Lateral flow test and children

[Frozenintime]

Does anyone have knowledge of how these tests are carried out for children? Is it a nose or throat swab? Do children have to self-administer and what are the risks of nasal trauma ? Thanks

Depends on age of the child but up to a certain age it is nose only (different in different parts of the UK). Self administration is by the parents not the child if they have accompanied but again a bit of a minefield based on age of child, administration set up etc.

I work in a school in Wales that was one of the first to mass test pupils.

Yes, the test was self-administered and was a swab to the back of the throat and then up each nostril.

The risk of nasal trauma is extremely low, IMO. Mirrors were provided, there was only one pupil at a time in the testing space so no pushing or jostling. The tests were demonstrated by a member of SLT to all pupils before they took the test and it really only makes your eyes water/unpleasantly tickles.

Hope that helps.

I should add, this was a secondary school so all 11+

Thankyou . Yes for Secondary school

DS is 11. He administered it himself. He just had to do one nostril for 5 seconds. It wasn’t pleasant and his eyes watered, but he got over it quick enough.

We’re in England. It was part of asymptomatic testing program.

@DrunkenKoala thankyou That is reassuring to know

The plan for English secondary school pupils is that they swab their throat and nose themselves.