Looking for:
- “Behind every COVID test sample is a person worried about their results”Why scrapping expensive PCR tests would be great news for UK travellers.England to suspend PCR confirmation of positive rapid COVID tests | Reuters
Share on facebook. Share on twitter. Share on linkedin. Share on whatsapp. Share on email. What are PCR tests? Why would I need a PCR test?
PCR polymerase chain reaction tests are the gold standard and are sent off to a lab to be properly processed - unlike lateral flow tests that can be completed at home in less than an hour. It is sent to a laboratory where a lab technician looks for genetic material of the virus using highly specialised equipment.
The PCR tests are much better at finding very small amounts of the virus, especially early during an infection. So these are used primarily in people who have Covid symptoms. It uses a long cotton bud, which takes a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat.
NHS Test and Trace figures show around 95 per cent of people get a result in 24 hours if they are tested under Pillar 1, which covers places like hospitals and outbreak spots. But around 60 per cent of those tested at large drive-through centres, under Pillar 2, get their result back in 24 hours. For example, results may take longer to come back during very busy periods or peaks of waves because labs are swamped with tests.
Usually the result is sent to you via text or email when it's ready. With over three quarters of UK adults double jabbed, many Britons are wondering why PCR tests are still needed, especially since their price is prohibitive. While the UK has led the way with its vaccination programmes, the rest of Europe has been easier on travel.
Most European countries allow fully vaccinated people to travel between low-risk countries without having to take any tests. PCR tests were also found to be more expensive in the UK than overseas, an issue that has raised a lot of questions. Spain facing devastation over Boris travel announcement Spain: British tourist thrown out by Magaluf police. For example, results may take longer to come back during very busy periods or peaks of waves because labs are swamped with tests.
Usually the result is sent to you via text or email when it's ready. If you have the NHS Covid app, the result might come to you that way. If you do not get your results by day six, then call Calls to are free from a landline or mobile phone. Lines are open from 7am to 11pm.
If you test positive for Covid , you have to self-isolate. It's a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive or are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
You could be fined if you don't.
Comments
Post a Comment