PCR tests no longer required to confirm a positive lateral flow result

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The DoH here say the measures are due to rising cases

By Q Radio News/PA

Those who test positive for Covid-19 using a lateral flow test in Northern Ireland will no longer need a PCR rest to confirm that result.

The Department of Health (DoH) said positive lateral flow tests should be reported to trigger contact tracing processes to alert close contacts.

The department also said all those who receive a positive lateral flow test should assume they are infectious and self-isolate immediately for the required period.

Self-isolation can be ended on day seven in the event of negative lateral flow tests on days six and seven.

Officials from the department say the new measures are  in response to the very high rate of COVID-19 here.

If someone has a positive COVID-19 test, the earliest they can end their period of self-isolation is on day seven - providing their lateral flow tests on day six and seven are both negative and they do not have a high temperature.

Day six and day seven lateral flow tests should be at least 24 hours apart.

If either is positive, people should continue to isolate until they get two negative lateral flow tests taken 24 hours apart, or after they have completed 10 full days of isolation – whichever is earlier.

Associate Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Joanne McClean said:

“If a person gets a positive lateral flow result they should assume they have COVID-19.

"While removing the need for a confirmatory PCR test will help free up PCR capacity, it ensures that PCR tests are focused where they will give most public health and clinical benefit given the current high levels of disease.

“This includes maintaining PCR testing for those who are clinically vulnerable, allowing new COVID-19 treatments to be deployed in the event of a positive test.

“I would really underline the importance of people reporting the results from their lateral flow tests. This allows contact tracing to be initiated and also helps us to monitor the progression of the pandemic.”

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