Publication - Advice and guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult care home testing guidance for visiting professionals
Guidance and materials to support professionals who visit care homes and residential settings to carry out lateral flow device (LFD) testing.
- Published:
- 8 Jan 2021
The following groups who visit care homes will now be tested daily using LFDs organised through their employer:
- health staff, such as district and community nurses and allied health professionals employed by the NHS. Guidance is available here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): asymptomatic staff testing in NHS Scotland
- social care staff, social workers, other non-NHS Allied Health Professionals, care inspectors. Guidance is available below.
Other visiting professionals, such as maintenance staff, private podiatrists who are not offered testing through their employers, are encouraged to undertake an LFD test at the care home. Guidance is available here:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult care home visitor testing guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
The guidance below is aimed at social care staff, social workers, other non-NHS Allied Health Professionals, and care inspectors.
Please note that these materials will be updated regularly, so please continue to check this website for up to date information and guidance.
Testing
Stock of LFD tests is distributed by National Services Scotland (NSS) every four weeks. If you have any queries about your stock/ supply, please call the dedicated helpline 0800 008 6587 which is open daily 09.00 to 17.00.
Employers and staff should be prepared for the introduction of testing and ensure that the competency training has been completed.
Tests should be carried out and results recorded in accordance with the guidance notes below.
Helpline
A free helpline is available to provide advice on testing. Tel: 0800 008 6587 available 09:00 to 17:00 every day
Essential training
Essential training for visiting professionals is contained on the TURAS National Education for Scotland site.