UK researchers say lateral flow tests detect the most infectious Covid cases | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Wednesday
May 28, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025
UK researchers say lateral flow tests detect the most infectious Covid cases

Coronavirus chronicle

Reuters
21 January, 2021, 08:35 am
Last modified: 21 January, 2021, 08:41 am

Related News

  • UK to spend billions on job training to cut reliance on migrant workers
  • Car ploughs into fans at Liverpool parade, 27 in hospital
  • UK's crime agency freezes £90m of London property belonging to Salman F Rahman's son, nephew: Guardian
  • UK suspends trade talks with Israel, summons ambassador, issues sanctions over new Gaza offensive
  • EU, Britain go ahead with new Russia sanctions without waiting for Washington

UK researchers say lateral flow tests detect the most infectious Covid cases

Lateral flow tests are less sensitive than PCR tests, which are considered the gold standard, but can return results in just half an hour

Reuters
21 January, 2021, 08:35 am
Last modified: 21 January, 2021, 08:41 am
FILE PHOTO: A 3D-printed coronavirus model is seen in front of a British flag on display in this illustration taken March 25, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
FILE PHOTO: A 3D-printed coronavirus model is seen in front of a British flag on display in this illustration taken March 25, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

Rapid lateral flow tests will likely identify the most infectious Covid-19 cases with higher viral loads despite concerns over the overall sensitivity of the tests, Oxford University researchers said on Thursday, as the British government eyes mass testing to ease the current lockdown.

Along with the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines, the government has cited widespread testing, including lateral flow tests, as a key part of its plans to re-open the economy. Concerns about the tests' accuracy have led some to question the plan, however.

Some scientists have sounded alarm at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans, dubbed "Operation Moonshot", saying mass coronavirus testing is likely to be ineffective and expensive.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Lateral flow tests are less sensitive than PCR tests, which are considered the gold standard, but can return results in just half an hour. Lateral flow tests work best among those with higher viral loads - more virus detected in the nose and throat.

Looking at data from more than a quarter of a million people who have taken part in England's test and trace scheme, scientists found that the greater the viral load, the more infectious the person.

Applying previous estimates of the sensitivity of four lateral flow devices to those findings, the researchers found that the tests would detect between 83.7% and 90.5% of cases leading to onward transmission.

"We know that lateral flow tests are not perfect, but that doesn't stop them being a game changer for helping to detect large numbers of infectious cases sufficiently rapidly to prevent further onward spread," said Tim Peto, Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford.

The researchers said they could not ascertain most of those who had been infected asymptomatically, however, "which may contribute substantially to onward transmission."

Top News

Lateral flow Covid test / Lateral flow test / UK / United Kingdom (UK) / UK PM Boris Johnson / Boris Johnson / Oxford University / Oxford University researchers

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Inflation, exchange rate shocks to intensify fiscal pressure in FY26
    Inflation, exchange rate shocks to intensify fiscal pressure in FY26
  • File photo of jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam
    ATM Azharul Islam set free after acquittal in war crimes case
  • Poor documentation, evidence plague stolen asset recovery efforts
    Poor documentation, evidence plague stolen asset recovery efforts

MOST VIEWED

  • Selim RF Hussain. Sketch: TBS
    BRAC Bank MD Selim RF Hussain resigns
  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. TBS Sketch
    Depositors need not worry as govt will take over banks before merger: BB governor
  • Graphics: TBS
    Suspicious banking activities surge by 56% since July: Cenbank
  • Photo: Collected
    DU student assaulted for protesting eve-teasing at Chadni Chowk
  • Illustration: TBS
    Bangladesh sees highest-ever per capita income of $2,820 in FY25, BBS provisional data shows
  • Officials protest inside the Secretariat on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, over a government ordinance amending the Public Service Act, 2018. Photo: Rajib Dhar
    Protest at Secretariat suspended as govt assures decision on ordinance tomorrow

Related News

  • UK to spend billions on job training to cut reliance on migrant workers
  • Car ploughs into fans at Liverpool parade, 27 in hospital
  • UK's crime agency freezes £90m of London property belonging to Salman F Rahman's son, nephew: Guardian
  • UK suspends trade talks with Israel, summons ambassador, issues sanctions over new Gaza offensive
  • EU, Britain go ahead with new Russia sanctions without waiting for Washington

Features

In recent years, the Gor-e-Shaheed Eidgah has emerged as a strong contender for the crown of the biggest Eid congregation in the country, having hosted 600,000 worshippers in 2017. Photo: TBS

Gor-e-Shaheed Boro Maath: The heart of Dinajpur

1d | Panorama
The Hili Land Port, officially opened in 1997 but with trade roots stretching back to before Partition, has grown into a cornerstone of bilateral commerce.

Dhaka-Delhi tensions ripple across Hili’s markets and livelihoods

2d | Panorama
Photo: Collected

Desk goals: Affordable ways to elevate your study setup

2d | Brands
Built on a diamond-type frame, the Hornet 2.0 is agile but grounded. PHOTO: Asif Chowdhury

Honda Hornet 2.0: Same spirit, upgraded sting

2d | Wheels

More Videos from TBS

Trump delays 50% tariffs on EU goods

Trump delays 50% tariffs on EU goods

10h | Others
Eid may be celebrated in Bangladesh on June 7

Eid may be celebrated in Bangladesh on June 7

10h | TBS Today
Livestock passion made successful farmer

Livestock passion made successful farmer

1h | TBS Stories
TSMC begins construction on US semiconductor plant

TSMC begins construction on US semiconductor plant

11h | Others
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net