An estimated 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.

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.

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

They will be contacting people affected to let them know they may still be infectious despite their negative test.

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

Dr Will Welfare, public health incident director at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “We have recently seen a rising number of positive LFD results subsequently testing negative on PCR.

"As a result of our investigation, we are working with NHS Test and Trace and the company to determine the laboratory technical issues which have led to inaccurate PCR results being issued to people. We have immediately suspended testing at this laboratory while we continue the investigation.

“There is no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided.

"If you get a positive LFD test, it’s important to make sure that you then get a follow up PCR test to confirm you have COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate and take a PCR test.”

Immensa Health Clinic Ltd's CEO, Andrea Riposati issues the following comment: "We are fully collaborating with UKHSA on this matter. Quality is paramount for us. We have proudly analyzed more than 2.5M samples for NHS Test and Trace, working closely with the great teams at DHSC and UKHSA.

"We do not wish this matter or anything else to tarnish the amazing work done by the UK in this pandemic."