Sky News11 Nov 2020 15:31
Lateral flow tests are 'accurate', new findings show
The newly deployed lateral flow tests have been shown to be highly reliable, sensitive and accurate in multiple settings.
The tests deployed in Liverpool were shown to have over 99.6% specificity in the findings from PHE Porton Down and Oxford University.
Lateral flow tests are rapid turnaround tests that can process COVID-19 samples on site without the need for laboratory equipment, with most generating results in under half an hour.
Extensive clinical evaluation from Public Health England and the University of Oxford reveal the tests are accurate and sensitive enough to be used in the community, including for asymptomatic people.
Health minister Lord Bethell said lateral flow tests may help life "return as close to normality as possible".
He said in a statement: "It is right we've taken a dual-track approach to evaluating this technology - by piloting them in the field so we can understand how best to make these tests available, and by getting our world-leading academics and clinicians to undertake rigorous evaluation of their ability to detect the virus.
"I'm delighted that both are already demonstrating that lateral flow tests can be the reliable, highly sensitive technology we need to help get this virus under control, and return to as close to normality as possible."