In this section
Out of Hospital COVID Treatment and Eligibility
Certain groups of patients can potentially have monoclonal antibody OR anti-viral treatment out of hospital if they test positive for COVID-19 and fit the criteria. The aim of which is to reduce the need for hospital admission.
Non-hospitalised patients are eligible for treatment if:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection is confirmed by either: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing OR Lateral flow test (registered via gov.uk or NHS 119) AND
- Symptomatic with COVID-19 and showing no signs of clinical recovery AND
- The patient is a member of a ‘highest’ risk group
The ‘highest’ risk group includes those with inflammatory conditions that fit the criteria below:
- Treated with rituximab or other B cell depleting therapy in the last 12 months
- Active/unstable disease on steroids, cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, cyclosporin or mycophenolate.
- Stable disease on either steroids, cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, cyclosporin or mycophenolate.
- Patients with active/unstable disease including those on biologic therapy
Patients on Methotrexate, sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine, either alone are in combination, are not eligible unless also on biologic therapy.
To receive a rapid PCR test pack which includes instructions on how to access these treatments, please call 119.
