New rapid coronavirus and flu tests can provide results in 90 minutes - here’s how they work

By Helen Johnson
Published 3rd Aug 2020, 11:02 BST
Updated 3rd Aug 2020, 11:02 BST
New coronavirus and flu tests which give results within 90 minutes will be rolled out in the UK from next week (Photo: Shutterstock)New coronavirus and flu tests which give results within 90 minutes will be rolled out in the UK from next week (Photo: Shutterstock)
New coronavirus and flu tests which give results within 90 minutes will be rolled out in the UK from next week (Photo: Shutterstock)

New coronavirus and flu tests which give results within 90 minutes will be rolled out in the UK from next week.

However, not everyone will be able to access these tests, as it will only be made available in certain places. Here’s everything you need to know.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

What are the new rapid tests?

The government has said that these new ‘on-the-spot’ swab tests and DNA tests will help to identify between Covid-19 and other seasonal illnesses.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock explained how the new rapid tests can detect not only coronavirus, but flu too.

"The fact these tests can detect flu as well as Covid-19 will be hugely beneficial as we head into winter, so patients can follow the right advice to protect themselves and others,” he said.

The tests will enable clinicians and the NHS Test and Trace system to determine whether an infected person needs to immediately self-isolate due to coronavirus, or whether they are instead suffering from seasonal flu.

Hide Ad