Scientists urge plastic limit for lateral flow tests

Description

Lateral flow tests have transformed global healthcare by enabling rapid disease detection and improving access to medical diagnostics.

However, their widespread, single-use design is creating an environmental crisis.

Our new study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organisation (WHO) calls for urgent action to limit plastic waste in these essential diagnostic tools.

We have proposed limiting how much plastic is used in test kits to curb unnecessary plastic waste.

Our study, which analysed 21 different COVID-19 kits, highlights the significant variation in plastic usage and identifies opportunities for manufacturers to reduce material consumption without compromising effectiveness.