What’s the difference between the lateral flow tests they are having in secondary school and the official pcr test?

[SpringSunshineandTulips]

I thought lateral flow tests were going to be testing using saliva but our letter from school explains that it’s a nose and throat swab? Does anyone know? Thanks.

They swab and then put them in some fluid and dab onto the test.

The main difference is efficacy. They are about 48% effective (at most). They won't make schools any safer and may make them more dangerous.

I think you swab in the usual way but unlike the pcr they arent sent to the lab for testing.

The PCR ones work and the lateral flow ones don't.