Remote testing for workplaces: employer information

Remote Testing for Workplaces approach

Any workplace participating in workplace remote testing will have to sign the commitment form. This outlines the expectations and assumptions a workplace commits to in order to take part in the programme.  In assessing which staff should be offered test kits, a DHSC Use Case Plan (XLSX 42.8 KB) should be completed and submitted to masstestingservice@lancashire.gov.uk mailbox.

This approach will use the Innova Lateral Flow Device on the following basis:   

• Testing of asymptomatic individuals, as described above, initially using the Innova lateral flow antigen device will take place twice weekly, using self-administered nasal and throat swabbing.
• Individuals should conduct the test at home, twice a week, to fit with their working patterns, and record their results on the DHSC Digital solution provided.
• The repeat of a test should be every three to five days. A workplace may put in place a process with their employees to dictate what, within these guidelines, the repeat will be.
• Individuals will be asked to conduct the test before the start of work, leaving enough time to alert their employer who may need to arrange cover, should their lateral flow test be positive – for example the night before or a couple of hours before.
• All individuals must complete a set of online training modules and download the competency certificate, prior to undertaking the tests. This training includes an instruction video and written instructions, including on interpretation of results, for individuals to learn how to self-administer their test. You may be asked to present these certificates as evidence of training completed.
• Any member of staff who requires or wishes it should have the opportunity to be observed by a trained colleague the first time they take the test.
• The individual's workplace should provide ongoing support for the testing process for any member of staff who requires it.
• For Adult Social Care Staff, positive results will need to be confirmed by PCR tests and you will need to book a test at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. 
• Recording of all results (positive, negative, invalid) from lateral flow devices is a statutory requirement.
• Individuals must be asked to record every one of their results on the Digital online platform.
• Workplaces are encouraged to have regular conversations with their staff who are undertaking these tests to ensure that the available test kits are used and results reported in the correct way in order to ensure that all statutory requirements are met.
• Quality assurance will be undertaken from time to time and the workplace will be obliged to partake in this.
• Lateral flow antigen testing is not suitable for symptomatic staff, who should instead access PCR testing through the normal access routes for testing and self-isolate, together with their household, in line with government guidelines.

This is included in the commitment form and guidance is available in the employee testing guide.