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Original poster

Covid tests not picking up latest strains?

16 replies

Gaby5 · 10/08/2023 12:38

Has anyone read anything about Covid tests not picking up the latest strains and so reporting a false negative?

If so, does anyone know if there are any lateral flow brands that might have been updated so they do register the latest variants? If so, please could you point me in the direction of them?!

Thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Gaby5 · 10/08/2023 12:58

Hopeful bump

OP posts:
Bluevelvetsofa · 10/08/2023 13:04

We’ve just had it and tested positive immediately.

Original poster
Gaby5 · 10/08/2023 13:31

DH has all the symptoms and got a negative lateral flow. But, these are tests obtained about 18 months ago. His symptoms remain and I’ve now read that the latest strains may not be showing up on the older tests. I wondered if this was true and if any newer test brands exist which have specifically been updated to recognise the latest strains.

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ApolloandDaphne · 10/08/2023 14:01

He probably has another virus, not Covid. Why does it matter really? He needs to treat it like any other virus and stay at home if he feels terrible.

Maddy70 · 10/08/2023 14:09

Two of my friends have justvteatwd positive so they are definitely working

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 10/08/2023 14:14

DH and I have both been really poorly with what I was sure was COVID. Had all the symptoms and felt just like I did the last 3 times I've had COVID. But we both tested negative so I just assumed that was the case.

Wheresthebloomingsummersunshine · 10/08/2023 14:26

Been in bed for 2 days feeling as rough as a badgers bum. All symptoms feel exactly like when I've had covid twice before, but still -ve on test. I'm assuming it IS covid, and that it'll pass in a day or two with paracetamol and fluids.

Original poster
Gaby5 · 10/08/2023 14:55

ApolloandDaphne · 10/08/2023 14:01

He probably has another virus, not Covid. Why does it matter really? He needs to treat it like any other virus and stay at home if he feels terrible.

It matters because I have finally come to the top of a long waiting list for complex surgery next week. They have said they will give me a Covid test beforehand and if I have Covid - the operation is cancelled.

I will be in hospital for some time - if DH wants to visit me, they will also give him a Covid test. If he has Covid, he can't visit me.

That is why it matters.

OP posts:
goldensquaresofjoy · 10/08/2023 14:56

Gaby5 · 10/08/2023 14:55

It matters because I have finally come to the top of a long waiting list for complex surgery next week. They have said they will give me a Covid test beforehand and if I have Covid - the operation is cancelled.

I will be in hospital for some time - if DH wants to visit me, they will also give him a Covid test. If he has Covid, he can't visit me.

That is why it matters.

Show quote history

Best of luck

Lovehearts82 · 10/08/2023 14:57

I'm currently positive and it came up straight away on both the new tests we had at work and the old ones I had from when I got them off the gov website last year.

Soontobe60 · 10/08/2023 14:58

Gaby5 · 10/08/2023 14:55

It matters because I have finally come to the top of a long waiting list for complex surgery next week. They have said they will give me a Covid test beforehand and if I have Covid - the operation is cancelled.

I will be in hospital for some time - if DH wants to visit me, they will also give him a Covid test. If he has Covid, he can't visit me.

That is why it matters.

Show quote history

You’ve said you used older tests, at the hospital I’m sure they will use the latest tests. If the test is negative, they will assume you dont have covid. Same with your DH.

Pinkitydrinkity · 10/08/2023 14:59

How long has he had symptoms for?

It took 3 or 4 days from symptoms starting for me to test positive, which was about a week after being in contact with the offending infected person.

Original poster
Gaby5 · 10/08/2023 15:01

He's had symptoms since last Thursday, and it's not shifting.

I know the hospital will use the latest tests - I'm wondering if any of the 'latest' ones are available to the public or if they're hospital only. If DH does have Covid then I need to know. I would have to try to isolate in the house etc.

OP posts:
ApolloandDaphne · 10/08/2023 15:04

@Gaby5 My point still stands though because if you get the virus he has even if it isn't Covid they won't do the surgery so you need to be isolating from him one way or another. I hope you manage to stay well to get your operation.

Pinkitydrinkity · 10/08/2023 15:04

You can just buy tests in Boots and Tescos, you could try them?

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 10/08/2023 15:53

I'd just keep trying with the tests in the build up. Might cost you a bit though as they aren't cheap.
Fingers crossed it isn't COVID. If it isn't, there is definitely a horrible cold going round at the moment. Proper took me out for a week!

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