Coronavirus (COVID-19): asymptomatic staff testing in NHS Scotland

Twice weekly Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing April 2021

Twice-weekly LFD testing is being rolled out to include healthcare workers employed directly by NHS Scotland and NHS24 and Scottish Ambulance Service call handlers. 

The scope of the pathway also includes patient-facing staff in primary care independent contractors - general practice, dentistry, optometry and pharmacy. Please note primary care staff currently are required to be patient-facing in order to access testing.

Relevant documents and guidance (April 2021) available to download from this page:

• Director letter: letter issued by Scottish Government regarding the publication of interim guidance on expansion of twice weekly LFD testing for eligible patient-facing healthcare workers employed directly by NHS Scotland and NHS24 and Scottish Ambulance Service call handlers, as well as patient- facing independent contractors in primary care- general practice, dentistry, optometry and pharmacy.
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs): This document is designed to provide answers to frequently asked questions on twice weekly LFD testing for eligible patient-facing healthcare workers employed directly by NHS Scotland and NHS24 and Scottish Ambulance Service call handlers, as well as patient- facing independent contractors in primary care- general practice, dentistry, optometry and pharmacy.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): SOP for twice weekly LFD testing for eligible patient-facing healthcare workers employed directly by NHS Scotland and NHS24 and Scottish Ambulance Service call handlers, as well as patient- facing independent contractors in primary care- general practice, dentistry, optometry and pharmacy.
• Training materials: Training materials for healthcare workers who are self-testing for COVID-19 using LFD tests. This includes a staff guide, poster, video and PowerPoint presentation: 

Weekly PCR  Testing: July 2020

Weekly PCR testing has been in place since July for healthcare workers in the following specialties/wards:

• in oncology and haemo-oncology in wards and day patient areas including radiotherapy
• in wards caring for people over 65 where the length of stay is over 3 months
• in wards within mental health services where the anticipated length of stay is over 3 months

Relevant documents and guidance (July 2020) available to download below:

• testing healthcare workers: letter to NHS Chief Executives from Scottish Government
• testing healthcare workers: operational definitions
• guide to testing healthcare workers in designated areas