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 218,724 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 ...

A Covid-19 lateral flow test showing a negative result. Routine testing to identify those infected followed by efficient contact tracing, and supported isolation is still the most effective public ...

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 ...

Can you test positive for covid-19 without being infectious? Even if you have had three doses of coronavirus vaccine, a positive lateral flow test (LFT) result means you are infectious to other people ...

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 ...

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...

Peter is a writer and editor for the CNET How-To team. He has been covering technology, software, finance, sports and video games since working for @Home Network and Excite in the 1990s. Peter managed ...

As a result of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant, Covid case numbers have continued to rise across the UK in record numbers, with 120,821 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Now, the prime ...