Availability of Anti-body testing

As you will be aware the government recently announced the start of a new national anti-body testing programme, which plans to provide antibody tests to NHS and care staff in England.

Antibody tests are used to detect antibodies to the CoViD-19 virus, indicating if you have previously had the virus.  The test works by taking a blood sample and testing for the presence of antibodies, to see if you have developed an immune response to the virus.  Antibody tests differ to the virus swab (PCR) test, which tests to see if you currently have the virus.  Please be aware that if you receive a positive antibody result it does not mean that you are immune, or that you cannot pass on the virus to others.  It also does not mean that you can ignore social distancing measures.  The antibody testing programme will provide information on the prevalence of COVID-19 to help better understand how the disease spreads.

Please note, this is a voluntary test and we ask you to consider the following before deciding whether to have this test:

• This free venous blood test is optional and available to all staff
• This test is only available to staff, not family members
• You are required to wear a face covering (not face mask) when attending your appointment, in line with national guidance

To support the roll out of the programme, NHS Devon CCG is able to provide a booking system for all NHS staff access to Antibody testing.

• If you would like to be tested, please complete this online form
• Your request will then be sent to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital who will contact you to arrange an appointment
• Results will be sent back to the Devon CCG testing team who will then inform you of your result.

For further information regarding PCR and Antibody testing, please see the attached document.