Hospitals in Scotland are rolling out new single tests to identify whether patients are infected with coronavirus, flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The three-in-one ‘multiplex tests’ will be used when patients arrive showing respiratory symptoms at some emergency departments and assessment units. They have been introduced with £5 million of Scottish Government investment.

The fastest multiplex tests will see results provided within two hours and will be  prioritised for emergency admissions to assist with patient placement and treatment. Other laboratory-based tests may take between 90 minutes and eight hours for the results to come through.

Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The introduction of these new tests is an important step to help protect our NHS staff and patients, as services remobilise and we learn to live with the virus.The results will help hospital staff assess the treatment and placement of patients which should help accelerate patient flow through the system.  It will also play a key role in avoiding healthcare associated infections and co-infection.

“It would be a mistake to think that the successful delivery of the vaccination programme means testing becomes less important. Testing will continue to play a vital role in our drive to bring down new cases of Covid-19 and break off future chains of transmission.”