The number of lateral flow tests carried out in Scotland increased by more than two-thirds last week, the latest data shows.

       There was a 67.1% increase in lateral flow testing in the week ending December 19, meaning almost 800,000 were carried out.

       Figures from Public Health Scotland show there have been 16,909,624 lateral flow tests reporting a result in Scotland since November 2020, with 0.7% recorded as positive.

       PCR tests are used to confirm positive cases identified by lateral flow testing.

       Recent weeks have seen the Scottish Government encourage greater use of lateral flow tests, which are used to detect asymptomatic cases.

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       On November 23, Nicola Sturgeon said Scots should take one before they leave for any social occasion.

       Negative lateral flow tests were also added to the Covid certification scheme on December 6, meaning they could be used to enter nightclubs.

       The data shows a rise in lateral flow testing beginning in late November and increasing sharply last week.

       Public Health Scotland’s weekly statistical report also looked at contact tracing performance.

       For the week ending December 12, 25,939 individuals were recorded in the Test and Protect contact tracing software, from which 45,948 unique contacts have been traced.