Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate public use of lateral flow tests (LFT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests when experiencing key COVID-19 symptoms. Study designIn this study, data from two waves of a cross-sectional nationally representative online survey (data collected 1 and 2 June, and 14 and 15 June 2021; n = 3665 adults aged ≥18 years living in England or Scotland) were used. MethodsWe report data investigating which type of test, if any, the public think Government guidance asks people to use if they have COVID-19 symptoms. In people with key COVID-19 symptoms (high temperature / fever; new, continuous cough; loss of sense of smell; loss of taste), we also describe the uptake of testing, if any. ResultsTen percent of respondents thought Government guidance stated that they should take an LFT if symptomatic, whereas 18% of people thought that they should take a PCR test; 60% of people thought they should take both types of test (12% did not select either option). In people who were symptomatic, 32% reported taking a test to confirm whether they had COVID-19. Of these, 53% reported taking a PCR test and 44% reported taking an LFT. ConclusionsDespite Government guidance stating that anyone with key COVID-19 symptoms should complete a PCR test, a significant percentage of the population use LFT tests when symptomatic. Communications should emphasise the superiority of, and need for, PCR tests in people with symptoms.
Highlights
MethodsWe report data investigating which type of test, if any, the public think Government guidance asks people to use if they have COVID-19 symptoms
Since 18 May 2020, guidance in the UK has been that people with a new onset cough, high temperature, or loss of taste or smell should receive a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19.1 In addition, since 9 April 2021 everyone in the UK has been able to access free, rapid lateral flow tests (LFTs) for COVID-19 for use when asymptomatic.[2]
In England and Scotland, it is recommended that all adults should use an LFT twice a week, with any positive LFT results requiring a follow-up PCR test to confirm infection
Summary
We report data investigating which type of test, if any, the public think Government guidance asks people to use if they have COVID-19 symptoms. In people with key COVID-19 symptoms (high temperature, cough, loss of sense of taste or smell), we describe uptake of testing, if any. Journal Pre-proof Results: 10% of respondents thought Government guidance stated that they should take an LFT if symptomatic, while 18% of people thought that should take a PCR test; 60% thought they should take both types of test (12% did not select either option). In people who were symptomatic, 32% reported taking a test to confirm whether they had COVID-19. 53% reported taking a PCR test and 44% reported taking an LFT
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