LFD tests: how and why they were used during the pandemic
Report on the general public's COVID-19 testing behaviours after the universal testing offer was introduced in April 2021.
Documents
Details
This report on coronavirus testing behaviours draws on a number of surveys of the general public conducted by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and previously NHS Test and Trace (NHSTT) to understand testing behaviours and compliance to testing guidance.
The analysis indicates that the public have been using lateral flow device (LFD) tests in larger quantities than the official test registration records implied – and that the gap between the volume of tests carried out and LFDs dispatched was relatively slim during periods of high demand. Individuals testing positive followed the national COVID-19 guidance at the time and engaged in safe behaviours.
Several factors were identified as contributing to low test registration, including lack of habit or routine, lack of motivation, and the test result itself being negative, suggesting that failure to register test results is not an indication that an individual will go against other COVID-19 guidance.