Covid lateral tests and symptoms

DanS1

Not sure if this is the right place but..... Why is it we're not allowed to do a lateral flow test at home if we have Covid symptoms? I feel lousy at the moment and want to know if I have coronavirus but don't want to wait until tomorrow for a PCR test and then wait another day for the results to come through, especially as I've just started a new temp job and don't want to call in sick unless the result is positive. Whereas if I just do a lateral test (which I already do twice a week) I would know within 30 minutes.

elsien

Because the PCR test is more accurate. 

Otherwise you may get a false negative and think you’re in the clear. 

DanS1

elsien said:

Because the PCR test is more accurate. 

Otherwise you may get a false negative and think you’re in the clear. 

Thanks.
Not being rude but I'm also gonna post this in the Covid sub forum.