NHS GRAMPIAN COVID PCR TESTING INFORMATION
If you are experiencing any of the three classic COVID 19 symptoms it is really important you arrange a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test.
You must take a PCR test if you have any one of the three symptoms of coronavirus. These are:
- a high temperature or fever
- a new continuous cough
- a loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste
A new, continuous cough means coughing for longer than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.
It may be tempting to use a Lateral Flow Device, especially if these are readily available at home, but these should only be used for asymptomatic testing. This is because Lateral Flow Device tests have a lower sensitivity which means you are more likely to get a false negative.
A PCR test maximises the likelihood of correctly identifying COVID 19 infection.
Lateral Flow Device tests are used as a surveillance tool, helping us spot cases of COVID 19 which may otherwise go undetected because an individual does not have any symptoms.
For more information see COVID 19 Testing on the NHS Inform website.
Why are GP Practices still working differently?
The Pandemic is not over yet and the modelling suggests there is a third wave on it's way. We must protect Primary Care Teams and vulnerable patients by keeping contact for those very vulnerable patients who really need it.
Kindness matters. Please be patient. We, just like you, want to get back to as close as normal as possible, as soon as possible but we are not there yet.
Aberdeenshire Health and Care Partnership
NHS Grampian
NHS Grampian Covid19 Vaccination
The COVID19 Vaccination Programme is currently being rolled out across NHS Grampian and the rest of the UK. The vaccine helps to build up your immunity to the virus, so your body will fight it off more easily if it affects you. Find out more at www.covidvaxgrampian.com
Covid Vaccination Updates
National Resources
Changes to Our Service
Due to Covid 19, we have had to change the way we work. This meant rapidly introducing and adopting new systems to reduce footfall to the Practice, keeping our patients and staff safe. We have adopted a total triage service as per National Guidance. To reduce the transmission of Covid 19, the vast majority of contact will be held via eConsult, telephone calls or video consultations, rather than face to face.