As a result of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant, this week saw the biggest spike in Covid case numbers since records began in March 2020, with 119,789 positive tests reported in the 24 hours to ...

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were the first available for spotting the coronavirus. They work by detecting the virus’s genetic material, and are very accurate. Then came rapid tests, also ...

Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are quick and easy to take at home, giving a result within 20-30 minutes. They look for proteins on the surface of the virus, which are easily detected. However, they have a ...

Andrew Lee has previously received research funding from the National Institute for Health Research. He is a member of the UK Faculty of Public Health and the Royal Society for Public Health. Just as ...

Editor's Note: Article updated with latest information on availability of tests. People faced problems getting hold of the tests last week after a huge surge in demand prompted the Government website ...

Unless you've been living on a deserted island with no access to the internet (which, tbh, sounds quite appealing right now) then you'll be familiar with the Omicron variant of coronavirus which has ...

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that 500 million free rapid COVID home tests would be mailed to U.S. households starting from next month, as the country battles its latest wave of the ...

The emergence of the omicron variant is spurring a scramble for COVID-19 lateral flow tests, to try and ensure safe holiday parties and family gatherings. The U.K. is dealing with a supply crunch for ...

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell sample. Ways of collecting samples include a nasal swab, a saliva swab, or taking a sample of blood.