Around 43,000 people may have been given wrong negative PCR Covid test results, the UK Health Security Agency has said.

NHS Test and Trace has suspended testing operations provided by Immensa Health Clinic Ltd at its laboratory in Wolverhampton, following an investigation into reports of people receiving negative PCR test results after they have previously tested positive on a lateral flow.

What caused the Covid test errors?

The errors relate to test results given to people between September 8 and October 12, mainly in the South West of England.

There are no technical issues with test kits themselves and people should continue to test as normal, UKHSA said.

It said a full investigation is being carried out into why and how incorrect results were given.

What to do if you are cantacted by NHS Test and Trace 

NHS Test and Trace estimates that around 400,000 samples have been processed through the lab.

Test and Trace will contact people affected and let them know they may still be infections despite their negative test.

People who are contacted will be advised to take another test as well as close contacts who are symptomatic.