Coronavirus (COVID-19)—DHSC reintroduces confirmatory PCR testing

Article summary

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has reintroduced confirmatory PCR testing for assisted testing and introduced new technology—genotype assay testing—to help identify variants of concern. According to the DHSC, the new technology could halve the time that it takes to recognise if a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test contains a variant, allowing cases to be traced sooner and stop the spread of the variant. DHSC has stated that genotype assay testing is compatible with only PCR tests and, to identify the maximum number of cases, DHSC is reintroducing confirmatory PCR testing for positive LFD results. Domestic testing requirements will be in line with the rules in place for international arrivals via the reintroduction of confirmatory testing.