LATERAL flow tests have become the norm for Brits.
The government advises that we take them before big events and prior to meeting vulnerable people to help stop the spread of Omicron.
Many companies have also urged staff members to take the tests several times a week to help protect their colleagues – with a negative test meaning you’re free to go to work.
But one doctor has warned that there is one instance where you should ignore a negative lateral flow result and still stay at home.
Posting to TikTok Dr Jamie Parker explained when lateral flows should be used.
The NHS doctor said: “So you’ve got a cough, maybe a change in sense of taste or smell and a high temperature.
“You can do a lateral flow test, it’s negative, and go to work? No.”
Dr Parker said that if you have symptoms of coronavirus then you should stay at home an arrange a PCR test – even if you have tested negative on a lateral flow test.
He added that this is because lateral flow tests are not for use if you have symptoms of the virus.
Lateral flow tests have been hailed throughout the pandemic as they pick up infections in people that may have otherwise continued to spread the bug.
Rapid testing (lateral flow testing) means results are available “on the spot” within just half an hour.
They work in a similar way to the most commonly known lateral flow rapid test strip – pregnancy tests.
A positive result is seen as two lines or a fluorescent glow on the test strip, with a result in about 30 minutes.
A Covid lateral flow test uses a swab from a patient’s nose or throat to quickly determine if they are infected with the virus.
Lateral flow tests do work, but they work best when symptoms aren’t severe, which is why you’re advised to get a PCR test if you are experiencing signs of Covid.
When it comes to detecting the bug in adults, previous studies have shown that the tests are over 80 per cent effective at detecting any levels of the virus.
The paper, published in Clinical Epidemiology found that the test detected 90 per cent of infections when people were most infectious.
The UK Health Security Agency also previously found that lateral flow tests are as effective at detecting Omicron than other variants before it.
A study published by experts at the University of Oxford also previously found that lateral flow tests worked well during both early stages and late stages of infections when viral load is lowest.
TAKE A TEST
If you test positive then you must isolate in order to stop the spread of the bug, but if you haven’t got symptoms you might be worried about getting a false positive.
Experts have said that Covid is currently that prevalent that it’s unlikely you will get a false positive.
Which was another reason why follow up PCR tests were scrapped for some people.
Data shows that one in 20 people in England currently have Omicron.
It’s important that when you take a Covid test you follow the instructions – even if you have taken many before.
This is because tests are manufactured by different companies and in different places, so the instructions might be different.
You should also avoid eating or drinking 30 minutes before taking a tests as this could interfere with the test and give you a false positive.
