BRITS should know lateral flow tests. For months, we have been taking swabs of our noses to see if we are Covid-free.
Although lateral flows can be unpleasant, they are generally painless and provide comfort for you and your loved ones.
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The best way to beat Omicron is to keep tabs on your health using tests, and get boosted – as a string of hugely positive studies show the variant is milder than other strains.
But, there are still people who do not use lateral flow correctly. This could indicate that they are returning incorrect results.
Dr Nathan, an A&E doctor in London, who has been producing helpful posts on his Instagram page (@expedition_doctorThis article will explain everything about Covid lateral flows tests (LFTs )…).
What mistakes do people make when taking their lateral flow?
“Failing to spot a positive test.
“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.”
What’s the best way to do lateral flow?
“Read the enclosed instructions all the way through before you start the test.
“Don’t forget to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes before, to blow your nose and to wash your hands!”
Do you need to always take a swab from the throat and nose?
“You should always follow the enclosed instructions.
“If the test advises doing a throat and nose swab, do this. If the test only recommends a nose sweep, do that.
“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.”
Experts disagree on whether to ignore the instructions in the packet and always wipe the throat.
Omicron can be detected in the throat and nose during incubation. Some people believe it is essential. Others disagree.
According to health officials, booster jabs for covids can protect against Omicron and provide the best chance to survive the pandemic.
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Central Recorder’s Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits’ arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.
This is because new rules for lateral flow testing are being introduced, and they will be in effect starting Tuesday.
A PCR is not required if you are positive on a side flow or have symptoms.
The rules are quite straightforward – if you test positive on a lateral flow, you isolate and assume you have Covid.
If you don’t have symptoms you don’t need to do anything else, other than stay at home and log your result on the Government website.
But you should always get a follow up PCR test if you have symptoms of the coronavirus, regardless of your lateral flow test result.