Despite the UK’s current lockdown and subsequent tier system restrictions to follow, there is no suggestion that fertility clinics will close again. Instead clinics can continue to treat patients following stringent safety guidelines. Those safety guidelines suggest clinics consider adopting a COVID19 testing policy for patients prior to starting treatment. The British Fertility Society and Association of Clinical Scientists last updated guidance on 30 September 2020. That stated, “Clinics are advised to follow local and national guidelines in implementing a testing policy that is both proportionate and reliable.”
How much should patients be charged for testing?
The challenge for UK IVF units has been sourcing reliable and affordable tests. With IVF treatment already being an expensive procedure, it has been difficult for clinics to ensure safety and keep the treatment costs as low as possible. However, with the recent success of mass rapid testing in Liverpool, we are delighted to have sourced this same low cost-efficient rapid test exclusively for The Fertility Hub healthcare providers.
How can healthcare providers see their loved ones over Christmas?
The UK government have announced a relaxation of restrictions for 5 days over the festive period. Most clinics are already routinely testing staff as part of their COVID secure plan. This rapid test gives results within 15 minutes, so this gives peace of mind to staff as they head off for the Christmas holidays.
What is a rapid test?
Also known as a lateral flow assay or a quickfire test, this is a paper-based platform. This is mounted within a plastic cartridge for the detection of COVID-19 antigens.
The sample swab of the nose is placed on the cassette and the results, much like a pregnancy test show a control line that the test has worked with the second window displaying a line if the test is positive within 15 minutes. Compared to the definitive laboratory test, known as PCR (polymer chain reaction), which can take 48 hours for a result, these rapid tests are incredibly fast and inexpensive. The sensitivity of these tests is pretty high with the Healgen Covid-19 Antigen Test having a sensitivity of 96.72%.
It is worth noting that a small number of people, who are in the very early asymptomatic stages of infection, only have very low levels of virus in their nasal swabs and therefore infection may not be detected at this stage of infection.
What is in the kit?
- 20 Test cassettes
- 20 Sterile swabs
- 20 Extraction tubes and dropper tip
- 1 Workstation
- 2 Buffers
- 1 Package insert
Since these tests are fast and inexpensive, they are performed in clinic. This alleviates any added stress for patients as there is no waiting to see if treatment can go ahead. Given the extremely low cost, speed and convenience, a routine COVID-19 testing regime in fertility clinics using rapid tests seems a no-brainer! It’s also a small price to pay for peace of mind for both patients and staff.
To claim your exclusive Fertility Hub discount on the kits, with no minimum purchase please click here.
