Covid lab expert explains if old lateral flow tests can detect new variants

The latest coronavirus variant spreading in the UK, known as Pirola or BA.2.86, has sparked fresh concerns for those vulnerable to the virus.

Those who don't qualify for free rapid tests can buy them at pharmacies, other retailers, or online. And for those who may still have tests tucked away from the first bout of the virus, these old boxes may still be effective at detecting new and old variants of Covid, according to Gabriela Brewer. Polymerase Chain Reaction tests were also available during the peak of the pandemic, and were thought to be more accurate at detecting the presence of the virus.

She added: "It’s a good and easy way to find out if there’s anything wrong. At the same time it could be just a flu so I would advise to back it up with a PCR."

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