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Regular testing makes me feel safe and confident

September 17, 2021

By Khabiba Ghulam, Community Podiatrist

I work as a community based podiatrist and after contracting COVID-19 myself with minimal symptoms; it made me recognise the importance of my responsibility to carry out continuous testing as many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic.

As I work with some of the most vulnerable members in the community I feel more safer and confident going into work knowing that I am frequently tested. This test is a perfect fit around my busy schedule as I can complete it whenever I have time to do so and the results are received within 24 – 48 hours albeit that I have to ensure that I have not had any food or drink for at least an hour before I do the test. This has saved so much time for me as I no longer have to book and attend a COVID-19 test centre.

I feel proud to work for our organisation and I feel the Trust has been proactive from the start of the pandemic to protect both staff and patients. Now through the trust wide access to vaccinations and the asymptomatic testing regime for COVID-19 we can feel safe to integrate back into society and move forward with confidence.

These are some of the many advantages for using the COVID-19 saliva test – LAMP tests:

  • It is reliable asymptomatic test for the COVID-19 virus.
  • The test is completed within minutes
  • If you forget to collect your sample on waking you can take the kit with you to work and do it on arrival as long as it has been an hour since your last food or drink intake
  • No need to book for tests as it can be completed around your working day
  • Multiple drop-off points in the community
  • Test results are received quicker than the PCR resting results
  • The results usually received via SMS message within 24 – 48 hours
  • The results are valid for up to 72 hours as proof of a COVID-19 test result to use when visiting care homes or nursing homes
  • A pack of 12 tests are provided which is sufficient for twelve weeks
  • If you test positive a further PCR swab test is not required to confirm the results.

So join in and be ahead of the game with early testing to help prevent the further spread of this virus.

For more information contact kulwinder.johal@nhs.net.