A PCR, on the other hand, is used to confirm or deny a suspected case of Covid-19 as a PCR is generally done after a person is already self-isolating following a positive lateral flow test.

PCR tests are seen as the “gold standard” for Covid-19 testing, with data pointing to an accuracy rate of around 99%.

However, a new study has found lateral flow tests are more accurate than previously reported and cannot be compared directly to how PCR tests work.

Although lateral flow tests are considerably cheaper than their PCR counterpart, they must be purchased from a private entity as the NHS does not offer first-party support.

In a cohort of 2,562 patients that received a lateral flow test and a PCR test, the sensitivity (how often a test is correct at identifying positive results) of lateral flow tests were 95.4% ...

So what test do you take and when? Here we explain when you should take a PCR test and when you should take a Rapid Flow Test. Which test you get will depend on whether or not you have any symptoms.

The government has halted Covid-19 testing at a private lab in Wolverhampton after at least 43,000 people were incorrectly given a negative PCR test result. The differences between PCR and lateral ...

The rules on Covid testing is set to change from 11 January as people who test positive on a lateral flow device (LFD) will no longer be required to do a follow up PCR test.

People who get a positive lateral flow test result will no longer need to take a follow-up PCR test, the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. The change to the testing regime will come ...

People have been left confused over the availability of PCR test slots after the Government’s website showed that no appointments were available in England at walk-in and drive-in test sites ...

A shortage of coronavirus tests continued on New Year's Day morning with no PCR test slots available to book in the North East and no home delivery slots for lateral flow tests. As of 10am on New ...

If you have Covid symptoms but test negative using a lateral flow test, it’s worth ordering a PCR to double check. How effective are lateral flow tests in combatting the spread of Covid-19?