“LONGSTANDING concerns” over rapid Covid-19 testing with lateral-flow kits remain unresolved despite the government’s announcement of their rollout today, the GMB union has warned.

The union, which raised concerns over the Innova tests’ accuracy when ministers proposed introducing them in schools before Christmas, believes that they need to be underpinned by confirmatory tests.

Ministers announced today a cross-departmental drive to extend rapid testing to all “key” workplaces with more than 50 employees to ensure that “vital public and economic services can continue.”

However, GMB is pointing to evidence from Public Health England’s Porton Down facility and mass testing in Liverpool that “strongly suggested” that the tests’ accuracy is a concern.

Large numbers of incorrect results could potentially lead to infectious-but-asymptomatic workers remaining in the workplace and infecting colleagues and their own families, the union said.

GMB said it would support screening testing if the implementation is robust and overseen by competent, qualified professionals and if the limitations of the tests are understood and addressed by confirmatory testing where needed.

And “most importantly,” it demanded that all workers identified as Covid-positive must be able to self-isolate without any loss of pay.  

GMB health, safety & environment director Dan Shears said:  “These rapid tests are not a magic bullet, and it is vital that employers understand the limitations and take steps to address them.

“Everyone wants to ensure that infectious workers keep away from the workplace, but this means getting the introduction of testing right — with confirmatory testing to avoid ‘false negatives’ and, crucially, ensuring that all protective measures to reduce transmission are implemented to the maximum.”

The Morning Star have approached the Department of Health & Social Care for comment.