North Somerset Council responds to national PCR testing issue

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Earlier today the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that an estimated 43,000 people may have been given incorrect PCR test results between 8 September and 12 October, mostly in the South West of England. This is an isolated incident attributed to one laboratory in Wolverhampton. Testing at this lab has been suspended and all samples are now being redirected to other laboratories. 
 

The NHS Test and Trace service is contacting the people that could still be infectious to advise them to take another test. Close contacts who are symptomatic will also be advised to take a test in line with normal practice.  
 

Cllr Mike Bell, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Chair of North Somerset’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: "We are seeking assurances from UKHSA about the action they are taking to deliver accurate PCR results to local residents.

Regular testing remains an important part of our response to Covid-19 and local management and, while we've been assured this is an isolated incident, we all need to have confidence in the test and trace system."
 

Matt Lenny, Director of Public Health for North Somerset Council said: "We understand through our contact with the UKHSA that a proportion of the 43,000 samples are from North Somerset, so it's really important that our residents in North Somerset are being extra cautious if they have symptoms of the virus and have tested positive using a lateral flow test.

They could be among the people who've then had a negative PCR test result.
 
"Anyone who gets contacted by NHS Test and Trace and is advised to do so should book another PCR test."
 
PCR tests can be booked online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
 
There is no evidence of any faults with lateral flow or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided. 
 
Matt added: “We have written to local schools and care homes with an update and guidance on this issue.

As always, anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a PCR test. Those with a positive lateral flow test should get a follow-up PCR test to confirm if they have Covid-19.”