Some Scots have expressed doubts over the accuracy of lateral flow testing kits following the emergence of the Omicron variant.
Recent studies have suggested that there may be additional symptoms of Omicron compared to previous variants of Covid.
These include a runny nose, headache and fatigue among others.
Omicron has recently become the dominant Covid strain in Scotland, and is believe to account for more than 60 per cent of new coronavirus infections.
The Scottish Government has continued to urge Scots to test regularly using the free rapid test kits to protect friends and family during the festive period.
But with Omicron taking over, are lateral flow test kits still picking up the virus? Here is what we know from studies so far.
How accurate are lateral flow tests?
The Queen Mary University of London published evidence of a study into the effectiveness of lateral flow tests.
As part of the study, more than 2,500 people with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms were tested for Covid using an antigen test.
All of the people chosen for the study were assessed by GPs in Austria between October 22 and November 30, 2020.
Those who were suspected to have Covid were also tested using a PCR test.
It found that lateral flow tests detected more than 95 per cent of cases found by PCR - and correctly identified 89 per cent of cases as negative.
The research was done in collaboration with the University of Oxford, Institute of Advanced Studies, Vienna and the Medical University of Graz.
Experts tested five different brands of testing kits, three labs and professional swabbing offered at 20 GP practices.
Dr Werner Leber, the study author from Queen Mark University of London, said that lateral flow test kits should be ‘integral to any strategy’ in dealing with new waves of infection.
The expert added: “Previous studies have suggested lateral flow tests may be less sensitive than PCR in detecting Covid-19, particularly among asymptomatic individuals and during the early or late stage of an infection when the viral load is lowest.
“But we have found that in patients who are newly symptomatic, the two testing methods have similar levels of accuracy.”
How accurate are LFTs at detecting Omicron?
There have been a number of claims that lateral flow tests are not accurate when it comes to detecting Omicron.
But the UK Health Security Agency said that the kits just as effective at detecting Omicron as the previous Delta variant.
In a technical briefing published earlier this month, UKHSA said: “UKHSA have performed an initial laboratory validation of the current lateral flow devices for Covid-19 in current use by NHS Test and Trace.
“Preliminary data assess these devices as effective at detecting Omicron as Delta.”
How often should you take a lateral flow test?
The Scottish Government has urged Scots to take a lateral flow test before socialising with others during the festive period.
Nicola Sturgeon earlier today advised that people should take a test “as close to going out as possible”.
“This is important for family gatherings on Christmas or Boxing Day”, the First Minister said.
What to do if lateral flow test comes back positive
NHS Scotland has said that Scots who receive a positive lateral flow test should self-isolate and book a PCR test as soon as possible.
Scots will be required to continue their isolation until they receive evidence of a negative PCR test.
Everyone in your house must also self-isolate and book a confirmatory PCR test under the current rules.
