Self testing (lateral flow) frequently asked questions
Last updated: 24 January 2025 at 15:10
Where do I report my results from my self-testing kit?
You should report the results of your test within 24 hours using the secure online form which can be found using the link below:
Who is entitled to a self-testing LFD kit?
All members of staff within the Trust are entitled to a self-testing kit. This includes:
- All patient facing staff who have not yet received their kit, or are in need of a second one
- All non-patient facing staff who are working on any of our sites
- UHB+ staff
- Students working for the Trust
- Locum staff
- Staff working in our vaccination centres
If I am involved in a trial that requires me to take a COVID-19 test regularly, do I still need to take these tests?
You should still take the LFD tests twice weekly unless you are told otherwise.
Do I need to test if I have tested positive for COVID-19?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate as per Government guidance and test via lateral flow on the days specified in this guidance. Once your isolation period ends you must return to twice weekly LFD testing.
What shall I do if I have been told to self-isolate by the Track and Trace app?
You should continue to self-isolate as per the Track and Trace guidance.
What should I do if I test negative using the self-testing kit but have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you test negative using the self-testing LFD kit but still have COVID-19 symptoms you should call Occupational Health:
Tel: 0121 371 7169
If I keep getting an invalid test result after multiple tries, what should I do?
If you get two invalid tests in a row, you should refer to the HEE video below to ensure you are using the test correctly.
If you are still getting invalid results, you should speak to your team leader/manager so they can observe you taking the test, to ensure you are doing it correctly.
Do I need to do the test if I am on annual leave?
Staff will still be expected to continue taking the test twice a week when they are on annual leave.
How do I get another kit once I run out?
Please order more LDF kits from the GOV.UK website when you run out:
I have left over stock of self-testing LFD kits, how do I return them?
Please keep any unused tests within your department for two weeks to allow any colleagues returning from annual leave or sick leave to receive a kit. After a two week period, please contact the Service Integration team.
Email: ServiceIntegrationTeam@uhb.nhs.uk
Do I still need to take the LFD tests if I have received my COVID-19 vaccination?
Current advice from NHSE/I is that staff should continue taking the tests even after being vaccinated.
Can I share the LFD kit with my family members or colleagues?
You should not share your self-testing kit. It will have been assigned to you on collection, and sharing of the kit will have an impact on the data we receive.
Why do I need to report my results online?
Reporting your test results is a requirement for those using the self-testing LFD kits. The data collected goes to Public Health England to help inform them of how COVID-19 is managed in the NHS and more widely, and positive results also feed into Track and Trace.
Can I access the online form from home?
Yes. The online form can be accessed on a computer, tablet or smartphone. As well as following links from the intranet or elsewhere on this site, it can also be accessed via any search engine if you search "UHB self-testing" or "UHB LFD".