What Is A Lateral Flow Covid Test?

A lateral flow test is a procedure that rapidly tells you if you are positive or negative of the COVID-19 virus. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of tests have been produced to test for Covid, and with home testing becoming more accessible and frequent for most people, the lateral flow test is a Covid test that is becoming increasingly popular.

How does a lateral flow Covid test work?

A lateral flow Covid test works by taking a cotton swab to the back of your throat and up your nose, it is important to ensure that you properly swab these areas to avoid a null result. The fluid from your throat and nose are then mixed into an extraction fluid, which is then dropped  into a small device. The solution will make its way up the paper where the lateral flow test will then indicate if you are positive or negative for COVID-19.

Who can use a lateral flow covid test?

This will depend on whether you are in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. However, lateral flow tests are mainly for those who have no symptoms and simply need to test regularly for work or school. If you have symptoms you should take the PCR Covid test. Anyone can take a lateral flow test, whether that is an adult or a child, and it is advised that children younger than primary school age do not need to take the Covid test. Most places will recommend that you take the lateral flow Covid test two times a week with up to three to four days apart. 

How accurate are lateral flow Covid tests?

There has been some debate over what the accuracy levels of a lateral flow test are and how frequent false positives can be. Lateral flow Covid tests work based on sensitivity, this means that if there are low levels of the virus in your system it may not detect it. However, if you have high levels, which is when you are most likely to be able to pass on the virus, the lateral flow test will pick this up. Lateral flow Covid tests have been rigorously tested in a number of studies with many participants and detect up to 90% of those who are highly infectious.

What precautions can you take after taking a lateral flow covid test?

After taking your lateral flow test, there are measures you can take, whether you have a positive or negative Covid result, to help prevent the spread and keep you and others safe.

If you test negative for COVID-19:

1. Wash your hands often.
2. Wear a face mask.
3. Stay two metres apart from others.
4. Avoid crowded areas.
5. Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.

If you are also returning to work or school there is a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE) you can use to protect yourself, such as: face shields and gloves.

If you test positive for COVID-19:

1. You and your household must self-isolate immediately for ten full days.
2. Report your lateral flow test results.

For more information about how to stay safe against Coronavirus, and leading pandemic protection products, see the MorSafe website or contact us at 01686 611 377 or at sales@morsafesupplies.com.

Written by Lois Ferns for MorSafe Supplies