Rapid tests won't work - Boris has done it again

[MrsMigginsMate]

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/02/doubts-over-rapid-turnaround-covid-tests-pledged-by-johnson

So it looks like Boris either lied or doesn't understand the science behind the rapid tests he promised. Why isn't there more media coverage of this? Nothing on the BBC for example. This was supposed to be his plan to get us out of the new lockdown and from this article it looks like it won't work in the way that he says.

[Frazzled2207]

I really hope we hear more about this because it's clearly the only way out of this mess bar an effective vaccine which is realistically months away still.

[Bimbleboo]

Such a depressing read after he stood there proclaiming them to be the answer, and bragging how close we were to having them. Same happened with antibody testing

[RoseGoldEagle]

Is the plan for testing centres to use these? Disappointing that they’re bit for members of the public, but I still think it’s good news that results can be turned around that quickly, from a point of view of getting back to work/school/nursery and not having to wait ages for a result (well 3 days last time for me which is a fair time to have to be off work). Or have I missed something and that won’t be happening either? Still got to get a test in the first place though...

[RoseGoldEagle]

bit should be not

[Eng123]

Having briefly read the instructions all the user need do is add the buffer solution, wait and then interpret the lines against the diagram - what special training is required?
If people can't use this sort of test they probably need additional help to live anyway. I fail to see the issue. Granted the test will only be effective with a viral load likely to cause symptoms.

[MrsMigginsMate]

@RoseGoldEagle. Its not clear exactly what Boris intends to do with them, all I know is he said they were the type we could use ourselves but the manufacturer says the public can't use them. A HCP has to interpret the results for some reason. It was suggested they could be used to screen everyone during an outbreak, for example test all factory workers on arrival to work. But the manufacturers say this won't work because they aren't sensitive enough to pick up mild and asymptomatic cases, it seems you need quite a high viral load to actually register on the test.

[Wingedharpy]

What about the LumiraDX ones that are being offered at some Boots' stores at £120 per test, results in 12 seconds, for people without symptoms?

[Wingedharpy]

12 minutes NOT 12 seconds!😲

[MrsMigginsMate]

I didn't realise they worked for people without symptoms, would be great if they could get the cost down though, £120 is more than a lot of people can afford after job losses and furlough etc

[NotAKaren]

Italy has been using 30 minutes tests at testing centres, why can't we use these?

[RaggieDolls]

Aren't they similar to the lateral flow antibody tests that are currently being used by members of the public. Take your own blood using a lancet, add two drops of the buffering solution and interpret using the pictures. I found it easier than the Covid test itself tbh.

[RoseGoldEagle]

Wingedharpy. Is that only for people without symptoms do you know? I just want a way of testing quickly if we do have symptoms, but guess this wouldn’t be for those people?

[DobbyTheHouseElk]

These are antibody tests. Not covid tests.

[RoseGoldEagle]

Ah sorry just seen it’s not for people with symptoms so have answered my own question!

[sleepwhenidie]

I think that we don't know exactly what tests are going being used yet (or supplier details) - press has assumed that it is Innova but that hasn't been confirmed. Halo is getting some attention and again, no one knows which tests these are. Reference has been made to a variety of different tests being used in different environments. Reading through this thread its obvious no one really knows what they are so need to wait and see..