Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing - Frequently asked questions
Who should test?
Testing is voluntary. The following are encouraged to test:
- secondary school pupils
- primary school pupils*
- primary and secondary school staff
- households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary-age pupils
- households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary staff
* Primary school aged pupil routine lateral flow testing (LFT) is being recommended by way of at-home testing and not in the setting. Testing of primary school aged pupils is not mandatory but we encourage routine testing of pupils across all settings (at home), especially now in the absence of close contact isolations.
How can I receive or obtain a lateral flow test?
There are different ways for school staff, pupils, and members of their households, childcare and support bubbles to get a test if they do not have symptoms of coronavirus. Please see the Rapid lateral flow testing for households and bubbles of school pupils and staff guidance for more information about each.
Should I test again after I have tested positive?
Confirmatory PCR testing
Staff, pupils or students receiving any positive LFD test result must seek a confirmatory PCR test.
Re-testing within 90 days of a positive test
- People who have received a positive test in the last 90 days, are likely to have developed some immunity and so are exempt from retesting. However, if they chose to engage in a test and receive a positive result, they must isolate. They must also isolate within the 90-day window if they are close contact of a positive case.
Should I test if I have been vaccinated?
Yes, vaccinated individuals may be asymptomatic carriers and so should LFD test. As more research results emerge, this guidance may change.
