[Withdrawn] Help the NHS understand the impact of antiviral and antibody treatments for COVID-19
Updated 9 May 2022
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2022
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-genomic-surveillance-of-patients-who-are-treated-with-neutralising-monoclonal-antibody-or-immunosuppressed/help-the-nhs-understand-the-impact-of-antiviral-and-antibody-treatments-for-covid-19
The National Health Service is offering new antibody and antiviral treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19). You can find out more information on how to get treatment at Coronavirus treatments.
Why this is important
The virus that causes COVID-19 can develop drug resistance, in the same way that other viruses and bacteria can. This is called antimicrobial resistance, and we are monitoring this.
Who we are looking for
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is asking people who receive antiviral or monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before and after their treatment.
You do not need a PCR test result to get treatment. You do not have to do these tests, but by doing so you can help contribute to our understanding of the virus causing COVID-19, including antimicrobial resistance.
When to take your tests
If possible, you should take 2 PCR tests – one before and one after your treatment. You can take a PCR test any time before your treatment starts.
You should take a PCR test 5 days after you started treatment. Treatment could include:
- antiviral tablets, for example nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (also known as Paxlovid) or molnupiravir, or an injection, for example remdesivir or
- an antibody injection (this is called sotrovimab)
How to get PCR tests
If you already have a priority PCR at home (the red test kit), you can take this before your treatment. You will then automatically be sent another priority PCR test to take after your treatment.
If you do not have a PCR test at home and your treatment is being sent to your home, don’t worry, you can still help us. You can order a PCR to take on day 5 by calling 119 and explaining that you are receiving COVID-19 treatment and request a PCR test be sent to your home. Please take the test 5 days after your treatment.
If you receive treatment in a hospital or day-treatment unit, please ask them to provide you with a PCR test if they can, for you to use before you start treatment. You will still need to order your second test by calling 119.
Please follow the instructions for registering the test kit either by calling 119 or filling in the details online so that the test can be assigned to you. Further instructions are available at PCR home testing for people eligible for COVID-19 treatments
Sending a PCR test
This is entirely voluntary, and it is completely up to you whether you decide to take part.
Your sample
Your sample will be tested at a UKHSA national laboratory. If it is positive for the virus, further genetic analysis of the virus will occur.
Your result
The results will be returned to you by text message or email, and it will also be returned to your registered GP. Your test result at day 5 may still be positive. No action is required for these results. However, if you remain unwell or your condition deteriorates, please call your GP or 119.
If you have a positive lateral flow test (LFT), you still need to carry out a PCR test
We are unable to carry out the genetic analysis on the virus from a LFT. However, a LFT result is sufficient for you to access treatment.
If your replacement PCR hasn’t arrived 5 days after treatment
If your kit has not arrived by day 7, a PCR test can be requested by calling 119. On the call, please identify yourself as an individual eligible for COVID-19 treatment and request a priority PCR kit for surveillance. We would like you to return your test even if it is received late as this will help us understand how well people clear the virus at later time points, and, if the test is positive, we may still be able to perform genetic analysis on the virus.
How your data will be stored, processed, shared and who will have access to it
We will keep your data confidential in our secure storage facilities as we would with all your medical data. Before analysis your data will be anonymised and kept confidential in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations. Further information is available within the surveillance protocol. Non-identifiable information may be collected, analysed, reported and shared with others within Europe to contribute to research. Non-identifiable data will be used in reports and scientific publications and may be made available to companies to support surveillance activities in collaboration with UKHSA.
Taking an extra PCR test
These tests are entirely voluntary and if you have any concerns about whether you should be taking an extra test, for example if you find it uncomfortable, are on blood-thinning medication (anticoagulation) or suffering from nosebleeds, then you are under no obligation to participate. However, your participation will help us understand how the virus may change and mutate with treatment. This will be extremely important for us over the next year as we continue to treat individuals like yourself who need this treatment.
Review of the study
An independent group at UKHSA called the Research Ethics and Governance Group has reviewed and approved this surveillance study.