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Testing pattern for staff and residentsPPE (Personal Protective mes-northern-irelandObtaining ConsentYou should obtain consent to conduct the test from the resident, consulting family members and their GP as appropriate andin line with your usual policies and procedures. Some residents, for example some people with dementia, learning disabilitiesor mental health conditions, may lack the relevant mental capacity to make a decision about their own testing. If the personlacks the relevant mental capacity to consent to the test, and they are aged 16 or over, you should consider if the principlesof the Mental Capacity Act 2005 allow you to make a ‘best interests decision’ to swab and receive results, on their behalf.As far as possible, residents should be offered the choice to either self-administer the test on themselves or tohave the test administered by a suitable member of staff. Likewise, the resident should be offered the choice toreceive the results directly (rather than via the registered manager on their behalf), in which case you should followthe same process set out in this guidance but using the resident’s contact details to register the test online.Obtain written agreement for all staff to be tested and how the results will be shared. For example,directly with the staff member or to the care home directly via the care home manager.If you have any questions please call 119Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily8

Testing pattern for staff and residentsSwabs should be taken between 6am and 3pmfor collection by courier between 4pm and 10pm thesame dayThis ensures that night shift staff can be tested at the end of their shift, and ensures tests are delivered to the laboratorywithin 48 hours of collecting each sample. Staff members who will not be present on the day of testing may wish to take aPCR test at home using a postal return kit.Before TestingTesting Day6am132Take swab samples10pm4pm3pmPackagetest kits4Collection by courierIf you can’t testeveryone in one dayyou can book morecourier collectionsRegister completed testsIf testing another person, it is recommended thatyou have two colleagues conduct the test.One recording the test, and the other swabbing the resident.This ensures that there is no cross contamination between thetest materials and the materials you are using to record theinformation.Preparing your resident for testingTake a moment to reassure the resident to help them feel more comfortable while you perform thetest. Follow local guidance on obtaining consent for the test – see page 13 for more information.Check nasal passages for any recent nasal surgery or abnormalities, cuts or injuries thatwould make swabbing difficult. Have the resident gently blow their nose and cough into atissue to dispose of any excess mucus, and dispose of the tissue immediately in a bin.If you have any questions please call 119Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily9

Testing pattern for staff and residentsWhen to conduct your testingEnsure you are ready to test staff and residents on a regular basis.Regular care home testing pattern The testing pattern for staff is spread over a seven-day period, with staff testing on day 1 and day 7 duringthis seven-day period. The start of your regular seven-day testing pattern, on day 1, can be any calendar day of the week. For example, if day 1 of your testing pattern was Monday, day 7 would be the following Monday. The testing pattern for residents is spread over a once every twenty-eight-days period. This won’t always work with 30-31 days per month. PCR tests conducted at quieter times, for example, weekends, will usually return results quicker.We recommend you test as many staff and residents as possible on the same day when residents are due to tested.It is not necessary to test staff who are on annual /sick leave. Those returning from days off should be encouraged touse the universal kits (post box return) if they have missed the regular testing. Care partners in NI should be included within the weekly staff testing regime using either the courier or post box return(whichever is most convenient for the care partner).Regular care home testingKey:PWeekStaffResidentPCR test1P24PP5 PPPPRepeattesting cyclefor staff andresidentsIn the case of a suspected or confirmed outbreakPositive resultP PCR Testing for residents andstaff on day 1 and once morebetween days 4-7 of the outbreak 4PP.If you have any questions please call 119Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily10

Returning PCR to the lab for processingCourier collectionTo keep couriers and laboratory staff safe, you mustcomply with the government and World HealthOrganisation guidelines on transporting patientspecimens and biological substances, when returningPCR test kits via courier.The easiest way to ensure your package is safe is touse the return boxes provided to you by NHS Test andTrace, labelled UN3373.You are able to return a maximum of 50 PCR tests per box. Ifyou have more tests to return, please use a further box.If you find you are using more return boxes you can order upto 16 more return boxes every 10 days.To order more return boxes please go on the ordering portaland select Outer return boxes for swab tests; Apply forcoronavirus test kits - GOV.UK (test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk).PCR tests must be picked up on the same day they aretakenThere is a 48-hour window to get a swab sample to thelaboratory for processing. If this window is missed, there is ahigh chance that the individual may not get their results anda retest may be required.You will be able to book multiple collections, but pleasemake sure that you only test on a day where you have aconfirmed courier collection.Please remember to cancel a pre-booked bookedcourier collection if your testing schedule changes.Do not send any personal information along with thecompleted test kits, in the form of a record keepingspreadsheet or otherwise.If you have any questions please call 119Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily11

