out in the workplace. The
boxes of 25 Innova Testing Kits were not designed for self-testing (at home) and as
such we recommend that testing take place in the workplace wherever
possible. These were designed for use in a clinical setting for third party testing (not
self -testing). MHRA have, however, made an exception for those staff who are
dispersed, travel extensively, and do not have a work base or hub. For those staff,
testing can be carried out at home.
In the coming months social care and community based settings (provisional
estimate to be August 2021) will be provided with LFD testing kits that will come in
smaller boxes, most likely boxes of 7 LFD kits. These testing kits are approved for
self-testing at home. Testing at home is not a requirement and is at the discretion of
the workplace manager. Please note: until this new stock is available, social care
settings will continue to use the Innova LFD kits of 25 tests and test at the
workplace.
Should LFD or PCR testing be carried out before work?
Until boxes of 7 LFD kits become available, staff where possible should undertake
the test during work time. This does not need to be in advance of work. Your
employer will advise what time of day your test should be undertaken. Testing does
not replace or mitigate the need for the other layers of the protection that are already
in place including PPE and infection protection and control.
Will there be an impact of regular testing on staff absence?
This will depend on the results. A positive LFD and PCR test will mean the staff will
have to isolate and follow Public Health advice as in line with the wider population.
Do staff members on the same shift have to isolate if another staff member
tests positive during work?
Other staff members on the same shift do not need to self-isolate. However, you
must advise your local health protection team immediately who will advise on next
steps.
7Is funding available for providers and employees undertaking testing?
Please refer to the updated guidance in the link below:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support arrangements for social care
providers - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Administration costs for all care settings
It is recognised that care providers may incur additional administrative costs due to
staff testing (both PCR and LFD testing), such as ordering, stocktaking, preparation
and distribution of kits, and recording data from testing. Any such reasonable
administrative costs will fall within the scope of this additional funding being provided
to the sector.
How long does it take to do a test?
A PCR test takes about 12 minutes (2 minutes to swab and 10 minutes to post in a
priority post box).
A LFD test takes 35 minutes in total (including undertaking the test and uploading
results).
How to I store LFD or PCR test?
Both LFD and PCR tests should be kept at room temperature.
How do I register a PCR kit? *
PCR tests where ever possible should be taken on the same day each week
You will need to register the kit on the register test kits webpage.
To register you will need your care at home provider’s unique organisation number
(UON) . Your employer will be available to provide this
The swab is posted in the same day in a priority post box on a Thursday, Friday,
Saturday or Sunday only and will then be sent to a laboratory for testing. Priority post
boxes can be found at the following link: Services near you | Royal Mail Group Ltd
You will receive a text message with your result.
For residential accommodation for children and young people, homelessness and
addiction you should follow separate advice issued by NSS.
8When do I carry out PCR testing? *
It is suggested where possible the test is undertaken on the same day (Thursday,
Friday, Saturday or Sunday each week). This will ensure laboratories have the
capacity to carry out the mass testing programme.
For residential accommodation for children and young people, homelessness and
addiction you should follow separate advice issued by NSS.
Where are priority post boxes located? *
You can find your nearest priority post box using the following link from the Royal
Mail website: Services Near You or on the Royal Mail app
You will be able to further identify it by the NHS/Royal Mail sticker which will be
affixed to it.
If there is no priority post box nearby then we would suggest you speak to your local
Health and Social Care Partnership about whether switching to Lateral flow Testing
could be considered.
For residential accommodation for children and young people, homelessness and
addiction you should follow separate advice issued by NSS. DO NOT post your
tests through the priority post boxes – a courier will collect.
How do I record LFD results? *
Depending on shift patterns it is advised that LFD tests are taking three of four days
apart. Ideally, employees should record their own test results.
You must record the result of your test (both positive and negative) at the following
link,: www.covidtestingportal.scot.
It is critical both positive and negative results are recorded so there is an
understanding of the prevalence (positive) rate is understood within the sector.
LFD kits with 3 letters at the start
We are aware that occasionally of at least one batch / lot of some LFDs that have
serial numbers with the below format,
3 letters followed by 8 numbers, see below:
9The e-portal will only allow users to enter 1 letter followed by 8 numbers,
The workaround solution is to enter the ‘first letter’ followed by the 8 numbers, to
allow everyone to continue entering results,
What happens if the lateral flow test is inconclusive?
If the test result is inconclusive, a further test should be undertaken. Please revisit
the swabbing guidance to ensure the test is carried out accurately. If the wrong result
is entered on the portal, another test should be carried out and the correct result
entered into the portal.
Why is it a throat and nose swab?
The social care process of a nasal and throat swab is based on the manufacturer’s
instructions to swab throat and nose. This is the approach for social care staff
including those in care homes is recommended by the Medicines and Healthcare
products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). We and the other developed nations are
following this process.
LFD testing is a relatively new technology and as part of their introduction, different
swabbing methods are currently being researched. Health Care Workers in Scotland
are currently undertaking a nasal swab only. For now the recommendation for social
care staff is to do throat and nose but we will review the approach following the
outcome of the research and subsequent advice from the MHRA and the UKG.
