Management of Lateral Flow Device Testing (LFD Testing)
SOP
Version: V4
Ratified by: Infection Prevention and Control Group
Date ratified: 17/07/2024
Job Title of author: Infection Prevention and Control Nurse
Reviewed by Committee or Expert Group Infection Prevention and Control Group
Related procedural documents UKHSA
Review date: 17/07/2027
It is the responsibility of users to ensure that you are using the most up to date document template – i.e. obtained via the intranet.
In developing/reviewing this procedure Provide Community has had regard to the principles of the NHS Constitution.
Version Control Sheet
Version Date Author Status Comment
1.4 04.12.2020 Paul Cooke Reviewed Amendments made
1.5 08.12.2020 Paul Cooke Approved
1.6 11.12.2020 Paul Cooke Altered process for non-patientfacing staff
1.7 15.12.2020 Paul Cooke Approved Minor amends
2.0 22.2.2021 Paul Cooke Approved Refresh of SOP in light of a number of changes and confirmation of Phase 2.
3.0 02/07/2021 Head of Quality and Safety Approved Update to ordering process
4 06/06/2024 Infection Prevention and Control Nurse IPC team Updated in line with UKHSA guidance
1. Introduction
The approach to Managing patients with symptoms of acute respiratory infection or a positive COVID-19 test result have changed. The likelihood of being admitted to hospital directly due to coronavirus (COVID-19) is greatly reduced in the general population. COVID-19 testing in healthcare settings in now primarily used for informing clinical care only
2. Purpose
To outline the procedure for conducting lateral flow testing (LFT) for SARS-CoV-2 in health and social care settings as per the latest guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
3. Scope
This SOP applies to all healthcare and social care staff responsible for administering LFTs to patients, residents, and staff within health and social care settings.
4. Responsibilities
For health care staff to ensure that they properly perform LFT, and record results accurately. Ensuring tests are in date and packaging is intact.
5. Equipment required
Lateral Flow Test kits, PPE (gloves, masks, apron), hand sanitiser, waste bags, timer or clock.
6. Summary of changes to guidance
• Social care: Services users are no longer required to have a negative COVID-19 test prior to being discharged from the acute hospital and transferred to either residential or social care.
• When to test: If service user shows signs of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and is eligible for antiviral treatment test for COVID-19. If positive contact GP for support on treatment. Follow flow chart Appendix 1.
• Inpatients wards: If service user shows signs of ARI and is eligible for antiviral treatment and or Doctor has requested, test for COVID-19.
7. Where
• You can no longer order free rapid lateral flow or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests from the NHS online.
• You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests from your local pharmacy if you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments or a health care worker.
• You can also buy both types of COVID-19 tests from shops and pharmacies, including online.
• Tests are also available from NHS supply chain for patient use.
• It is advised to keep a small stock on an in-patient unit (wards, social care premises) for testing of patients if required. Please keep a check on the expiry date of the tests.
8. How to do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test
Rapid lateral flow tests require either a:
• Throat and nose swab
• Nose swab only
• The test you have might be different to one you've done before so it's important to read the instructions carefully before you do the test.
Before taking the swab
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser.
• Clear, clean and dry a flat surface then lay out all the items in the test kit.
• If your test does not come with a pre-filled tube, fill the tube with the liquid provided.
• Place the tube in the tube holder
• Blow your nose.
• Wash your hands again or use a hand sanitiser
Taking the swab
If your test requires a throat swab: If your test requires a nose swab only:
• open your mouth wide and rub the swab over both your tonsils (or where they would have been) at the back of your throat.
• Do this 4 times on each side
• Tilt head slightly back.
• Insert the swab gently into one nostril until resistance is felt (approx. 2.5 cm or 1 inch).
• Rotate the swab 5 times against the nasal wall.
• Repeat in the other nostril using the same swab.
• using the same swab, wipe the inside of your nose as set out in the test kit instructions
Completing the test
• Put the end of the swab into the tube so it's in the liquid and swirl the swab around as directed in the test kit instructions, then close the lid
• Squeeze the liquid from the tube onto the test strip.
• Check the waiting time in the instructions that came with your test kit
• Wait for the time shown in your test kit instructions
• Read your result
Do not leave it longer than the waiting time specified in the test kit instructions as this may affect the result.
References:
Department of Health and Social. UKHSA Infection Prevention and control (IPC) in Adult social Care: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI). Updated March 2024
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infection-prevention-andcontrol-in-adult-social-care-acute-respiratory-infection/infection-preventionand-control-ipc-in-adult-social-care-acute-respiratory-infection-ari
9. Appendix 1: ARI flow chart for adult social care
10. Appendix 2: ARI flow chart for adult inpatient wards