Returning PCR to the lab for processingPlease read the below instructions that describe how to arrange a courier collection before you start testing.Please book your courier collection .service.gov.uk/Arranging your test kitcourier collection:Tests must be picked up onthe same day they are taken1Once you have planned for when todo testing book your courier collectionat rvice.gov.uk/2You will need your unique organisationnumber and postcode to register.You must book for next day before7pm. You can book up to 6 days inadvance. You can book ad hoc couriercollections through this portal34Receive your courier collectionconfirmation emailWhy courier timing is important:There is a 48 hour window to get a swab sample to thelaboratory for processing. If this window is missed, there is ahigh chance that the individual may not get their results anda retest may be required at a later time.You will be able to book multiple collections, butplease make sure that you only test on a day whereyou have a confirmed courier scheduled to collect yourtest kits that same day between 4pm and 10pm.If you have received test kits for testing in your carehome from any other source (for example directlyfrom Public Health England or your local ClinicalCommissioning Group), please keep these tests separateand do not return these tests with the same courier.Note: Do not send any personal informationalong with the completed test kits, in the formof a record keeping spreadsheet or otherwise.Conduct testing between 6am and3pm on the day your courier hasbeen arranged (see page 14 formore information about testing)Important56Package your test kits up before 4pmusing one of the empty boxes you willhave received with your test kit deliveryand add the UN3373 label to the boxPlease only test on a day that you have aconfirmed courier collection arrangedContact the customer contact centre on 119 thefollowing morning if your courier has not arrived.They will book an urgent courier collection for you.The courier will collect completed kitsfrom you between 4pm and 10pmon the day you have selected.If you have any questions please call 119Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily12

Returning PCR to the lab for processingBooking a courierPCR priority post box testsPlease book your courier collection at rvice.gov.uk/.Care homes have the option to return PCR tests via a RoyalMail priority post box. By using this method to return yourtests to the lab for processing there is no noticeable increasein results turnaround times. This service is fully secure; wehave received no consistent reports of these tests getting lostin the post. You will need your unique organisation number andpostcode to register. You must book for next day before7pm. You can book up to 6 days in advance. You can book ad hoc courier collections through thisportal. You will receive a courier collection confirmation email. Please conduct testing between 6am and 3pm on theday your courier has been arranged. Package your test kits up before 4pm using a return boxand attach the UN3373 label to the box. The courier will collect completed kits from you between4pm and 10pm on the day you have selected.If there is a problem with your courier collection, suchas a failed collection, please contact 119 for advice andsupport.If you have any questions please call 119Due to the disparity in the cost of a courier collectioncompared to using a priority post box, if you have 8or fewer PCR tests to return to the lab for processing,please use the priority post box method.You can order up to 120 PCR priority post box tests every 21days. To order these tests please go on the ordering portaland select Swab tests (PCR tests) to return by priority postbox; Apply for coronavirus test kits - GOV.UK (test-forcoronavirus.service.gov.uk).To find you nearest priority Royal Mail post box please visitPriority postboxes - Delivering coronavirus tests to NHSstaff Royal Mail Group Ltd.Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily13

Registering PCR test resultsRecord swab samplesWhen you conduct the swab test, you must register each completed test online. This will record the URNor barcode of each swab against the name and details of the individual who has been tested. This willalso enable you to receive the test results back by email (or text if a number has been provided) within72 hours of the test arriving at the laboratory. You should monitor your email account carefully.Ensure that each swab sample is clearly recorded against the correct resident details.Extra care should be taken when more than one swab is being collected in thehome from residents and staff. You should follow these steps: If possible, complete each test in full on a patient by patient basis including swabbing,packaging and record keeping, before moving on to the next person. To help with your record keeping, you can download a copy of the multiple upload spreadsheet,fill in the personal details of the individuals being tested on your device, and save. You can usethis printed version to keep a record of the time, date and details of the tests conducted. Please only use the spreadsheet provided by NHS Test and Trace, available ice.gov.uk/register-organisation-tests You must use the latest version of the spreadsheet to register tests using the multiple uploadprocess. Please do not send any personal information along with the completed tests tothe lab. This will be reported as a clinical incident and could delay getting your results back.14