How do I receive/order PCR kits? *
Staff will be provided with PCR kits through their employer.
10Employers will be able to order PCR kits on a monthly cycle via Department of
Health and Social Care at the following link:
https://request-testing.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/
Enter your unique organisation number, the total number of homecare workers and
the contact details for the provider/manager ordering test kits. If there are any issues
ordering kits please phone 0300 303 2713
Can we remind you that the provider or member of staff (most likely latter) will need
to register the test kit at the following link before posting the test in a priority post
box. To register the kit the UON is needed. Register test kits for your organisation -
GOV.UK (test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk)
We ask that testing is done weekly on a Thursday to Sunday and the kit is sent in a
priority post box the day test is undertaken. Staff will receive a text to inform them of
the result. Priority post boxes can be found at the following link. Services near you |
Royal Mail Group Ltd
For residential accommodation for children and young people, homelessness and
addiction you should follow separate advice issued by NSS.
How do I receive/order LFD testing kits? *
LFD kits will be provided to staff through their employer or if you are a personal
assistant, social worker or work in adult day centres/day services picked up directly
from a PPE hub. These staff groups can phone 0300 303 3020 to access their
nearest hub.
LFD kits will be sent directly to employers on a monthly cycle. If there are any issues
please call the NSS helpline 0800 008 6587.
Can separate bottles of the buffer solution be ordered?
No. You must watch the video carefully to ensure the bottle of solution is opened the
correct way, this will avoid spillage. There is enough buffer solution in the kits for
each LFD test. Please note; the kits should not be broken up.
Is the buffer solution toxic?
No. however if the solution is accidently ingested then, in line with all such instances,
medical advice should be sought.
How should tests be disposed?
PCR tests
There is little waste with PCR tests as the kit is returned to the lab. Any remaining
packaging can be disposed in line with normal waste.
11LFD tests
SEPA have updated their guidance on how to manage waste from LFD testing and it
is available at: SEPA Section heading. These updates follow additional public health
advice on the risks of managing waste from lateral flow device testing. A document
containing answers from Public Health Scotland and SEPA to commonly asked
questions regarding the management of waste arising LFD testing for asymptomatic
cases of COVID-19 is available at: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Disposal of waste from
Lateral Flow Device Testing in Scotland - FAQs - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
For approved sectors where employees test at home:
If your test is negative dispose of the testing equipment in the domestic waste
and wash your hands using warm water and soap.
If your test result is positive you should double bag the test equipment
including the test solution and store safely for 72 hours before disposing in the
household waste and wash your hands.
For sectors which test in a workplace setting:
Where testing is on a small scale (such as at care homes), waste from LFD
tests can be placed in the residual waste “black bag” waste stream;
the waste no longer requires to be picked up separately in a separate
waste stream and you should agree this with your waste collector before
changing current practices;
Waste from lateral flow device testing is not considered infectious waste and
therefore does not need to be double bagged and stored for 72 hours even in
the event of a positive test;
the external packaging of test kits can be recycled, however, waste from LFD
testing (swabs, cartridges, devices) should not be placed in recycling; and
any waste produced should not be disposed of in the clinical waste (orange
bag) stream.
Are LFD tests carcinogenic?
No. There have been inaccurate posts on social media and on-line regarding their
safety, in relation to the use of ethylene oxide in the sterilization of the swabs.
Lateral flow tests have been rigorously tested and are safe to use on a regular basis.
Any suggestion otherwise is inaccurate and harmful misinformation.
Concerns about the use of ethylene oxide in sterilising test swabsPlease refer
to: For patients, the public and professional users: a guide to COVID-19 tests and
testing kits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Latex Warning
Please be advised that some qRT-PCR tests are not suitable for those with a
latex allergy. A latex warning is present on affected qRT-PCR test packaging. This
12can include both symptomatic, asymptomatic and confirmatory qRT-PCR tests.
There is not a latex issue if the person is being tested with a lateral flow device (LFD)
test.
The Innova swabs (LFD kits) are latex free. The swabs are also supplied in sterile
packaging, labelled as sterile, to protect from exposure to latex within the external
environment. This means that if testing staff handling the test kit are wearing latex
gloves there should be no impact on the swab itself. If any part of the swab
packaging looks damaged in any way, staff should not use the test and should report
this via the incident reporting process Yellow Card Scheme - MHRA
Some PCR testing swabs - while not containing latex– may have been manufactured
in areas that have previously handled latex. This applies to those kits that have been
distributed via the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) across care at
home/housing support services.
The PCR kits affected will have a warning clearly stating this and we advise,
although the risk is minimal, that staff who have a latex allergy do not use these kits.
Where this arises we suggest that staff contact their employer in the first instance.
Alternative LFD kits can be provided.
* Separate FAQs are available for mental health and children and young
people’s community services (please refer to Objective Connect for these). For
residential accommodation for children and young people, homelessness and
addiction, FAQs may vary slightly and these will be highlighted below. You
should refer to the appropriate training PowerPoint Coronavirus (COVID-19):
social care and community based testing guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
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