Practitioner Covid Testing
Practitioner covid testing is a huge priority for London Acupuncture Therapy, and Mark has regular tests as a means of looking after the health and wellbeing of his patients at this time.
Practitioner covid testing carried out at a local authority centre
Living in the borough of Southwark, Mark attends lateral flow tests at the Damilola Taylor Centre, which since January has been utilised as one of the local authority’s community testing centres.
Of course, we know by now that lateral flow tests are not one hundred per cent accurate at detecting covid-19. The most recent estimate, as revealed in a Cochrane review, is that the tests offer an accuracy rate of 72% in detecting those infected with covid-19.
Accuracy of lateral flow tests are partly determined by the brand of test kit used, with some performing better than others. Another key factor is whether there is a clinical assistant observing the testing process. At the Damilola Taylor Centre, a clinician sits behind a glass screen to pass the testing swab to the participant and then watches to ensure that the test is carried out accurately. This is why Mark has chosen to attend this testing facility and not, for example, to carry out self-testing at home without any clinical supervision.
Given the potential seriousness of covid-19 infection in some people, particularly the vulnerable, Mark believes passionately that practitioner covid testing is simply a necessity in order to safeguard clients and colleagues. He has also been impressed and moved by the number of patients he sees who also chose to go for regular testing in order to take their responsibility to others seriously.
While the lateral flow tests are not foolproof, it is a further step in helping to ensure the clinical environment at the acupuncture practices remain as safe as possible. All other measures, in place since July 2020 when the clinics reopened, including fifteen minute gaps between patients and the use of surgical masks and PPE, remain in place.
To find out more about lateral flow tests, click here.
To find out more about Mark’s clinics, click here.
