Lateral Flow Testing – we can help you get the disposal right!

More and more organisations around the UK are using lateral flow testing to protect staff, visitors, residents or pupils and also their families from the transmission of Covid-19 in a bid to re-open their doors.

A lateral flow test identifies an infection in people who are asymptomatic.  This is thought to be as many as 1 in 3 people across the UK. This means these people have no symptoms but are carrying the virus and can therefore pass it on to other people.

How does a Lateral Flow Test work?

A swab is taken from your nose and/or mouth which is mixed with a buffer solution to release fragments onto the swab. Some of this sample is then dropped onto the lateral flow device where any part of the solution which contains virus fragments is drawn down onto an absorbent strip that travels along. 

The solution then binds to labeled antibodies once it reaches them and any non-viral particles are separated as they attach to a control band strip. A band of colour is then shown which confirms if the test is positive or negative.

How to dispose of Lateral Flow Test waste?

The waste which is generated by these tests has been classified by the Department of Health as chemical waste and must be disposed of by incineration. Because of this, the waste must be kept separate from any general, nappy or sanitary waste to ensure it can be disposed of safely and in the correct way.

To help businesses dispose of the waste correctly United Washrooms can offer various containers including lockable wheelie bins for outside areas and smaller internal bins along with a trained team of service drivers who will collect the waste from your site.

Give Abi or Vicki a call on 01403 916531 or email us at info@unitedhygienesolutions.co.uk to find out how we can help you dispose of your waste in the right way.