Suspension of PCR confirmation after positive LFT

As of yesterday; January 11 the need for confirmatory PCR tests after a positive Lateral Flow Test have been temporarily suspended.

After a positive Lateral Flow Test result people of the South Hams will have to isolate immediately and will no longer have to take a PCR test to confirm the diagnosis. This is a temporary measure while the Covid case rates in the UK remain so high.

There are a few exceptions to this and as stated by the UK Health Secretary Agency they are as follows:

• First, people who are eligible for the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment (TTSP) will still be asked to take a confirmatory PCR if they receive a positive LFD result, to enable them to access financial support.
• Second, people participating in research or surveillance programmes may still be asked to take a follow-up PCR test, according to the research or surveillance protocol.
• Finally, around one million people in England who are at particular risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 have been identified by the NHS as being potentially eligible for new treatments. They will be receiving a PCRtest kit at home by mid-January to use if they develop symptoms or if they get a positive LFD result, as they may be eligible for new treatments if they receive a positive PCR result. This group should use these priority PCR tests when they have symptoms as it will enable prioritised laboratory handling.