Richmond Mews, Shelton Care in Stoke on Trent has been one of the first National Care Group services to make a Christmas visit wish come true using the latest Lateral Flow Test procedure.

The lateral flow test is a new rapid test that can provide a result within just 20 to 30 minutes as the swab does not need to be sent to a laboratory but can instead by processed on-site with minimal training. Similar to a home pregnancy test, the coronavirus lateral flow test works by triggering a reaction in a simple paper cartridge, which reveals results as a line.

Following training and the preparation of testing and processing areas within the service, our colleagues at Richmond Mews welcomed the happy visitors who would be the first to take the test. Following completion of a questionnaire and the donning of PPE, the visitors were temperature checked, swabbed and their tests processed. And the result was a very happy family who were able to visit their son for Christmas.

Mum and Dad thanked the team at Richmond Mews for all their hard work to get everything prepared. Dad said: “There has been excellent communication throughout the process, the staff were thoughtful and efficient during the visit. We are extremely grateful to be able to visit and see him again especially at this time of year.”

If you would like to learn more about the lateral flow test you can download our visual guide that explains the LFT process.