Postal COVID tests - time limit?

[hairyfrogfish]

We live miles away (as in almost 30 miles away) from the nearest drive-through test centre.

On Monday, DD4 was complaining of a sore throat. She was off her food and grumpy. I took her temperature - it was 37.1 degrees, which of course is totally normal - except I know she is normally around 36.5 degrees.

Anticipating she might worsen, I ordered a COVID postal test for her. It took 48 hours to turn up... by which time she had of course completely recovered.

Does anyone know if you can hang onto the tests for the "next time" (and I'm sure there will be a next time, as she'll be back at school next week)? Obviously the test is linked to her profile on the GOV site, but is it time-sensitive, or can I just return it in - say - a couple of months when we next have a scare? It seems a waste to throw it away.

I’ve got one as had symptoms but time test had arrived it had turned into chest infection and I was on anti bio so didn’t need to do the test. I imagine as you register before you post it doesn’t become active until then. I doubt v much they keep track of what’s sent. I imagine they last good while as only a swab stick.

At work we have a months supply of covid tests, keep it till next time.

That's good to know. I just wondered if the actual test we were sent had a reference to the request that we sent out - and if we sent it back in, say 2 months' time, if it would negate the result.

Surely in that case, it would make sense for every family (who doesn't live near a test centre) to have a couple in stock, in order to avoid the 48 hour delay in getting hold of a test?