More than 15 million Covid-19 PCR tests carried out in Scotland

More than 15 million coronavirus PCR tests have now been been carried out in Scotland.

The country reached the milestone almost two years after the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Official figures indicate that the number of tests has now reached 15,092,074.

It includes those carried out by NHS Scotland at the three NHS regional hubs set up around Scotland and the network of health board diagnostic labs.

The four-nations network of Lighthouse laboratories, partner laboratories and testing sites, are also included in the figure.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf outlined the importance of testing, despite restrictions being eased.

“Reaching 15 million tests is a major milestone and recognition of the hard work and dedication of our testing teams across the country,” said Yousaf.

“Testing has a vital role to play as restrictions are phased out and we learn to with the virus.

“It may be tempting to think as vaccinations increase and cases drop, that testing will become less important.

“In fact, this will only make it more important to spot and prevent new outbreaks as cases emerge. We know from our experience just how quickly one outbreak can lead to another.”

Yousaf explained putting appropriate measures in place will remain “at the heart” of the Scottish Government’s strategy to break transmission chains.

“The recent changes to testing requirements and self-isolation guidance are helping to maximise testing capacity and ensure a speedier start to the process of contact tracing,” he said.

“It is crucial that individuals report their LFD test results online to enable us to understand the prevalence of Covid-19 and allows contacts of those with positive results, to rapidly receive the correct advice to prevent onward spread.

“The ability to quickly identify new outbreaks and put appropriate measures in place will remain at the heart of our strategy to help break chains of transmission.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are working with the Scottish Government to make sure that people in Scotland have access to vital Covid testing.

“The UK Government is providing all Covid testing in Scotland outside of the NHS, through dozens of walk through and drive though sites, as well as 24/7 processing in the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab.

“So far we have provided nearly nine million of the 15 million Covid tests done in Scotland, a great effort by all involved.”