The Department of Health and Public Health Agency have reassured the public that lateral flow tests are reliable.
It comes after concerns were raised that newer lateral flow tests - where the user is only required to take nasal swabs - may be less accurate for detecting the Omicron variant than tests requiring both nose and throat swabs.
At the beginning of January, over one million lateral flow tests were delivered into Northern Ireland in one week, as demand for the home tests are on the increase as everyone over the age of 11 is advised to use them twice weekly if asymptomatic.
When it comes to differences in accuracy in nasal tests detecting the more contagious Omicron variant, the Department of Health's Programme Director, Matt Wills, said all tests have been proven to be accurate.
He said: “There are now several different types of Lateral Flow Devices in use across Northern Ireland. It’s vital that anyone using them closely follows the instructions in their test kits.
"All the tests currently in circulation have been proven to accurately detect the new Omicron variant. Both the ACON and Orient Gene tests are nasal only tests, meaning a throat swab is not required.
"The result is ready after just 15 minutes but the result may be inaccurate if read after 30 minutes. There are other small differences too so it’s really important to check the instructions as you complete the test.”
In a statement, the Public Health Agency also urged that all lateral flow tests are accurate when the instructions are followed.
They said: "There are a number of different LFD tests in use in Northern Ireland and each has their own specific instructions. In your household, you may have more than one type of test kit so it is very important that you read the instructions on each kit to make sure you’re using it properly.
"Don’t just assume they all follow the same process, some can be nose-only swabs and some you need to swab both throat and nose. It is essential to use the LFD test correctly to get the correct result. Please read and follow the instructions.
"No test will detect every single case but all types of lateral flow devices are highly accurate and reliable and can rapidly identify people who are infected and likely to be infectious, with all known variants of COVID-19.
"All LFD products are assessed to ensure that they meet regulatory requirements. Independent evaluation has been conducted by UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) laboratories. Their validation shows that the tests perform according to World Health Organisation global targets."
The PHA are reminding the public that LFD tests should not be used if you have symptoms, and if you're symptomatic you should book a PCR test.
They continued: "All of the public health advice is simple, but it is there for a reason – to help keep us and those around us safe. Don’t take unnecessary risks and take every step available to help protect yourself, your loved ones and the community."
Lateral flow tests can be ordered for home delivery, or can be collected at community pharmacies in NI. A full list can be found by clicking here.
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