Why this is our favourite COVID-19 test on the market - and how you can get them

As a health and wellbeing company known for sourcing and developing the world's best ergonomic equipment, we feel it would be helpful to give our clients the option to get their COVID-19 test kits straight from us.

Someone opening a COVID-19 Antigen Lateral Flow Test Non-Invasive Kit

Over the coming months we'll be moving on from lockdown. While most businesses say they'll keep some form of homeworking in place, many of us will likely be returning to our offices for at least some of the week. Keeping everyone safe and healthy as we all start to mingle again will be a top priority for employers.

Around one in three people with COVID-19 show no symptoms, which is a big risk for businesses, as infected employees may still be coming to work and unknowingly spreading the virus.

This is where lateral flow tests become an invaluable tool for regular use. They can detect very low levels of the virus and help identify asymptomatic individuals. They're practical, easy to interpret and can be used in a wide range of settings.

The test we've chosen to supply is the Covid-19 Antigen Lateral Flow Test Non-Invasive Kits - Lower Nostril Swab by Hughes Healthcare.

Why is it so impressive?

  • Accurate (98.6%)
  • Sensitive (96.8%)
  • Government-backed
  • Comfortable and non-invasive
  • Easy to self-administer
  • Fast - get results in 15 minutes

Not only does it lead the market in accurate, fast results (15 minutes), but it’s also the easiest and least unpleasant test to use — no deep swabbing up the nose or down the throat, and no need to avoid eating beforehand. You simply insert the swab 1-2cm into each nostril to collect a sample.

We know you will (and should!) have questions, so we've done our best to answer some below. If there's anything we haven't covered, you might find the answer in our brochure, or you can always get in touch with our friendly team at [email protected].

What certifications does the test have?

MHRA Registered and CE CERTIFIED

What is the shelf life?

2 years

How is the test administered?

The test is very simple to administer. Differing from your usual nasopharyngeal lateral flow COVID-19 test, this one only needs to enter the lower nostril (about 1-2cm compared to the standard 9-10cm, which can be uncomfortable). There is no compromise on accuracy.

How effective is it?

The UK Government Public Health England, Porton Down Laboratory, which reviews all lateral flow tests for the DHSC/UK Government, has validated this test to have exemplary accuracy at multiple viral loads. When compared during a clinical trial with popular tests on the market, results identified the Hughes test as the most sensitive test. Clinical trials indicate 0% kit failure rate and 100% consistent sensitivity at detecting all variants.

What makes it so effective?

There is a unique gold nano-shell sensitivity enhancement system in the test cassette. All other cassettes use the colloidal gold method, which is significantly less sensitive for detecting the CoV-SARS-2 antigen. This is in part what allows our test to be so accurate across any of the Sars-CoV-2 Variants and sample collection methods. All components, including the comfortable swab end and pre-filled lysis vials, are designed to be as easy as possible to use and provide the most accurate results.

Does this test for the new variants?

Yes, it picks up all variants including the Brazilian and South African strains. The test also picks up asymptomatic cases.

Does it need to be administered by a health professional?

No. One of the most appealing things about this test is that, unlike other tests on the market, the swab doesn’t have to go too far up your nose. Just 1-2cm into each nostril produces highly accurate results without the discomfort.

The simple, non-invasive 4-step process is so easy that this test has been approved by the Austrian government for children to self-test in schools and it’s due to be approved for home testing. No healthcare professionals needed.

Why is your test more expensive?

This test is for organisations that want to do things properly. Creating a safe environment is not just a box-ticking exercise: you want to know your test system is accurate and easy for employees.

Our lateral flow test has a unique patented sensitivity enhancement system in our test cassette. All of our components, including our comfortable

swab, our lysis vials, and the box with which the single tests come in, are extremely well made and are designed to be as easy as possible to use. Every aspect of the test is that of a blue-chip high-quality product.

You can order your test from us in boxes of 10 individual units here.