Question reference: S6W-02330
- Asked by: Liz Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 17 August 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 21 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to allowing people living in Scotland who are travelling abroad to use lateral flow tests (LFT), rather than the more expensive PCR tests.
Answer
Advice from clinicians is to continue to use PCR testing for international travel, which is more accurate than other forms of testing. In addition, positive results should be genomically sequenced, which is harder to do using other types of test. We will, however, consider the use of lateral flow testing as technology improves and more data is available. Regardless of any testing regime, individuals should be following the protocols set out to minimise transmission.