RE: LFT's23 Dec 2020 00:19
I read this board at least once a day and I have to say, I find the constant chatter about lateral flow tests very strange - clearly a lot of holders here feel they are a threat to PCR and hence the constant need to rubbish them. There is no evidence to suggest that all LFT's have poor sensitivity, only that it has been the case thus far (Innova). It is extremely likely in my opinion that much better ones will soon be available and these will play a very large role in allowing day to day normality. PCR can't do that, unless everybody has a machine in their house and I doubt even NCYT can pull that off (would be nice though!)
Firstly, the Innova tests are a rebranded product from China. Their data set was questionable and unfortunately the Gov's decision to buy a poor quality product which hadn't been properly validated in the UK has destroyed public confidence in them. Better LFTs will come to market. For example, Avacta have said the minimum standard is 90% sensitivity. Of course, not as good as PCR but great for mass screening or for example you feel fine, not been at risk, but have decided to pop round to your grandmothers for tea and want to do a quick test.
Secondly, the use cases for PCR and LFT tests are different. For example, if you had been exposed to Covid-19, had been traced or had symptoms - clearly you would want a PCR test. If you need just a quick confirmation check or to screen a large number of people very quickly, none of which had any reason to believe they might be positive, (lets say a class of students on a Monday morning) a LFT would be better.
LFT and PCR could also go hand in hand, for example at testing stations. You arrive at a testing station and you are given a LFT and a PCR test. If you had a high viral load, the LFT would pick it up and you could self isolate immediately. If it was negative, the PCR result would subsequently confirm this - especially useful in times of high demand when results are taking longer. The two tests can be completely complimentary!
The above aside, the main reason I find the paranoia strange is the actual competitor to PCR is BAMS and not LFTs.
I don't read every single post on this board, but I have never seen BAMS mentioned once. This could be as good as PCR, possibly even better if it avoids false positives. The thing is though. it is absolutely MONTHS behind and even if it arrived today and every lab had a machine (which they don't), it would barely put a dent in Novacyts revenue.
So please, stop the unjustified LFT bashing. I will stick my neck on the line and say that next year you'll all be using LFT's as part of going about your daily lives - ALONGSIDE PCR. There's no need for the negativity, especially when you're invested in the company who are market leaders and are making so much money nobody knows how to value it.
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