Overview
Here is a quick checklist for how to use the COVID-19 LFT tests. It is really important that you follow these steps in the correct order.
You should test yourself twice a week, every 3 to 4 days, to fit your work pattern – for example, every Monday and Thursday or Wednesday and Sunday.
- Prepare your test area and unpack your equipment
- Take your swab sample (throat and nasal swabs)
- Process your sample and wait 30 minutes
- Read your result
- Report your result
- Safely dispose of test equipment
How to store your test kit
Remember, store the test kit at room temperature and not below 2 degrees centigrade. They should NOT be stored in direct sunlight, or in a fridge or freezer. The test kits must NOT be left in a garage or the boot of a car. Keep the test kit away from children.
All test results (positive, negative and invalid) must be registered. If you receive a positive LFT test result, you must follow the advice given on the Reporting your results page immediately.
About this test kit
Lancashire's mass testing model is SMART - Sustained Meaningful Asymptomatic Repeat Targeted testing. Mass testing using Lateral Flow Tests will be conducted in a targeted manner to respond to high rates of incidence across Lancashire, to support essential services including community groups and volunteers, and vital infrastructure
Please follow the instructions in this guide as this sets out how the test can be self-administered. The programme is voluntary, and settings can withdraw from the programme if they wish at any stage. If you still feel unsure about using this device after receiving training, please contact your line manager.
Innova, the LFT device being used in Lancashire, has an overall sensitivity of 76.8% for all PCR-positive individuals but detects over 95% of individuals with high viral loads, and minimal difference between the ability of the test to pick up viral antigens in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. This is why in Lancashire we are encouraging repeat testing every 3 to 5 days.
When used in combination with other measures such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), washing hands regularly and social distancing, these tests further reduce the risk of transmission. We must not relax any of these measures – this testing programme is in addition to them.