How accurate are COVID-19 swab tests? PCR testingĮven the PCR test isn't 100% accurate. The throat swab might make you gag a bit, but neither test should be painful. The nose swab might feel slightly uncomfortable, and may make you want to sneeze. Most tests to see whether you are currently infected with COVID-19 involve a swab of your nose, throat or both. Several different types of rapid access test - including lateral flow and LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) tests - have been trialled with varying levels of success. That's why there has been a huge research focus into finding tests which tell you more quickly whether you're infected. This was resolved within a few weeks, but because PCR tests need to be processed in a laboratory, it takes at least 24 hours to get a result back. For the first few months, there was a global shortage of both the swabs and the reagent used in lab testing for coronavirus. It involves taking a swab of the nose and throat, which is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The only test available was the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which is still the standard test used at NHS test sites. Over the same period, we saw dozens of private rapid access tests come on to the market.Īt the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK was way behind the curve when it came to testing. Next came mass testing in Liverpool and then the rollout of rapid access testing for care homes. First there was the announcement about 'Operation Moon Shot' and the plan to screen up to four million people every day.
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