Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on the accuracy of lateral flow covid-19 testing.
Lateral flow tests are validated technology. These tests have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation, including at Public Health England’s research laboratories to ensure they are verified for use, with latest figures showing sensitivity of 57.5% generally and 84.3% in people with high viral loads. This means they are accurate, reliable and successfully identify those with COVID-19 who do not show symptoms and could pass on the virus.