It is still common to hear that coronavirus-positive people are still using lateralflow device (LFD), tests to determine if they have the virus. The lateral flow test is for people with no symptoms who want to quickly find out if they have the disease.
We are hearing that coronavirus-positive people still use lateral flow device tests (LFDs) to determine if they have the virus.
For people who don’t have symptoms, lateral flow testing can be performed to quickly test for the presence of the virus.
Steve Brown, Director for Public Health Devon stated:
“Lateral flow test are for people who do NOT have any symptoms of coronavirus.
“If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms you should immediately self-isolate. These are the tests sent to a lab to be tested. PCR test results can be sequenced in labs to identify variants of concern. If you have symptoms, it is important to get a PCR test. Within a few days, you will receive your results. You can either book a Covid PCR test online or call a surgery.
“While you are waiting for your results, you and those you live with should still self-isolate. Self-isolation is an important step to prevent the spread coronavirus. It’s imperative that we follow this rule.
If you have a negative PCR test result, you don’t need to continue self-isolating unless you have other reasons, such as if you live with someone who is waiting for their results, or if you’ve been told by your doctor to self-isolate due to being close to someone who has tested positive.
If you don’t feel any symptoms, please continue to use the LFD test to confirm that you might be unknowingly carrying the virus. The LFD tests are important in identifying people with the virus. One third of those with the virus don’t show symptoms.