Home Testing
Last week it was announced that students would be sent home with the tests to prevent outbreaks in schools.
Millions of lateral flow tests are being rolled out to households across the UK so that people can take swabs themselves at home. The “rapid testing” method allows people to find out whether they are asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19 and can yield results within 30 minutes.
How do they work?
Lateral flow tests (LFT) are designed to identify if a person has Covid-19. Lateral flow kits look similar to pregnancy tests – with an absorbent pad at one end and a reading window at the other. A combination of lines show the user whether the test is negative or positive.
How to use them
Each lateral flow test sent to homes will contain detailed instructions.
- The LFT requires you to take a sample from the back of the throat near the tonsils and also from inside the nose using the swab provided.
- After taking the sample you should dip the swab into an extraction solution, which will come with the kit, and drip it onto the device’s paper pad.
- This will produce a reaction which determines the result and will tell you whether you have tested positive or negative.
- The result will be visible on the device precisely 30 minutes after the sample is applied and there is no need to send it off to a lab.
According to the Government’s website, one line visible next to the letter C shows the test is negative AND two lines, one next to C and one next to T, even if they only appear faintly, shows the test is positive. If no lines appear then the test is void and you will need to take it again using a fresh kit.
A negative result means that active coronavirus infection was not detected, at the time of the test. However, this does not guarantee that you do not have coronavirus. You should continue to follow coronavirus rules, including regular hand washing, social distancing and face coverings where required.
If you get a positive result you must self-isolate immediately, preventing further transmission of the virus. If you test positive you should report the results of the test.
| Suggested Test Dates | Test 1 | Test 2 | Test 3 |
| Year 7 and 8 | 15th March | 20th March | 25th March |
| Year 9 and 10 | 17th March | 22nd March | 27th March |
| Year 11,12 and 13 | 16th March | 21st March | 26th March |
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