Why Lateral Flow Tests?

As the industry-leading supplier to healthcare institutions of mobility aids, wheelchairs and electric scooters we are very familiar with the need to supply great value equipment to the medical sector, and this follows through to our range of Covid rapid test kits.

Using a rapid test kit to check yourself for signs of coronavirus just makes sense, it’s a tremendous break-through in mankind’s pursuit of tracing and stopping the virus from spreading further!

As one of the earliest adaptors of online sale of top-quality rapid antigen tests from the Swiss supplier Roche Pharmaceuticals, we haven’t stood still. We now stock the brilliant Roche self-test nasal only swab tests which are a child-friendly option or one for folks that don’t enjoy the throat swabbing process (needed for nasopharyngeal kits) while still enjoying very high accuracy.

Whatever your needs for lateral flow test kits we believe we can help you from stock with quick delivery and a bulk discount pricing structure according to how many kits you order and the lower-cost option of Panodyne Sars-2-Cov test kits as well.

Different Types of Covid Test

Do you feel confused by the numerous different types of test kits for detecting this virus? We have set out some observations and guidance here to help you:

In the oft-spoken-of PCR tests the ‘PCR’ part means ‘Polymerase Chain Reaction’ and this type can detect the virus in the mucus and saliva of your nose and throat even if you do not feel ill; they must be processed in a laboratory.

Lateral Flow tests (LFT) – which are sometimes known as Lateral Flow Devices are Covid test kits that provide a result within a few minutes of testing; they are popular and useful for self-testing.

Principal differences between these types of test kits are convenience – the Lateral Flow Test is ideal for self-testing and is quick and easy to carry out. PCR tests need a laboratory for results but are more accurate and allow the exact strain of virus to be identified. 

Some Typical Test Kit Components:

Buffer Solution

This is a clear purified liquid that is mixed with the swab and collects any virus cells to transfer onto the paper test strip.

The Swab

A long stick with an absorbent pad to collect a sample of fluid from your nose or throat.

The Dropper

This is a plastic pot that is used to mix the buffer solution with the swab. You then drop a couple of drops of liquid onto the test strip.

Lateral Flow Device

Also known as an LFD, this is the actual strip of test paper, generally in a plastic holder. Any covid virus cells within the buffer solution will soak up this paper and react with a band of antibodies on paper and show up as a line.