Lateral flow tests (LFTs) have fast become an important part of our everyday lives during the pandemic.
They are vital in detecting and preventing the spread of Covid infections and more recently have allowed people to shorten their time spent self isolating.
But now those using LFTs have been urgently warned to make sure they are testing correctly.
Experts have revealed the common mistakes made by people taking lateral flows at home.
Dr Nathan is an A&E doctor in London who shares advice about Covid on his Instagram, @expedition_doctor.
He has revealed the three biggest mistakes being made at home which could lead to an inaccurate LFT result.
According to Dr Nathan, the three mistakes are: failing to spot positives, not reading the instructions and mixing up the best way to conduct the test.
"Any positive line within 30 minutes, even if it is so faint that it is barely visible, equals a positive result," he said.
“However, if a faint line appears after 30 minutes, this can be ignored.”
He added: “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," he continued.
“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.”
From Tuesday 11 January, the government has said it will no longer be a requirement to get a PCR test following a positive LFT test in England, if the person has no symptoms.
Anyone who tests positive with a LFT will still need to self-isolate for the required period, although this can be shortened if the person tests negative on a LFT on days six and seven.
The rules around testing for people with symptoms will remain the same.
Anyone who experiences any of three main coronavirus symptoms - a new continuous cough, a fever or a loss of taste or smell - should get a PCR test immediately.
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."
Dr Nagpaul has said some NHS staff were unable to access the lateral flow tests needed for them to return to work after seven days of isolation, reports Lancs Live.
A senior public health adviser has also said that the daily coronavirus figures will become less relevant as positive lateral flows no longer need PCR confirmation.
