COVID results in an hour as Forth Valley Royal Hospital launches rapid test hub

The Larbert hospital has created a new mini-lab to carry out the tests which can deliver results in under an hour.

That will then help staff to admit people to the most appropriate ward and ensure that all necessary infection control measures are in place to help reduce the risk of transmission.

The hub will be located in the day medicine unit.

Dr Elan Tsarfati, consultant microbiologist, NHS Forth Valley, said: “Having test results back quickly also helps avoid potential delays regardless of when the patient is being admitted.

“It also helps our staff make the right decisions on where they should be cared for within the hospital - and provides reassurance to other patients and the healthcare staff involved in their care and treatment.”

The new mini hub will have the backing of the hospital’s lab facilities which has the capacity to handle 600 batched tests per day.

Liz Kilgour, microbiology laboratory manager, NHS Forth Valley, said: “Our local laboratory staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to introduce Covid-19 testing for local health and social care staff, patients and care homes.

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“We now have the capacity to carry out around 600 batched Covid-19 tests a day in our main laboratory which are normally processed in around eight or nine hours once they have reached the microbiology laboratory.

“This new mini-laboratory provides even faster testing for patients where we need to know their Covid-19 status very quickly to help keep everyone safe.”

She also paid tribute to the staff who created the new facility in record time while delivering all services.

John Frickleton, from Bo’ness, was one of the first adults to benefit from the new rapid Covid-19 after he was referred to Forth Valley Royal Hospital by his local GP for further tests and urgent treatment.

He said he was pleased that people who had to be admitted to hospital unexpectedly were able to find out very quickly if they had the virus as this would help keep them and others safe.

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