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Coronavirus staff guidance University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

LAMP self-testing guide

Last updated: 24 January 2025 at 15:10

It is important that the LAMP testing process is only followed by asymptomatic staff. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 you must self isolate and follow the Trust testing process for symptomatic staff.

If you are participating in LAMP testing, please stop lateral flow testing.

Before you provide your sample

Step 1

Please ensure you:

  • Register via the LAMP desktop icon on any Trust computer
  • Watch the instruction video and/or read this page in full
  • Clean the workstation with the provided Clinell wipes before you begin

Step 2

Collect your testing pack and a sealable purple bag from your designated testing area. The testing pack contains:

  • Specimen tube (pre-labelled)
  • Funnel
  • Absorbent pad
  • Labels (to be left in the bag)
  • Sealable bag

Step 3

Open the LAMP test request page and enter your login code which you will have received as a text message on your mobile phone when you registered. Enter your date of birth and confirm your identity

Step 4

Please scan the barcode if a scanner is provided, or manually enter the barcode. You will be asked to do this twice to ensure no mistakes are made. Be sure to check this against the tube. Then, click 'Finish' to confirm

Preparing and taking your sample

If your saliva contains food, toothpaste or phlegm please dispose of the testing pack via the orange waste bin in your area. Please collect a new testing pack to use a new specimen tube and repeat the process from step 1 of this section.

Step 1

Please wait at least one hour after eating, drinking or smoking before providing your sample. Please go to a nearby private facility (such as a toilet or allocated testing room with hand washing facilities)

Step 2

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, then rinse and dry them properly

Step 3

Please remove the lid off the sample tube

Step 4

To help you produce enough saliva for the test, imagine you are eating and move your mouth as if you are chewing

Step 5

Tilt your head forward to allow saliva to collect in the front of your mouth. Spit into the sample tube without coughing saliva from the back of your throat. You may wish to use the funnel provided

Step 6

You will need to provide at least 2ml of saliva (this will be clearly marked by a fill line on the sample tube), so please try to provide this amount with no bubbles

Step 7

Fasten the lid tightly back onto the sample tube, making sure it does not leak

Pack the sample and deposit immediately in the nearest collection point

Step 1

Wash your hands again with soap and water for 20 seconds, then rinse and dry them properly

Step 2

Place your saliva sample tube back into the test bag. Ensure the label is facing outwards and can be seen. The bag should contain the sample tube, absorbent pad and labels. Once sealed, please place the testing bag into the pruple bag and seal. The funnel should be disposed of in the orange waste bag if used

Step 3

After providing your saliva sample and sealing the test bag in the purple bag, please place the purple bag in the designated LAMP collection point in your area

Getting your results

You will be sent your results via SMS text message within 24 hours of providing your sample.

Positive result

  • Positive results will be reported to you, your line manager and Occupational Health
  • You and your household must self isolate and you must inform your manager as soon as possible to report your absence
  • Occupational Health will contact you to arrange a PCR test to confirm your positive result and identify any patients and colleagues you may have been in contact with. Please do not obtain a PCR test via the community as you will still be required to carry out a Trust issued PCR test
  • You will need to notify any friends or family you have been in contact with to inform them of your result
  • Follow Trust guidance for your PCR result
  • If you test positive by PCR you must not test using LAMP or lateral flow for 90 days

Inconclusive result

  • If you have not received a positive or negative result within 24 hours of taking your sample, please email LAMP@uhb.nhs.uk. The email address is not monitored over weekends and any emails will be addressed the next working day
  • Inconclusive results will be looked into by the relevant teams and you may be contacted
  • If you have not been contacted about your LAMP results within 48 hours, please re-test as soon as possible
  • If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, please call Occupational Health on 0121 371 7169 or email CovidPositive@uhb.nhs.uk to arrange a PCR test

Negative result

  • Negative results will be reported back to you. Your line manager will receive a weekly report of all test results
  • As with any test, a negative test result does not 100% exclude COVID-19 infection and you should continue to comply with current Trust infection control and COVID-19 guidelines
  • If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, please call Occupational Health on 0121 371 7169 or email CovidPositive@uhb.nhs.uk to arrange a PCR test
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