Testing for Covid-19

If you have any queries about ordering lateral flow tests, go to PCSE's dedicated page and or email [email protected].

For instructions, FAQs and guidance about using the tests go the NHS website.

You can also watch a short video tutorial.

Reporting the results of the tests is mandatory and can be done online here or via your Buckinghamshire Healthcare Account Plus (see below).

3rd February 2021 - If you have a 'Buckinghamshire Healthcare Account Plus' (which you will have opened if you've booked your Covid-19 vaccination at BHT) you can use this to easily upload your lateral flow test results.

22nd December 2020 - PCSE has now published information on its website about ordering your Covid-19 lateral flow antigen self-testing kits. Note that they have set an order deadline of 30th December 2020.

18th December 2020 - Lateral flow antigen test SOPs and FAQs have been produced.

15th December 2020 - Routine Covid-19 testing will soon be available to all patient-facing optical staff. The ordering and delivery process will be managed by PCSE. GOS contractors will be contacted directly by PCSE when ordering is available in their region, and contractors should not attempt to order kits unless prompted by a direct communication from PCSE. Contractors who are not registered with PCSE should go to www.pcse.england.nhs.uk/contact-us and select 'Register for PCSE Online'.

Please find below information received from NHS England on 28th April 2020, regarding testing in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (including Milton Keynes).

Guides are available for download from this page. Further information is available from the government's self-referral portal for essential workers, and in their advice on coronavirus testing for essential workers.

Who needs to be tested?

Your staff and others in their households are able to access a test if they are experiencing symptoms. The symptoms to look out for include a new continuous cough and or a high temperature. Some people have reported losing their sense of smell or taste, or have experienced feeling tired. More information is available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19. A test is recommended between days two and four of you experiencing symptoms.

If you are an employer in the listed organisation (see attached guide) and you have staff with symptoms that need testing then please contact the relevant organisation to receive details on how you book your staff in for testing: Area Contact Email:

Alternative Locations

If it is difficult for a member of your staff or a household member to travel to one an NHS testing site then they can access one of the regional government-run testing sites.

Testing at one of the regional government run sites is taking place at:

Your staff will need to prove ID of their relevant employment when they go to a regional test site for their appointment. Others within the same household who need to be tested will also need proof that they are living with a designated key worker and must be over the age of 5.