Getting tested but had no symptoms

[Concerned7777]

So Coronavirus tests are more widely available now to the general public. Should you and your family be tested if no one is showing any symptoms ? ( Not front line workers ) is it a waste of NHS money?
Will it lead to those testing negative now taking more risks because they are clear and possibly end up contracting it at a later stage anyway?

[pfrench]

Why would anyone do that? Stupid.

There are key workers with symptoms who still can't get appointments for tests, let them do it first.

This is the whole 'worried well' issue in getting GP appointments and A&E queues.

[Concerned7777]

Probably government way of ramping up those testing figures I reckon.
It doesn't tell you if you have had it already nor will it stop you getting it in the future. I didn't see the point in it without symptoms but thought may be i was missing something

[StatisticalSense]

Looking at how low the positive rate currently is some people are almost certainly lying about having symptoms in order to get tested without symptoms unless there's another even greater spreading virus with identical symptoms going around. Unfortunately this is making it impossible for those who actually need tests to be tested in some cases but it's just about impossible to have a fail safe system.

[Concerned7777]

I maybe wrong but I think you can request a test without saying you have symptoms. I'm hearing from some friends they have requested home tests for the family none of which have been working/going to school (obviously school) during lockdown and have only gone out for essential food shopping. Tests arrived by courier and sent back to await results others have been able to book slots at the set up drive through stations.

[Redolent]

Some places in the US (eg LA) are offering free tests to everyone, symptoms or not. Good luck get a booking though.

[Cheaperbythetriple]

I don’t see the point. You could get a negative result then unknowingly come into contact with the virus the following day then you’d want another test to assess the symptoms

[PrayingandHoping]

No... people are lying. Unless you are a frontline nhs worker or work in a care home you can only have a test if you have symptoms. And they definitely ask.... several times throughout the procedure and are thorough. My friend was tested last week. She is a care worker but not in a home so has to have symptoms to be tested and she was asked a few times.

People are definitely lying because they don't understand the test.

[tootyfruitypickle]

I’m confused , can anyone with symptoms get a test now ? I thought it was only people who need to work out side the home. And by symptoms, are we talking about high temp and/or cough only? Or just feeling unwell?

[PrayingandHoping]

Symptoms is still temp and a cough

[tootyfruitypickle]

Just checked site and it’s still only nhs / care workers and if you work outside the home

[tootyfruitypickle]

Or part of one of those households

[Nonnymum]

Tests are not available to everyone, only for specific categorys of people.
1 people who leave the house to work and their household if the worker in the house has symptons
2 you work or live in a care home
3 NHS staff if they have symptons and their households
3 you are over 65 and have symptons and your household.
If your friend doesn't fit into any of those categories then maybe she is talking about a private on line test.

[ChablisandCrisps]

@tootyfruitypickle I work for the prison service, we have been advised that we and anyone in our household over 5 years old can be tested if displaying any symptoms so not just NHS and care workers now but wider key workers too.

[MsAwesomeDragon]

I'm a teacher and have just been sent instructions on how to order a self testing kit (they would prefer us to use a drive through centre but the nearest one of those is over an hour away!). Currently it is only available for teachers who are a) on the rota for key worker kids and b) experiencing symptoms (because you need to actually have a reason why you think you're ill). I would assume there are similar conditions attached to anyone who requests a test, but don't know them as we were only sent the relevant sections to teaching.

[PrayingandHoping]

@ChablisandCrisps you work outside the home. So if u have symptoms u get a test

[Baker1985]

I know a few people who have been tested with no signs or symptoms I don't understand why it's like booking a doctors appointment when your not sick.

[Concerned7777]

@Nonnymum I'm not sure how they have been eligible tbh. 1 person does work in the care sector but he hasn't been in work during the lockdown due to other health issues

[Concerned7777]

No one is showing any symptoms I dont know why get tested....

[SpnBaby1967]

I've been tested as a volunteer for the Kings College app, but I do have mild symptoms. But honestly, probably just hayfever 🤷‍♀️

[missloum]

In Scotland my partner is train driver there priority no.3 on list as key worker, he can get tested if symptoms and the household and it also states

If you are self-isolating because a person you live with has symptoms, you can refer them for testing. By testing others in your household we can be certain if you should be self-isolating or can return to work.

[Ilovecats14]

My partner was tested with no symptoms as he was advised to due to his work. He tested positive. Had no symptoms at all.

[Tartan333]

llovecats, is your partner still not experiencing symptoms? I wonder how many people really have it or have had it?

[LittleCandle]

DD2's GP requested for her to be tested on Friday, because she almost certainly has covid again. The testing centre rang her back and basically said that if she can breathe, she won't be tested. They are only testing people who require hospitalisation or who have just died. We are in Scotland, so perhaps the criteria for testing is different, but I doubt that everyone will get a test, ever.

[WhatHaveIFound]

I'm on the C-19 app and reported a sore throat. It then triggered a test invitation and talked you through bypassing the essential workers bit on the booking website.

The following day I had a headache & slight temperature but since then i've felt ok. Test was last Monday but no results back yet as apparently they're now taking 7-10 days.

Since the test won't show whether you've had it already I don't think it's worth wasting time having one if you're not showing any symptoms.

[Ilovecats14]

@tartan33 No hes still had no symptoms! No fever, no cough. He said he thinks the test is wrong as he feels fine. They told him to isolate for 7 days and increase it to 14 if he develops any symptoms.