12 January 2022

  • Confirmatory PCR tests following a positive lateral flow test result will be temporarily suspended for staff who have no symptoms. Staff who have COVID-19 symptoms should still obtain a PCR test
  • COVID-19 prevalence is high which means the chances of a false positive from a positive LFD result are very low
  • This approach reflects evidence on the very high accuracy of LFD testing
  • Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms should continue to take a PCR test.

Lateral flow tests are taken by people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who develops one of the three main COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home, self-isolate and take a PCR test. They must self-isolate if they get a positive test result, even if they have had a recent negative lateral flow test - these rules have not changed.

Any staff member who receives a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result should report their result (positive and negative) on the staff portal by following this link and must self-isolate immediately but will not need to take a follow-up PCR test if they do not have symptoms. After reporting a positive LFD test result, they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace so that their contacts can be traced and they must continue to self-isolate.

There are a few exceptions to this revised approach:

  • People who are eligible for the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment (TTSP) will still be asked to take a confirmatory PCR if they receive a positive LFD result, to enable them to access financial support
  • People participating in research or surveillance programmes may still be asked to take a follow up PCR test, according to the research or surveillance protocol
  • Around one million people in England who are at particular risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 have been identified by the NHS as being potentially eligible for new treatments. They will receive a PCR test kit at home by mid January to use if they develop symptoms or if they get a positive LFD result, as they may be eligible for new treatments if they receive a positive PCR result. This group should use these priority PCR tests when they have symptoms as it will enable prioritised laboratory handling.

Click on the YourSpace link for our Standard Operating Procedure for: Guidance and risk assessment for allowing essential front line staff to return to work following a negative PCR if they have been asked to isolate due to potential contact with COVID-19  

Click on the YourSpace link for our Standard Operating Procedure: Guidance and risk assessment for allowing essential front line staff to return to work following a positive PCR or lateral flow test result

 

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