Most common lateral flow test mistakes as Dorset records 25 Covid black spots

A leading doctor has identified the most common mistakes people are making on lateral flow tests.

It comes as Dorset records 25 coronavirus 'black spots' and 15 people dying 'with Covid' in a single week.

Between 1 January 2022 and 7 January 2022, there have been 15 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test across Dorset. 13 of these deaths were in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, and the remaining two in the Dorset Council area.

There was also a sharp rise in Covid black spots - areas where the worst Covid rate possible is being recorded. A full list of these black spots can be found below.

READ NEXT:

While, for some, Covid leads to relatively mild symptoms, for others the impact is severe. It is therefore important that the proper identification of the virus remains, in order to protect yourself and others.

Now, Dr Nathan, an A&E doctor in London at @expedition_doctor, has issued a warning on the three most common mistakes people are making on their lateral flows, reports Birmingham Live.

The mistakes are:

1.) Failing to spot positive results

2.) Not reading the instructions

3.) Mixing up the best way to conduct the test

Dr Nathan expanded: "Any positive line within 30 minutes, even if it is so faint that it is barely visible, equals a positive result.

"However, if a faint line appears after 30 minutes, this can be ignored.”

Adding: "Don’t forget to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes before, to blow your nose and to wash your hands!"

"You should always follow the enclosed instructions," he continued.

"If the test advises doing a throat and nose swab, do this. If it advises a nose swab only, do this.

"That being said, there are some anecdotal reports of people getting a positive throat swab and a negative nose swab, and later developing symptoms and a positive PCR.”

Across the Dorset region, a record number of people are suffering with Covid.

While, for many of them, the symptoms of this should be mild, the demand on the health service is already leading to challenges for the Dorset teams. With a critical incident being declared at three Dorset hospitals this week. This incident has now been stood down.

These are the current Covid black spots, the areas presenting the highest number of cases.

Covid regional data is measured in the seven days leading into January 2

Do you want the latest news alerts straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletters here

More from Dorset Live