Lateral flow tests now require QR code.

you need to read the instructions as they are different (obviously you'll read the instructions anyway.....)

Goodness only knows what all this ‘free’ testing is costing us taxpayers.

Urmstongran

Goodness only knows what all this ‘free’ testing is costing us taxpayers.

well it would 'cost' some of us more if there was an outbreak in a care home or facility.

It wasn’t a criticism JJ. Just an observation. Our daughters have to do mandatory testing twice a week to go to work (education & NHS). Like thousands of others they’ve been doing it for months now. And when you consider 10% of the adult population work within the NHS, it’s a very hefty bill.

JaneJudge

you need to read the instructions as they are different (obviously you'll read the instructions anyway.....)

I'm an inveterate reader of instructions ?

I order them online simply to make sure before I go to my weekly choir session and always report the results. Once you have completed the original form it always comes up as previously so you don't have to do all again. I don't scan the code but write in the number. Granted I do have to use a magnifying glass! Still it only takes a couple of minutes. I feel that you should report negative tests too otherwise the statistics won't be accurate. Also, as it is obviously costing a lot of money that would be such a waste.

I report my negative LFTs on the NHS Covid 19 app on my phone, which also keeps a record of my vaccinations. Is that good enough?

We do twice weekly lft Covid tests and always log the results to the NHS . I use the number next to the QR code on the test plate to send our details, these tests are apparently only 50-60% correct !

If you test positive on a LFT it doesn't always take as long as 30 minutes to show. Mine took literally seconds. Confirmed by a PCR 2 days later.

MaggsMcG

If you test positive on a LFT it doesn't always take as long as 30 minutes to show. Mine took literally seconds. Confirmed by a PCR 2 days later.

But it can. Which is why you have to wait the full time before checking and deciding the result.

Vital that we all report every test, negative or positive.

I have been testing twice a week (for work) since the end of January, I always report my result to the government website and also to the school I work in. I’ve accessed tests via school but also ordered them online which is now my preferred method of obtaining them. We’re being asked to do daily tests if anybody in our class tests positive now we are no longer in ‘bubbles’.

I rather fancy that the costs are now becoming considerable, wouldn’t be surprised to hear that they are being charged for soon

I wasn’t aware that there were new tests although I did know about the different way of ordering them. I got my last box about two weeks ago from the chemists and they gave me a leaflet about the new method of ordering.

Does this mean the old tests are no longer any use? My mums care home were still using the original ones on Wednesday.

I think there a variety of different ones in circulation Anne, I don't think you need to worry about what make they are - just remember to check the instructions as they give different advice on what to do.

A recent report from two universities in Austria and two in the UK following trials suggests that the LFT is as accurate as the PCR test now.

This link is interesting:
www.research.ox.ac.uk/article/2021-07-14-lateral-flow-tests-are-95-effective-at-detecting-covid-19-when-used-at-the-onset-of-symptoms

The earlier use of LFT a compared with PCR suggested that LFTs were not so effective - but they were cheap. Maybe they've improved the supply chain and the quality of supply.

Urmstongran

Goodness only knows what all this ‘free’ testing is costing us taxpayers.

Do you mean "public money" Urmstongran?

We all pay tax - be it income, corporation or VAT - even people on UC pay tax.

The idea that there is a separate group of the population defined as 'taxpayers' seems a bit odd to me.

Mind you - until recently, I think only the Queen was not obliged to pay tax, and most wealthy people sought to move their money offshore into British Tax Havens.

My new LFT arrived this morning. I see you only have to do nasal swabs, not throat ones.

Good, I always gag.

I went to Sainsbury pharmacy to get some LFt's. I rang the 119 number and 15 minutes later it still had not given me the info needed. I finally managed to get a qr code; the pharmacist then had to hand write all the numbers in a book with my name, address etc. It took 20 minutes. It's hard to believe everyone will carry on doing this. What about school children, students etc? The pharmacy had been without the tests for at least 2 weeks before.

Tesco Pharmacy has only ever asked for my postcode. I didn't bother asking why.

My understanding is that the tests have been improved now and the newest ones sent out if ordered online only require you to swab your nose. They are easier to use and only need 15 minutes to develop so a big improvement. Hopefully this will encourage more people to test regularly which will protect us all from those infected people who are asymptomatic which is the whole point of the exercise. I often end up testing 3 times a week as I try to test before each singing occasion as well as when I'm meeting elderly friends indoors. I always report the result. When you order online you have to agree to do that if I remember correctly, and the kit certainly instructs you to report the result.

I have had a positive LFT but did another immediately afterwards which was negative, then had a PCR which was also negative so the positive one was probably a false result. It did cause minor inconvenience as I was about to travel home from holiday so had to stay an extra 2 days to await the PCR result, but better safe than sorry!

We have been testing ourselves before meeting friends and family and have collected lateral flow tests from our local pharmacy who say "they're in that large box, just help yourselves'", so no form filling necessary at this stage.

One batch was nasal swabs only but the latest have been back to throat and nose (boo hoo).

I mentioned the nasal swab kits to friends who went in search only to be told by a branch of a large chain of chemists that 'no such thing exists'. They do!

It is a bit galling that we test to protected our friends but some of them do not take lateral flow tests (to protect us...).

Anyone else have this conundrum?

I NEVER do these tests. I have had my double vaccine, so I have done this bit for the community. Had to self-isolate twice this year and it affected my mental health. I want my freedom back.

Once again presumptions that everyone has access to a smart phone, computer etc. Not everyone is technically literate, I know older people who don't have access to smart phone, computer, even bank card or cheque book. Why do the government not realise this, older people are being penalised for not being tech savvy!!

I agree magshard20.