Experts have issued advice over some common mistakes people can make while taking lateral flow covid tests.
Three main mistakes have been highlighted in users, Birmingham Live reports.
Failing to spot positives, not reading the instructions, and mixing up the best way to conduct the test are the most common issues.
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Dr Nathan, an A&E doctor in London at @expedition_doctor said: “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.”
He said: “Don’t forget to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes before, to blow your nose and to wash your hands!”
“You should always follow the enclosed instructions."
“If the test advises doing a throat and nose swab, do this. If it advises a nose swab only, do this.
“That being said, there are some anecdotal reports of people getting a positive throat swab and a negative nose swab, and later developing symptoms and a positive PCR.”
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, council chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA), told Sky News it was important that "the Government doesn't just wait to ride this out, because every day people are suffering."
He said some NHS staff still could not access the lateral flow tests needed to allow them to return to work after seven days of isolation instead of 10 days.
The daily coronavirus figures will become less relevant as positive lateral flow tests no longer need a PCR confirmation, a senior public health adviser has said.
