Drive through testing centres

[cathyandclare]

I've just been for a test ( I've been picked up for research, not unwell) and the system was incredibly slick. I was fully expecting it to be slow and difficult, but it was really well run. It was all a bit surreal and Brave New World-ish, but at last it seems like there's the capacity to test people so that hopefully we can get the country running again. I've hit the wall this week and was feeling horribly despondent, but feel a bit more positive now.

When I first got my email and tried to book it was impossible to get slots and I was going to have to travel 50 miles. But when I went back an hour later there were loads of slots in a place 8 miles away.

[Skybluepink123]

I’ve just tried to book one, got the official code etc. When I went on the official website, the nearest test centres were more than 400 miles away!

[cathyandclare]

That's what happened to me! I think they must send out mass emails so everyone books. Try again later, they seemed to release a whole load more slots.

[Anyonewannawoo]

That’s not even near our experience. We were queuing for an 1.5, and the system (covered by the army) seemed very much like they were winging it.

We had to call the solider on his mobile (held up a sign) and we had to open the back window for him to lob it in and for us to drive to another parking bay to do it ourselves. The test kit we got didn’t have any instructions (we had two kits) and had to put our hazard lights on with another 50 cars for another solider to run around putting them again in our rear window. I don’t think the instructions were for our test kit (slight differences) and then we had to drive to another booth we’re another solider checked to make sure we had put the barcodes on and then to throw them in a plastic box.

This was Thursday and we haven’t heard anything back. If the test centre was so disorganised I wouldn’t be surprised if the testing is too. We really need our results back as I’m shielding from the person I care for 24/7 incase we pass on Covid.

[cathyandclare]

Depressing! That's what I was expecting tbh. Maybe I happened upon the best one in the Uk!

[Anyonewannawoo]

I’m still waiting for my results (not surprised by my experience of the shambles of the test centre).

www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/28/concerns-over-delays-and-errors-at-uk-drive-in-coronavirus-test-centres

[WhatHaveIFound]

I self reported on the C-19 app yesterday that I had a sore throat and this morning have been invited for testing. I got straight online and could book easily at either of my two local testing stations. There were 200+ appointments available at either place so i booked one for 4pm today. Throat feels ok today so may be a false alarm.

[cathyandclare]

Are you in Yorkshire like me @Whathavefound? Seems like there's different experiences across the country!

[WhatHaveIFound]

Yes, Yorkshire girl here!

[Peaseblossom22]

I have also been invited for a test similar to a PP , no problem getting a test lots of appointments

[practicallyperfectwithprosecco]

Tried to book a test this morning. I live in Hertfordshire, I was offered a test in Plymouth or Manchester- not exactly local!

[cathyandclare]

Try again tonight. Loads more came on by 19.30 for me. I can't believe Yorkshire is the only place to get this sorted, there must be other good areas.

[Peaseblossom22]

We are in East Anglia , there are 3 testing centres within about 45 mins drive , booked Sunday night , there wasn’t smithing for Monday but plenty for tomorrow

[Purplewithred]

C-19 app triggered a test for me and it was impressively well organised bar one thing. Email came on Friday, couldn't get a test until Sunday morning but loads available then. Turned up, they held up clear signs, showed the qr code on my phone, drove round, waited maybe 5 mins for test. Test done by HCPs of some sort, very competent and clearly explained, and off I went. Expecting results tomorrow.

Only thing is they didnt check my photo ID so I could in fact have been someone completely different (unless the QR code tells them roughly who you should be age/sex etc).

[Peaseblossom22]

@Purplewithred did you take anyone with you . dH has offered to come but I am not sure if he is allowed ?

[TheDrsDocMartens]

Our nearest (not just nearest with slots is 2 hours drive away!) there are nearer ones mon-fri if you work in certain sectors or nhs.

[Peaseblossom22]

Just thought I would feed back on what was a really positive experience .

Arrived on time waited less than a couple of minutes and then went through a series of stations which took details of QR codes etc . Funniest bit was the one where they passed the kit in where the chap held up a phone number and we spoke while he gave instructions . Then directed into a bay where a very nice man instructed me and then told me to flash hazards for help. At the end he checked we had completed all the steps and we drove out dropping the test into a bin, everyone was super friendly and helpful and reassuring . Not sure how you would manage without phone or email though .

[SpnBaby1967]

The app triggered a test for me yesterday as well as I reported a sore throat. Was super easy, got the email around 9am. Booked through the government page straight away, loads of apps. Booked for 4PM. Centre is in my town so drove over, arrived around 20 minutes early.

Staff scanned my QR code and directed me to a bay where a very nice nurse/HCA conducted the test for me. I was glad she did it as I was worried I would have to do it myself and knew I probably wouldn't do it properly as it's really not comfortable.

Now to wait for the results (I'm expecting negative though)

[TheGreatWave]

I had my test today, very similar experience to Pease I had to do the swab myself so I am not entirely convinced how good it was, but we will see. It was army personnel running that one.

There was no issue with DH driving me, but it is advisable to take tissues, antibacterial gel, and then wipes and gloves are beneficial.

[DuaneDibbley]

My drive through test today was fine. Site run by Serco, they directed me to a bay where they tried to explain how to do the test. I said no, I want someone to do it for me (they hadn’t asked what I wanted) and they sent me to another bay where the army guys were waiting to do it. Uncomfortable but fine.

[TheGreatWave]

I didn't feel that there was the opportunity to say that I wanted someone to do it. It was very much "You need to do the test. That ok?" I just presumed I had no option.

[DuaneDibbley]

I was more confused than anything! I drove up, she said (Over the phone!) “ok I’m going to explain how to do the test”, and I said “oh are you not doing it for me?!” She said “ah if you want someone to do it then you need to go over there” - so I did

[WhatHaveIFound]

Has anyone had results yet? It's been over a week now and i've not heard anything though the news say that they could be up to 10 days now.

[Peaseblossom22]

I got my results in 24 hours by text . Test was 4.30 Tuesday got the results 5pm Wednesday

[BG2015]

The Zoe C-19 app triggered a test for me on Sunday. Booked for yesterday (Monday 11th) there were loads of slots all day. I had to drive 40 minutes to Stafford.

It was run by the army and was well organised and efficient. I didn't realise there was a choice about who did the test, that wasn't communicated to me so I'm not sure how well I did it. I'm hoping that I did it correctly because if not it's a total waste of mine (& everyone else's time)

The paperwork said 2-3 days before results come through and to ring after 5 days if nothing recieved.

[WhatHaveIFound]

Spoke to the helpline today so they've put a note on the system. Apparently if i haven't heard anything after 10 days I can request another test but it hardly seems worth it.

After the initial sore throat/headache i've had no other symptoms and have just run 5km so feeling fit and well.