COVID-19 continues to reshape our lives from social distancing to vaccines and regular monitoring. Testing has become part of the world. Lateral flow tests have taken the lead in offering convenience during testing for COVID.
Since lateral flow tests have become popular and accessible to many, it is essential to understand how they work. Today, the COVID self-test is a reliable way to check yourself before traveling or after exposure.
In this guide, we comprehensively walk you through lateral flow test concepts. Read on to get enlightened on the proper use of lateral flow tests and their significance.
Lateral Flow Tests During COVID-19
Lateral flow tests have been practical and essential in enhancing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have contributed to testing over 28,000 people in England as of September 2023. They are indispensable in delivering fast and accurate results in the fight against COVID.
Lateral flow has also played a significant role in detecting new COVID variants. They are reliable in testing for COVID-19 during travel. Moreover, lateral flow tests offer convenience for those needing emergency COVID tests.
How Do Lateral Flow Tests Work?
Lateral flow tests contain a test strip made of paper, which processes the sample to test for antigens or antibodies to detect COVID-19. It includes a swab to collect the sample. The strip has test lines that turn to give a signal during the presence of COVID-19.
The rapid COVID tests take at most half an hour to generate results. Results are shown in visible lines. Two lines indicate a positive for COVID-19, while one line means negative consequences for COVID. It is essential to understand the test line and the control line. The presence of the test line without the control line indicates invalid results.
To effectively have a lateral flow test, read the provided manual carefully. Sometimes, certain brands have different instructions, making it essential to go through the manual when doing the test instead of doing it unthinkingly.
When To Take a Lateral Flow Test for COVID
There are several circumstances when an individual needs to take a Lateral flow test; below are some of the events:
During Travel
You need to take a lateral flow test when traveling to destinations that require individuals to take COVID tests first. Ensure that you follow the provided guidelines regarding the travel destinations. It is also essential for you to follow the dates and time limits within which you should take the test.
Monitoring Health
Some setups require regular health monitoring. These areas include the workplace, school, and health facilities. If your settings require regular health monitoring, including taking the COVID test regularly, you need a lateral flow test.
Having Symptoms
You need a lateral flow test when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms such as cough, loss of smell, and fever indicate the immediate need for a lateral flow test. A lateral flow test saves time due to the short period of generating results. Hence, if you have COVID, you can take immediate action to self-isolate.
Close Interaction With a Positive Case
If someone you work with or live with falls ill with COVID-19, you should take a lateral flow test. Being in contact with a positive case is a high-risk situation that requires the necessary precautions, such as taking a home COVID test.
How To Take a Lateral Flow Test By Yourself
While taking a lateral flow test at home can be easy when following the provided manual, following the steps to the letter is essential. Here’s how to take a lateral flow test at home:
Prep Before Testing
Before taking a lateral flow test, ensure you maintain the sanitary demands. First, clean your hands and disinfect the area you want to use for the test. Also, remember to check the expiry date of the lateral flow test and whether the kit contains all the components indicated in the description.
Set Up Your Test
After cleaning up and verifying the components of the test kit, open the lateral flow test. Ensure that you handle the test with sanitary hands to avoid contamination. Also, set up the equipment in a well-lit area to accurately conduct the test.
Sample Collection
Check the type of sample required for the kit: saliva, throat, or nose swab. Gently collect the sample using the swab. Ensure you go at least an inch deep into your nostril and rotate the swab for at least 1o seconds.
Process the Sample
Extract the sample from the swab into the tube with the buffer solution provided. Mix the selection up, then carefully place it on the test strip. If you need help setting the sample on the strip, check the manual for more precise instructions.
Check the Results
Allow the test 15-30 minutes before checking the results. After the waiting period, you can read the results. Remember that a positive shows two lines, an invalid is when the control line is absent, and a negative shows the control line alone.
