Lateral flow tests are used by people who don't have symptoms of Covid and can root out those who are asymptomatic and at danger of spreading the virus - here's everything you need to know about them.
The Prime Minister has refused to bring in new restrictions to tackle the surge of Omicron cases but instead is urging people to get the booster jab and get tested.
Boris Johnson is sticking to Plan B measures which means people are being expected to take a test if they have been in close contact with anyone who tests positive for the virus.
The quickest and easiest way to check if you have the virus is to take a lateral flow test.
Dr Nathan, an A&E doctor in London at @expedition_doctor, said the three biggest mistakes are failing to spot positives, not reading the instructions, and mixing up the best way to conduct the test.
He warned: “Any positive line within 30 minutes, even if it is so faint that it is barely visible, equals a positive result.
“However, if a faint line appears after 30 minutes, this can be ignored.”
Here's important things you need to know about lateral flow test and what you should do if you give a positive result.
Where can you get a lateral flow test?
The best place to start is to find out if you are able to get lateral flow tests through your workplace, school or university.
However, this option won't be available to everyone, in which case they can be ordered from the NHS website.
Usually these lateral flow tests will be delivered to your home in a matter of days but there is currently shortage due to demand.
How much do the tests costs?
Luckily, the tests are generally free for all purposes apart from travel.
You can also go and collect them in person at pharmacies like Boots or Lloyds, as well as some community centres. Getting tests in this way is also usually free.
A pack has seven tests, one for each day of the week. And, in some cases, you will be able to get two packs at once.
Is taking a test safe?
According to health chiefs and medical experts, misinformation about lateral flow tests is rife.
Despite the risk of slight discomfort in your nasal passage, there is no risk to your brain when conducting a test.
Along the same lines, misinformation spread on Facebook after a live video broadcast falsely suggested "ethylene oxide-coated" swabs in lateral flow tests cause cancer.
The Department for Health and Social care has addressed claims that Covid-19 tests pose a danger to humans.
It told Reuters: "Lateral flow tests have been rigorously tested and are safe to use on a regular basis. Any suggestion otherwise is inaccurate and harmful misinformation.
"Ethylene oxide is only used in the sterilisation of swabs and it is one of the most commonly used sterilisation tools in the healthcare industry, principally applied by manufacturers to keep medical devices safe."
How to do a lateral flow test
Before you take the test, you should blow your nose and wash your hands thoroughly.
You need to put the swab about 1.5cm into your nostril, and roll it around slowly for around 10 seconds. It will be easier if you continue to breathe through your nose while you're doing this.
Some lateral flow tests are for your throat - in this case you need to swab your tonsils on both sides for around 10 seconds.
Be careful not to touch the fabric of the swab once you have taken it out your nose or mouth.
The test comes with liquid in a packet - you need to squeeze this into the small vial provided. You then need to put the swab into the vial - fabric end first - and press it firmly into the liquid while rotating it around 10 times.
You can then dispose of the swab.
You will have a nozzle cap for the vial - put this on tightly, and then carefully squeeze out two drops onto the specimen strip.
Put this on a flat surface.
How long do you wait for a result
You should wait for 30 minutes. Your results will appear - two lines if it is positive, one line on the top if it's negative, or one line on the bottom if the test is invalid.
The lines may be faint - but if there are two, it means that you likely have coronavirus.
What do you do with the test after
Whether your Covid test is positive or negative, they should all be placed in the general waste bin.
First place all the used items in the plastic pouch provided in the kit.
The government website explains that if you’re doing a home rapid lateral flow test, you should dispose of the used rapid lateral flow kit in your waste bin at home or at work. Used test kit items could include the:
- swab
- test strip
- sachet
- extraction tube
According to health chiefs and medical experts, misinformation about lateral flow tests is rife.
Despite the risk of slight discomfort in your nasal passage, there is no risk to your brain when conducting a test.
What to do if you test positive
If you test positive for coronavirus you will need to self isolate immediately. This means you will need to stay at home for the duration of the self-isolation period.
If you have one of the following three symptoms you will self isolate and take a PCR test. The result of this test will determine whether or not you need to continue isolating or are free to go out again as usual. The three NHS-defined symptoms are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
You will also need to self isolate if you are contacted by Test and Trace, unless you are exempt, which includes people who have been vaccinated.
If you need to self isolate and do not you could be handed a fine.
If you test positive anyone who lives with you will have to self isolate also.
However, there are major exemptions to this rule including vaccinated people.
People aged over 18 years and six months who are not fully vaccinated will need to self isolate.
