The Latest: Rapid Antigen Lateral Flow Tests
The government guidelines are constantly adapting to the pandemic’s impact. More specifically, thanks to the success of the vaccination programme both in the UK and around the world, from 24 October fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s arriving in England from countries that are not on the red list (and they have not visited a red list country or territory in the ten days before arriving in England) can take a lateral flow test, instead of a PCR test, on or before day 2 of their arrival into the UK. These can be booked from 22 October.
What is a lateral flow test?
Lateral flow tests give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test. This involves rubbing a long cotton bud (swab) over your tonsils (or where they would have been) and inside your nose, or inside your nose only. The test kit itself is a hand-held device with an absorbent pad at one end and a reading window at the other. Inside the device is a strip of test paper that changes colour in the presence of Covid-19 proteins (antigens). Research shows rapid tests are more than 90% accurate. This means the chance of getting a false-positive result (where the result shows as positive but is actually negative) is extremely low.
Different industry sectors and different countries use varying terminology to describe what lateral flow tests are. Common names include:
- Lateral flow test (LFT)
- Lateral flow device (LFD)
- Lateral flow assay (LFA)
- Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA)
- Lateral flow immunochromatographic assays
- Dipstick
- Express test
- Pen-side test
- Quick test
- Rapid test
- Rapid antigen test
- Test strip
Rapid antigen lateral flow tests are highly convenient with just a 15-minute turnaround time, as well as the assurance that they can pick up moderate to high viral loads. Patients will have moderate to high viral loads about three days before symptoms start until between 7 and 10 days after symptoms start.
Lateral flow tests are now accepted for travel (while many international travel destinations still require a negative PCR test to travel abroad, some countries are accepting a negative rapid antigen lateral flow test for entry into the country – providing all other conditions and stipulations are met), as well as at most schools and workplaces.
It can also put you at ease immediately if you are worried about your health or those around you. Also, around one in three people that have contracted Covid-19 do not have symptoms. Therefore, a test that rapidly detects these otherwise hidden cases is a handy additional tool for tackling the virus.
According to Reuters:
“The government and health officials have said that rapid testing, via easy-to-use lateral flow tests, is crucial for tracking the spread of COVID-19, with regular testing of those without symptoms identifying around a quarter of all cases.”
Source: www.reuters.com
Test results
Using a lateral flow test is very straightforward. Follow the simple instructions you’ll find in the kit, and after 15 minutes, you’ll get one of the following three results:
Source: www.gov.uk
- Negative result: one line next to C shows the test is negative.
- Positive result: two lines, one next to C and one next to T, even faint lines, shows the test is positive. In that case, you must report the test result to the NHS, and you will get provided with a free confirmatory NHS PCR test.
- Void: no lines, or one line next to T, means the test is void. You will need to re-take with a new test kit.
How can Effect Doctors help?
The Effect Doctors team is working hard to keep as many people safe during the Covid-19 pandemic as possible. That is why we offer a range of tests, allowing you and your loved ones to stay safe.
At Effect Doctors, after conducting thorough research, we have identified the Flowflex and Healgen Lateral Flow Rapid Antigen Tests as the best ones on the market in the UK. They are FDA authorised, considered to be the most advanced lateral flow test in the world, have full Home Test Approval Granted in the UK & EU, are UK Government validated at Porton Down Laboratories, detect New Virus Strains, have a 98.8% accuracy rate, and are CE marked and ISO certified.
The tests are suitable for general testing and pre-travel (Fit to Fly Certificate), but please check your destinations on the government website beforehand as several countries still require a PCR test. You don’t need to send lateral flow tests to the lab for testing, and your results can be obtained in 15 minutes. The fast turnaround time of the lateral flow test is highly convenient, as you won’t have to make another flight cancellation/delay.
How it works
Our lateral flow test is easy to use and provides fast and highly accurate results. All you need to do is:
- Order your lateral flow test(s) online.
- Follow the simple instructions included within the kit package to complete the test.
- Upload the results of your test to our portal.
- You will receive your doctor-signed certificate within 12 hours (or less).
If you get a positive result from these self-tests, it is extremely likely you are currently infected with Covid-19 and risk infecting others. You must follow the information in the instructions for use provided with the kit. You must report your result to the NHS through one of the methods detailed in the instructions for use. When you report your result, you will be provided with further information on the next steps to take.
We strongly advise you to isolate yourself if you feel unwell (especially if you are around a high-risk individual), even after a negative test. Call us anytime if you would like to learn more about the test, the process and/or if you have any symptoms.
Here at Effect Doctors, we have streamlined the testing process to make it as easy as possible for you to get fast and accurate results whenever you need them. Follow the simple instructions and receive a doctor’s certificate within 12 hours. Couldn’t be any easier!
Order your rapid antigen lateral flow test here.
