Health workers and volunteers handle coronavirus test samples and record results as students take coronavirus disease COVID 19 tests in London on 5 March 2021. REUTERS Toby Melville File Photo Toby Melville File Photo
LONDON, Oct 15 Reuters - A COVID 19 testing laboratory in central England has been suspended for fear that it has incorrectly gave negative PCR test results to people who are infected, the UK Health Security Agency UKSHA said on Friday.
NHS Test and Trace launched an investigation into a lab in Wolverhampton after reports of people getting negative PCR test results after testing positive on rapid lateral flow devices LFDs Government advice says PCR tests are more accurate than LFDs, and people can stop self-isolating if a positive LFD result is followed by a negative PCR test result.
UKSHA said that an estimated 43,000 people may have been given incorrect negative PCR test results mainly in South West England, possibly underestimating the number of people with coronavirus between Sept. 8 and Oct. 12.
We have immediately suspended testing at this lab while we continue the investigation, Dr Will Welfare, Public Health Incident Director.
There is no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits itself and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services already provided. The UKSHA, who run the lab, said they were fully collaborating with Immensa Health Clinic in the investigation.
UKSHA said it was an isolated incident in one lab, with samples being redirected to other labs.
It added that the Immensa Lab was only a small part of the national network, so overall testing availability was unaffected and people with a positive LFD test result should continue to get it confirmed with a PCR.