These apps are owned and being developed by the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), part of the University of Cambridge’s Engineering department. They are designed to be used in conjunction with lateral flow devices, to assess how well the apps interpret lateral flow test photos, and also whether they improves the user experience.

The users of these apps are requested to upload a photograph of their lateral flow test result. Submissions are anonymous and all metadata from photos is removed.

In summary the Lateral Flow Test Support app, with users’ consent:

• Requests access to the phone/tablet camera to take a photo of a lateral flow device after testing – all the metadata is removed from the photo.
• Collects the data reporting the user interpretation of the lateral flow test result
• Requests access to the phone/tablet internet connection to send the photo and the user’s lateral flow test result interpretation to a secure server managed by the IfM.

In summary the Lateral Flow Test Assist app, with users’ consent:

• Requests access to the phone/tablet camera to take a photo of a lateral flow device after testing – all the metadata is removed from the photo.
• Collects the data reporting the user interpretation of the lateral flow test result
• Requests access to the phone/tablet internet connection to send the photo and the user’s lateral flow test result interpretation to a secure server managed by the IfM
• Digitises and collects lateral flow device information.

To confirm, no personal data is collected, when the app is closed it will not access the camera nor the internet connection.

By using the Lateral Flow Test Support app or the Lateral Flow Device Assist app you help us develop the app further, with the following research aims in mind:

• Explore different ways digital technologies can help lateral flow testing
• Road-test the app and make improvements, so that the app could be rolled out more widely if needed
• Investigate if an app that supports people to perform lateral flow tests could be a useful part of a public-health programme based on rapid testing.

Information will be retained for as long as necessary to meet these purposes.

This app makes use of existing knowledge and processes developed by the IfM’s EPSRC-supported Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring programme, which examines the opportunity for very low cost digital solutions to be used in industry. 

Although this app does not collect personal data, information about the University of Cambridge’s use of personal data is published on its website.