Covid self-testing

Testing for COVID-19 plays an ongoing and important part in how the NHS manages its response to the pandemic

Testing – whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or are part of an asymptomatic testing programme – is key to preventing onward infection in healthcare settings. Being vaccinated may prevent or lessen our symptoms of Covid-19 but it may not stop us carrying or passing on the virus to others.

There are now three main types of test, used in different situations, available to you:

• PCR – swab tests sent off and analysed in a lab
• Saliva or LAMP testing – saliva samples sent off and analysed in a lab
• Lateral flow devices – hand-held swab tests analysed by the person doing the swab

Testing for those who have symptoms

If you or a member of your household experience COVID-19 symptoms, you should book a PCR test through our local testing service.

What happens after the test?

If your test is negative, then you can return to work if you are well enough to do so. Speak to your line manager or call the Staff HelpDesk if you need any additional advice on 01872 252205.

If someone living in the same household as you tests negative, then you can return to work without being tested and your household can come out of self-isolation. This is as long as you remain symptom free.

If you or someone in your household test positive, you must follow government guidance about isolation for you and your household.

Testing without symptoms

As part of managing infection spread and breaking chains of transmissions anyone can be tested routinely when they don’t have symptoms. All RCHT colleagues, whether working in hospital, in the community, or at home, are urged to self-test twice each week.

Asymptomatic testing helps identify COVID-19 even without symptoms, allowing people to self-isolate, and make sure that they don’t transmit the virus to others.

There are two types of test available to you:

• Saliva tests
• Lateral flow test