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Instructions for HPT staff using oral fluid kits for urgent measles testing

Updated 15 February 2024

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/measles-urgent-testing-forms-and-instructions/instructions-for-hpt-staff-using-oral-fluid-kits-for-urgent-measles-testing

The instructions below are for Health Protection Team (HPT) staff using oral fluid kits (OFK) for urgent measles testing.

1.Please ensure that you have sufficient stock of urgent test packs available in an accessible location for local dispatch by courier in and out of hours. Additional stock can be ordered via Intelsius.

2. Each measles urgent testing pack should contain:

  • blue swab in clear plastic tube (2x)
  • clear plastic bags: one labelled “VRD” and the other one “PHL”
  • cardboard box labelled “UKHSA URGENT MEASLES TESTING”
  • request form and letter
  • white polyethylene envelope
  • pictogram with instructions for patient or parent on how to take sample and complete form

3. Open blank patient, parent or guardian letter and urgent measles testing request form.

4. Add HPT contact details and patient, parent or guardian details to the letter.

5. Complete all the patient details in the request form in full:

  • name
  • date of birth
  • sex
  • NHS number
  • case HPZone number
  • clinical features
  • vaccination history
  • GP details – if this is incomplete, the result may be sent to the wrong GP, breaching data protection and Caldicott guidance

6. Insert completed request form and letter into each OFK.

7. Inform the patient of the need to take both swabs.

8. Organise courier to take kits to patient address and then onwards to the local Public Health Laboratory as per local arrangements or protocol.

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