Covid-19 Swab Testing FAQs

New guidance is being received daily and our FAQ’s will be updated accordingly. Below are some of the current, most pressing queries. If you have a question, then please feel free to pose this to the COVID 19 Lead for your area.

What is our local plan?
EEAST is currently referring employees into a total of 16 NHS local test centres across the region and four regional test centres, that an organisation called Deloitte has been commissioned by the Department of Health to Deliver and have sites across the UK. The EOE sites are in Ipswich/Stansted/Peterborough/Milton Keynes.

How can I get a test?
COVID 19 Leads have been established across EEAST who liaise with the staff to arrange swabbing and this is co-ordinated and arranged through CallEEAST co-ordination centre. Staff can also book directly on the government website and the COVID Leads will liaise and support our staff who arrange testing in this way.

What does the test involve and how long will it take?
The procedure takes around 10 minutes and swabs will be taken from the nose and throat of the index case. Following these samples will then be taken to a lab for testing.

What do I do if I come down with COVID-19 like symptoms?
All staff must follow the national guidance when it comes to self-isolation. If staff have symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19 - namely a new, persistent cough and/or high temperature – they should stay at home and should not come into work. This is also the case if a member of their household shows symptoms. If they do need to self-isolate, then we recommend they follow PHE guidance, EEAST has also produced guidance and action cards based on the PHE guidance.

If a staff member’s symptoms start whilst at work, should they go home immediately?
Immediately put on a surgical mask, inform your line manager and return home. The COVID 19 lead will contact you to arrange swabbing.

I think I have already had COVID-19 so can I be tested to see if I have developed the antibody?
Tests for immunity are in development and will be rolled out as soon as they have been evaluated and are therefore not yet available.

Can I now get a test through Boots or Amazon?
There is no need for EEAST staff on or associated with frontline to do this as tests will be booked through COVID Lead and co-ordination centre.

Can I get a test through NHS 111?
Tests are not being arranged through NHS 111 so please do not call them regarding testing.

Why would I volunteer for swab testing if I am asymptomatic?
Evidence suggested up to two week incubation period which builds up antigens prior to developing symptoms. If swabbing is done two to three days prior to symptoms developing there is a good chance that these tests will be positive.

If I am asymptomatic and have been for a test do I need to self-isolate?
No there is no need for you to self-isolate unless you develop symptoms or get a positive swab test result in which case you can contact your COVID Lead for help and support.

If my crewmate has been tested positive and we advise test through contact tracing would we put asymptomatic crew mate in isolation until test result?
No this is not necessary and EEAST are following NHSE & PHE guidance and will advise you if this changes.

Can my family be tested if I am asymptomatic?
No only if they are symptomatic, unless they fall within the scope above ie they volunteer/work for the Trust.

My colleague thinks they are asymptomatic do I need to be stood down and tested?
No, this is not required.

I was tested a couple of days ago, this came back as a negative result. Now I have symptoms, can I be retested?
Yes, please contact your COVID 19 Lead.

What happens if asymptomatic and come back positive result?
Please contact you COVID Lead for advice who will advise that it is necessary to book sick and ask any family members to self-isolate for 14 days. You will be asked to do a re-test on day 7 and we are awaiting further PHE guidance on actions if you continue to test positive.

What is the purpose of being tested?
The reason for testing is important to understand. If you, or a member of your household has coronavirus, you will know what steps to take to look after yourself, protect others and know if you are fit to return to work and reduce the spread of the virus. The test will tell you if you currently have the virus. It will not tell you if you have previously had the virus.

Why can’t more people get tested if they do not have symptoms?
The test is most effective for those experiencing coronavirus symptoms. It only checks if you currently have coronavirus. The test will give you confidence to decide whether you are safe to return to work if you do not have the virus, or to remain in isolation if you test positive for coronavirus.

Health workers are in a different position, they are in persistent close contact with several potentially infectious people. This puts them at higher risk of infection, and therefore NHSE have extended testing to this group regardless of whether they have symptoms, because doing this will help protect the people they care for.

How often can I be tested if I am asymptomatic?
NHSE is rapidly building and analysing the evidence around the benefits and timescales of repeat testing and further guidance will be provided shortly. 

If I am asymptomatic and self-isolating because a family member has symptoms and I have tested negative, can I go back to work?
It depends on the results of your household member(s)’ tests. If they all test negative, you can return to work. If any of them test positive, you should continue to self-isolate and contact your COVID Lead for support.

When should I or my household member(s) be tested?
You should be tested in the first three days of coronavirus symptoms appearing, although testing is considered effective up until day five. No testing should be undertaken after day five, unless it’s for a specific reason which will be agreed on a case by case basis by local microbiologists. This is because the test is considered most accurate in the first three days of symptoms. If you are self-isolating because a person you live with has symptoms, you can refer them for testing. By testing the household member(s), we can be much more certain that you should either be self-isolating or can return to work.

If I come into contact with a COVID 19 patient or a patient suspected of having COVID 19 while not wearing PPE can I remain at work?
There is no requirement for this as in most instances this will be short-lived exposure, unlike exposure in a household setting that is ongoing.

If I develop symptoms during the shift should both crew members self-isolate?
The crew member who is symptomatic would put on a surgical mask, immediately inform their line manager and return home. The COVID 19 lead will contact you to arrange swabbing. There is no need for the other crew member to isolate.

 

EEAST will add more FAQ’s as they are answered and guidance develops but if you have any questions please feel free call or e-mail one of the following group;

Teresa Church   07803 500425              teresa.church@eastamb.nhs.uk

Andrew Gay       07590 442524             andrew.gay@eastamb.nhs.uk

Nicola Young      07769 154224            nicola.young@eastamb.nhs.uk

 

 Published 19th May 2020