Superdrug antibody test

[WindFlower92]

DH had one of these today as he had symptoms back in March. Was told afterwards that he had to post it himself, but would probably have missed the last post for today so results would take slightly longer. Would the fact that his blood has been sat around in a warm postbox affect the result? As surely all blood samples need to be kept refrigerated until they can be tested? Surely superdrug thought this through and we're just being stupid?

[Fatherbrownsbicycle]

No clue about the Superdrug antibody kit but 3 days in a post box does seem a bit long. Did it not say in the instructions anything about posting it back?
We have, on occasion, not refrigerated samples and it hasn’t affected the test results but no clue about your test kit.
Just had a quick look on the website, don’t mean to panic you more, but it says they have stopped their test kits & you have to book one of their nurse clinics to do the blood collection. How long has he had the test?

onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/coronavirus-antibody-test.html

[roboticaw]

Yeah. How on earth did you manage to order a test? These were halted weeks and weeks ago I'm
Sure

[WindFlower92]

We went into superdrug and a nurse did it for him. They then gave him the test to post. Why wouldn't they send it themselves or at least refrigerate it themselves?

[Fatherbrownsbicycle]

I would assume if they let you book in for a time that would miss the post then the sample must be okay for that length of time. If not, for that price, I would insist on them redoing it.
Do let us know-I’m curious now.

[WindFlower92]

So we emailed and asked - they said antibodies need higher temperatures than 30 degrees to break down so it should be okay. Test will come back inconclusive if not. Hoping for the result romorrow!

[perrymason]

Did you get result back windflower?
I spotted your post as I had the same - test on Saturday and then sample sat in postbox for 40+ hours in 30 + degrees heat.
I just got a negative which I'm surprised/disappointed by - have asked for them to categorically confirm this would have had no impact, because a quick google suggests the sample would be in bad shape by the time it was tested.

[Ponoka7]

My Black friend is taking part in Government research and her test didn't include any instructions on storing the blood. She had to do hers when her children went to bed and couldn't post until the next day. She is still testing positive for antibodies. Her first test was done in June.

[perrymason]

Thanks Ponoka7 that helpful.

Still curious to know what happened with windflower92 husband but sounds like mine just a negative.

[Cuddling57]

@perrymason I can understand you are disappointed but it doesn't mean you didn't have it and you may have just overcome it in a different way - T cells?

[perrymason]

Yes I know, thanks Cuddles57, and it wouldn't have changed my behaviour to have a positive (I know it doesn't necessarily mean you won't get again etc).

Would just have been good to have the confirmation that I def had it as would take away some of the fear if that makes sense. I didn't have it very badly (if it was) but had many of the symptoms and it has dragged out a long time now. So also now wondering what on earth it was, if not that!

[WindFlower92]

Just got it back today - negative! Which is a shame, but will keep an eye out for other tests in the future...

[perrymason]

Interesting Windflower.

I asked the nurse if she had any information on how the Superdrug test results were turning out and she said no but she really wished she did because (obviously) the vast majority of people she was taking blood from were pretty sure they had had it so she was interested to know neg v pos.

[WindFlower92]

I'd be interested to know too @perrymason! I've added it onto our zoe app results so hopefully they can make something of it if they get enough data! So annoyed it wasn't covid, as he never gets ill and his temp was over 40!

[Bells3032]

doesn't mean it wasn't covid. I know a few people who have tested positive for covid and then had the antibody test come back as negative. Means either the antibodies don't last that well or you may have fought it using t cells