COVID-19 Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I test?

We strongly advise you take the weekly tests to ensure the safety of yourself, your client and their family. If you have any questions or concerns around testing please do not hesitate to contact us.

When do I take my test?

Only take your test on either a Thursday or Friday. There is no specific time that you need to take your test, but make sure you keep to a consistent day each week i.e. if you take your first test on a Friday, take your next test the following Friday and so on.

What do I do if I miss a test one week?

Nothing, just take a test the following week on the same day as you would normally.

Can I share my test kits?

No, your test kits are specifically registered to you. Please do not share your test kits with anyone else.

If I’m not working or going away on holiday do I still need to continue to test?

Yes, you should continue to test as normal. Please take your test with you on holiday and continue to take the test on the same day as you would normally.

What if my test kit doesn’t arrive?

If you don’t receive your monthly set of test kits, 2 days before you are due to test please contact us as soon as possible by emailing covidask@pulsenursingathome.co.uk or calling 0207 959 1003.

How will I get the results of my test?

You will be informed of how your results will be returned when you take your test – usually you will receive your results via a text message.

Does Pulse Nursing at Home receive my results?

The results are sent to you via your chosen method (email or text). Please inform us of your weekly test results using this form.

If you test positive, you should contact us straight away and follow government guidelines as outlined in the question ‘What happens if I test positive?’ below.

Why do I need to share the results of my test with Pulse Nursing at Home?

The health and safety of nurses and healthcare professionals is of paramount importance to us. We endeavour to do all we can to take steps to both assess and mitigate the risk of our staff, clients and their families from contracting COVID-19.

Working in collaboration with latest Public Health England (PHE) advice and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), we kindly ask that on a weekly basis you complete the simple form below confirming the date of your last COVID-19 test. This is to help us to limit the risk of infection. Your data will be handled in strict confidence. This data will be will only be used for tracking and reporting purposes to identify areas of outbreak or possible outbreak. This is to ensure your safety and that of the client you care for.

If required, any reporting of this data provided to PHE and the CQC will be anonymised and no personal data such as name or contact information will be disclosed. For more information on how we use your information to protect you and others during the COVID-19 outbreak please read our supplementary
privacy notice here.

It is a statutory requirement for all positive results are reported to Public Health England as Covid-19 is a notifiable disease.

What will the test show me?

The test detects the presence of the virus and will tell you if you are currently infected with COVID-19. However, the test doesn’t distinguish between live or dead virus and therefore viral swabs can sometimes continue to detect viral DNA for a few weeks following infection.

What happens if I test positive?

You should inform us of your result immediately by telephone, do not attend shift, self-isolate and follow NHS guidance. If you are on shift when you receive the results you should inform us straight away and we will advise you of the next steps.

If you test positive for COVID-19 by swab test you will be exempt from being retested within a period of 90 days from the test, unless you develop new possible COVID-19 symptoms. This is because fragments of inactive virus can be persistently detected by the swab test in the respiratory tract for some time following infection. If you are found to be positive for COVID-19 by swab test within 90 days from your initial illness onset, depending on your symptoms and advice from an infection specialist, you may need to self-isolate again.

What happens if someone in my care package tests positive?

We will contact you and inform you next steps. If you have any concerns, please contact your Care Coordinator and/or Regional Clinical Lead.

What should I do if I’m already receiving tests from my substantive employer?

If you are already receiving tests from your substantive employer, do not use the tests we send to you. Instead, please continue taking your current tests provided to you by your substantive employer and let us know by emailing covidask@pulsenursingathome.co.uk or calling 0207 959 1003.

You must however still inform us immediately if you test positive for COVID-19.

I’ve had my COVID-19 vaccinations, should I still test?

Yes, you should still complete weekly testing.

Will I still be paid if I test positive and have to self-isolate?

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have to self-isolate, you will receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from the first day you’re absent from work until the date you return to work.

What happens if my client tests positive?

You will be informed if this happens and guidance will be provided on the next steps you should take by your RCL or a member of the clinical team.