Registering PCR test resultsIt is crucial that you register eachcompleted test onlineThis registration process is essential, as without it,the laboratory processing your PCR test will notbe able to provide you with the test results. Notethat you must complete this on the SAME DAYthat you conduct the swab testing and as close aspossible to the time that the swab is taken.There are two ways of registering:ARegister the tests individuallyBRegister the tests using the multiple registration spreadsheet You will need to use separate record keepingspreadsheets for staff and residents. You may pre-populate the record keeping spreadsheetwith all the personal details before testing. Download this spreadsheet and save it as aMaster copy to use in future retesting. You can register up to 100 tests at a time. You can now register both PCR and rapid lateral flowtests using the multiple upload spreadsheet. Rapid lateral flow tests for named visitors cannot beregistered using the multiple upload spreadsheet.Once you have successfully registered each PCR test you will receive aconfirmation email or text message. You will receive the test results byemail or text within 72 hours of the PCR test arriving at the laboratory.You will receive the test results by email or text within 72 hours of thetest arriving at the laboratory. You should monitor your email accountcarefully. Registered managers should not use a personal email orphone number to receive test results for any residents or staff.ImportantWhen registering over 100 staffor 100 residents at once, youwill need to download additionalspreadsheets. Do not exceed 100tests per spreadsheet.ScanningbarcodesYou can use a handheld scanner(provided by the National TestingProgramme) to speed up theprocess of entering barcodes intothe portal for individual or bulkregistration.When you receive the test result email, this may not include the name ofthe resident or staff member. You should therefore retain a careful recordof each test URN/barcode and the name of the resident or staff member.Staff members should also retain a record of their own test URN/barcode.If you have any questions please call 119Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily15

Registering PCR test resultsWhat you’ll need to register your test onlineBefore testingYou may pre-populate sections on the registration portal spreadsheet.1. UNIQUE ORGANISATION NUMBER (UON): This is the unique 8-digit number provided to youby the National Testing Programme which will be be sent to you via email. Otherwise oronavirus.service.gov.uk/ for a reminder.2. STAFF OR RESIDENT: Select Staff or Resident.3. FIRST AND LAST NAME: Of the person who has been tested.4. DATE OF BIRTH, GENDER, AND ETHNIC GROUP: Of the person who has been tested.5. FIRST LINE OF ADDRESS, COUNTRY AND POSTCODE: This will be the carehome address (for residents) or a home address (for staff members).6. HCN (Health and Care number) of the person who has been tested. This should be included if available.7. WORKING CIRCUMSTANCES, AREA OF WORK, OCCUPATION, AND EMPLOYER:Of the person who has been tested, if available (not required).8. EMAIL AND PHONE OF THE PERSON WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THE TEST RESULTS: i.e. theresident or staff member. In certain cases it may be more appropriate for the registered manager toreceive the test results on behalf of residents and, in exceptional circumstances staff, if consent hasbeen obtained. Registered managers should not use a personal email or phone number and mustensure that written consent has been obtained via usual policies and procedures. As test results arepersonal information no resident or staff member should be compelled to provide consent.9. SYMPTOMS: Indicate whether the person being tested is experiencing symptoms at the time the test is taken.During testingWhen a registered manager is receivingthe test results on behalf of a resident:This information will need to be collected while testing.10. ENTER THE TEST BARCODE on your test kit, thiscan be done by scanning the QR code using yourhandheld scanner, your phone or computer camera.Take care to double check that this number is correct.11. DATE AND TIME OF THE TEST to ensuretests have reached the lab within the 48 hourwindow required for a valid test result.If you have any questions please call 119The registered manager should not use a personalemail or phone number to receive test results for anyresidents. When you receive the test result email, thismay not include the name of the resident.You should therefore retain a careful record of eachtest URN/barcode and the name of the resident.All test results for residents should be notified tothe resident, their GP and family (if appropriate).Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily16

Registering PCR test resultsSetting up your handheld scanner1Turn off your computer’s powerbefore connecting the scanner.2Plug the cable into the bottom of the scannerand plug the other end into a computer.3Turn on the computer once thescanner is fully connected.4The computer should recognise the scannerautomatically as a USB keyboard device.Registering with a handheld scannerFor single registrationTo use the scanning device when registering asingle person on the registration portal:1On the page “Enter the unique test kit barcode”Click in the “Test kit barcode reference” box.2Scan the barcode using your handheld scanner.This automatically adds it to the box.3Click in the “Confirm test kit barcode reference” box.4Scan the barcode again using you handheldscanner. This automatically adds it to the box.5Click “Continue”.Further instructions on how to use the handheld scanning deviceare located on the registration portal, under the drop downfield in blue “how to use a barcode scanner”.Multiple registration on next page.If you have any questions please call 119Lines open from 7am - 11pm daily17

Registering PCR test resultsFor multiple registration on the bulk upload portalFor bulk uploads, scanning should now be completed in the spreadsheetitself not the registration portal. This will save you time, as you will no longerneed to go back at the end and scan barcodes through the registrationportal. To use the scanning device when registering multiple test kits:1In the spreadsheet, enter the ‘Test type’ in ‘Column A’.2Double click to select

This guidance is for all care homes and includes information about testing for coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are testing care home staff, please refer to the guidance on PCR testing beginning on page 7 or if ordering for visitor testing the guidance on rapid lateral flow testing beginning on page 24 as appropriate.