Lateral flow device (LFD)
Versus Polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) test
We understand that there is a lot of confusion around testing for Covid. Many people have been given a LFD
to do at home, these tests are screening tests, not diagnostic tests. They are designed to be used regularly (e.g twice a week)
when you have no symptoms in order to try to pick up people who have been infected but don’t yet have symptoms.
If a LFD test is positive you must arrange a PCR to confirm you have covid. If the LFD test is negative
you are unlikely to be infectious (able to transmit infection to others) but you may still have Covid.
This is why they must be done regularly and cannot be used to diagnose Covid. If you have any Covid symptoms,
these include any new cough a temperature of 37.8c or above, or a change in taste or smell you must have
a PCR test (calling 119 or on the NHS website.)
Get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)