Lateral flow test: What is a lateral flow test for covid?

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Liverpool has seen high numbers of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, and the Government is now trialing a new coronavirus testing pilot in the region. Residents and those who work in Liverpool are being offered two types of coronavirus tests, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test and a lateral flow test. If the pilot is successful, it is hoped rapid testing will be rolled out across the country, helping to identify people who may have COVID-19 but are asymptomatic.

What is a lateral flow test for covid?

A lateral flow test involves the use of handheld kit which can give a coronavirus test result in about 20 minutes.

The tests do not need to be sent to the lab for testing, and it uses saliva or fluid from a nasal swab.

Lateral flow tests could help ease lockdown restrictions in the UK.

It is also hoped lateral flow testing could also help to ease quarantine restrictions on air travel in the future.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I know it’s been incredibly confusing for passengers trying to understand the different testing regimes for different nations around the world.

“So, we’re leading international work to help develop a framework for international travel to provide global consistency, an accepted standard, an international standard.

“In addition, the rapid lateral flow test currently being trialled in Liverpool also gives us some hope for optimism.

“This is a highly accurate swab test that gives results in less than an hour and doesn’t need to go to a lab.

“Ultimately, it could open the way for non-quarantine air travel as well. Of course, that is what we absolutely would love to achieve.”

This is a breaking story, refresh for updates.

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