As per the Specimen Collection: Learning Checklist, the following information must be reviewed prior to participating in on-the-job training. Full review will take approximately 2 hours to complete. Once finished your self-directed review, please put initials, date and signature on the Specimen Collection: Learning Checklist.
As per the Learning Checklist - Respiratory Virus Specimen Collection for Regulated and Unlicensed Health Care Providers, RHCPs and UHCPs must participate in educational sessions with Interprofessional Practice and Learning, and Infection Prevention and Control. Following these sessions, RHCPs and UHCPs must successfully demonstrate required swab collections for throat/nares and nasopharyngeal specimen collection. This will occur under preceptor supervision, prior to independently practicing these skills. If only one type of swab is used in the practice setting due to supply, then it is not necessary to be trained in other swab collection route. The preceptor must be a care provider who is competent in specimen collection in that practice setting. The preceptor and RHCP/UHCP complete the skills checklist.
Once all self-directed learning and preceptorship are complete, it is the responsibility of the RHCP/UHCP to submit completed learning checklists and skills checklist to clinical leadership (e.g. Health Services Manager) (electronically or hard copy).
You are going to complete the course "Infection Prevention and Control - Hand Hygiene". This course is available on the Nova Scotia Health Learning Management System (LMS):
NOTE The optimal browser for LMS is Microsoft Edge.
There are two different types of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests available at Nova Scotia Health. Use proper technique when collecting any specimen for COVID-19 testing. A poorly collected specimen is likely to lead to a false negative result.
For the PCR test for diagnosis, the preferred sample type for adults is the nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. The throat/nares (i.e., OP/Nares) is the less preferable route, but can be used if an NP swab is contraindicated. The Care Directive is the most reliable, up-to-date source of which collection method is appropriate.
If POCT is positive, follow the steps outlined in the care directive, SOP and/or as per local processes.
The following information can be provided to the person who tests positive with a POCT.
Patient information handouts can be shared:
It is always helpful to check in with the parents to see what they think about how their child is doing.
If any team member observes that a client may be acutely unwell or may require immediate medical attention, they must not collect COVID-19 specimens and they are responsible to seek assistance and ensure emergency care services are contacted immediately (e.g. 911).
