The Covid thread

[fazersharp]

[quote author=fazersharp link=topic=26604.msg321936#msg321936 date=1607382665]
Did she also tell you that if she gets a positive result from the lateral flow test that she then has to get a proper pcr test to confirm it. Seems that they are happy to accept a negative LFT but not a positive.

Probably because:a) It's still a good way to catch asymptomatic patients or those not yet showing symptoms. Even though its not a 100% accurate test, it's still good to catch those who wouldn't be tested otherwise. Whilst those showing symptoms will likely be pretty ill and be given a PCR test anyway.b) Although it has a low false positive rate (0.32% ish), the socio-economically ramifications of telling someone (and housemates) to isolate for 14 days is great, so why not double check them with a PCR test to confirm they do indeed have covid?
c) To test everyone with the PCR test is a huge drain on resources, with resources needing to go to screening labs etc. The LFT is a reasonable first pass test to help bring cases down.
[/quote]Trouble with the LFT is that it is not very sensitive and can only detect covid when it is at a higher viral load, even though they have already been contagious before that level, which is why the trial for the test is for it to be taken every 3 days.
It certainly is better than no test at all though. Given time hopefully it will become more sensitive and accurate. I can see a time in the future at an airport a "fast track" lane for people with a vaccine stamp in the passport and another line for people without it that then after take a test before flying.