Britain Temporarily Suspends PCR Test for Asymptomatic CCP Virus Cases

Patient samples are transferred by scientists into plates before entering the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) process for COVID-19 testing at the Glasgow Lighthouse coronavirus testing facility, in Glasgow, UK, in an undated file photo. Jane Barlow/PA

From Jan. 11, those who test positive for COVID-19 in England with a lateral flow test (LFD) should not validate the result with a PCR test unless they develop symptoms, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Wednesday.

It’s expected to ease the pressure on the UK’s PCR testing capacity and shorten the self-isolation period for some.