False negative test?

[Dancingmuppet73]

My Dh went for a drive through test, not self administered and the result has just come back negative.
He has all the symptoms of coronavirus, even to the point of 111 sending an emergency ambulance and a trip to A&E followed. The paramedics who saw him and the doctor in the hospital said they were sure it was coronavirus, he was still awaiting the result then.
Now in theory I assume I could release the kids out into public as none of them or me are showing any symptoms but I'm not going to as my dh is still very unwell.

Just wondering if anyone else has had experience of a possible false negative?

[Baggiegirl]

From what I’ve read it’s probably only about 80% sensitive. I personally know of people who initially tested negative even in hospitals who subsequently tested positive. Therefore if I were you I would continue to treat as probable Covid. GPs are being advised to stay off work for 7 days even if they have a negative test

[Dancingmuppet73]

Thanks for replying, yes I think that's what we're best doing treating it as covid. Only another 8 days to go assuming the rest of us don't start with symptoms!

[MaryBerrysBomberJacket]

I had a family member who tested negative in hospital despite severe symptoms; he tested positive again about 6 days later but was on a ventilator by then. Statistically most testing will always have a degree of error.

[Dancingmuppet73]

Thanks MaryBerrys, I hope your family member is getting better now.