www.cddft.nhs.uk

Maternity - Lateral Flow Testing

CQC Inspected and rated

A guide for women, partner/support person,

self-testing for coronavirus using a Lateral Flow

Device (LFD)

About the test:

Many people with Coronavirus (COVID-19) have mild or even no symptoms, but can still spread the virus. With regular self-testing we can slow the spread and help protect the most vulnerable in our families, communities and within the healthcare setting. This test is part of the trust and government response to the pandemic and its commitment to controlling infection. It is important to remember that the test is only suitable for those who do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

If you, your partner/support person have symptoms please self- isolate for 10 days and please refer to government website to book a visit at a test site.

www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test - or by calling 119.

What you need to do:You have been provided with the Lateral Flow Devices (LFD) to be used by yourself and your partner/support person on a twice weekly basis. The test is to establish if you have been infected with Coronavirus prior to any antenatal appointments (eg scans and consultant appointment), prior to attendance on the labour ward and also prior to any postnatal visits.

We have attached an agreement form for our self-testing programme using the lateral flow device.

www.cddft.nhs.uk

Overview:

Here is a quick check-list for how to use the COVID-19 LFD tests. It is really important that you follow these steps in the correct order. • Prepare your test area and unpack your equipment• Take your swab sample

www.cddft.nhs.uk

Before you start:Read the instructions carefully. Illustrations are provided within the LFD test pack. Taking the test may feel a little uncomfortable and unusual for most people.

• Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, using soap and warm water. This is so that you do not contaminate the test kit. Now dry your hands

• Clean and dry a flat surface, where you will take the test. Unpack the sealed test equipment for one test and place onto the clean flat surface

• Check your contents. Ensure that the test device (called ‘antigen test cartridge’), swab and extraction solution are not damaged, broken or out of date. Use the test kit checklist to make sure you have everything. Use a clean one inch deep lid or other small container (e.g. clean egg cup) to keep the extraction tube upright and prevent spillage

• Make a note of the lot number. You can find the lot number on the outer package of the device • Something damaged/broken/missing? If you have difficulties using the kit, if something breaks or is damaged

• Process your sample and wait 30 minutes• Read your result• Safely dispose of test equipment in your household rubbish• Report your result on Health Call app as per welcome email.

Swab, inside sealed wrapper

Extraction buffer bottle

Extraction tube Rapid test strip

Nozzle cap

Prepare your test:• Gently blow your nose into a tissue to get rid of excess mucus

• Wash and dry your hands again (or use sanitiser if this is available)

• Check the swab in the sealed wrapper in front of you. Identify the soft, fabric tip of the swab

• Place the extraction tube in a small cup to keep it upright

• Unscrew the extraction buffer pot

• Place 6 drops only of the extraction buffer into the extraction tube. Try to avoid touching the tube with the bottle. Reseal the extraction buffer for future use.

Take your swab sample:

• Open the package and gently take out the swab. Do no touch the cloth-end of the swab

• Put the swab gently into one nostril, you may feel a slight resistance (insert about 1.5cm or about half an inch). Roll the swab 10 times slowly along the inside of the nostril. Remove the swab and repeat 10 times in the other nostril

• Put the fabric end of the swab into the bottom of the extraction tube. Press swab head against the edge of the tube with force, while rotating the swab around the tube for 10 seconds to squeeze as much fluid out as possible

www.cddft.nhs.uk

in use or if you have concerns about the performance of the test, report these issues to the NHS organisation that provided you with the kit. Any problems or concerns with this device can also be reported to MHRA.

https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/about

Soft tip Handle

6drops

x10

10secs

Prepare your test:Reading and reporting result:

• Positive result: Two lines-even faint lines-indicate the test is positive - Please input into Health Call app and please book PCR test as per government website. - Please inform your community midwife to discuss any planned appointments. Your partner must then self isolate and cannot accompany you for any appointments until they have had a negative PCR test. If a partner has a positive result they cannot accompany you for antenatal appointments, and must not visit the labour ward or postnatal ward. We would suggest that a support person is then identified. (LFD tests can be provided for them in these cases).

• Negative result:One line indicates the test is negative - Please input into Health Call app. It is likely that you were not infectious at the time the test was taken. Please continue to follow national and local guidance including regular handwashing, social distancing and wearing face covering.

• Invalid result: - Please input into Health Call app. The test has failed and should be retaken.

• Take out the swab whilst squeezing the tube and fabric end of the swab. Place the swab back into the wrapper and dispose of it at home in your household rubbish bin

• Press the nozzle cap tightly on to the tube to avoid any leaks

• Turn the tube upside down and lightly squeeze two drops onto the specimen well

• Wait 30 minutes to read the result.

2drops

Specimen well

If you have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your condition gets worse, or you do not get better after 7 days, use the NHS 111 online Coronavirus service www.111.nhs.uk. If you do not have internet access call 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

www.cddft.nhs.uk