COVID-19 Test Booth

Object

Medical equipment

Production date

2020-2021

Object number

2022.175

Physical Description

Three-piece, flat pack white corrugated plastic booth. One piece is plain, one has a mirror and swab instructions poster and one has two rectangular cut-outs - one of these cut-outs is covered in clear plastic.

Object history

During the COVID-19 pandemic, testing booths like these would have been set up at public testing sites across Hackney as part of NHS Test and Trace. A member of the testing site team would be on the outside of the booth whilst the person being testing for COVID would stand inside the booth. They would hand their swab to the staff member through the rectangular cut-out in the booth. The mirror on the inside of the booth would be used to help the person find their tonsils and swab correctly.

Associated Event

Covid-19 Pandemic

Associated Organisation

NHS. City and Hackney (Made by)

Associated Place

Hackney (Place)

Material

Plastic

Dimension

Height: 1999mm
Width: 1221mm
Height: 1999mm
Width: 1221mm
Height: 1999mm
Width: 1220mm

On display?

Inscription

(Poster attached to inside of booth)

UK Government NHS Test and Trace

Take swab sample
Step-by-step guide

Need help?
If you have any questions or problems with this test kit, please ask a member of staff.

1 Remove your face covering. Look inside your mouth and find your tonsils at the back of your throat. You can use the mirror to help. Your tonsils or where they would have been (if they have been removed) are where you will swab your sample.

2 Gently blow your nose into a tissue. Throw the used tissue into the healthcare waste bin provided. This is so that you can get rid of excess mucus.

3 Use hand sanitiser to clean your hands. This is so you do not contaminate the test kit.

4 (Soft tip) (Handle) Check if there is a swab in a sealed pack in front of you. Identify the soft, fabric tip of the swab.

5 Open the package and gently take out the swab. This will be used for both tonsils and nose.

Important: Do not touch your tongue, teeth, cheeks, gums or any other surfaces with the fabric tip of the swab. The swab is invalid if it touches these parts, and you will need to get a new swab. If this happens ask a member of staff to get assistance.

Important: The swabbing may feel uncomfortable. Do not insert the swab any deeper if you feel strong resistance or pain. If there is blood or vomit on the swab sample, please alert a member of staff.

6 (4x) (4x) Holding the swab between your fingers, open your mouth wide and rub the fabric tip of the swab over both tonsils (or where they would have been). Do this with firm contact 4 times on each side (use a mirror to help you do this). Carefully remove the swab stick from the back of your throat.

7 Put the same swab gently into one nostril until you feel a slight resistance (about 2.5cm or 1 inch up your nose). Roll the swab firmly around the inside of the nostril, making 10 complete circles and slowly remove it.

Important: After collecting the sample hold the swab upright in your hand, do not put it down and notify one of the Testing assistants. Be careful not to touch any surfaces with the swab. Put on your face covering.

Follow the instructions from a member of staff on what to do next. Use the hand sanitiser after handing in your sample.