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Original poster

PCR test for nursery age child

25 replies

Purplelemon7 · 17/05/2021 05:53

Those with kids at nursery who are constantly getting bugs do you keep PCR tests at home? I’ve just ordered some and it says it will take up to two days plus another day or two for results so that would mean taking most of the week off from nursery even if the result is negative? Or are you all going to test centres and having it done. How do you find this with young children? Thanks

OP posts:
Ginuwine · 17/05/2021 05:56

I don't think you're being unreasonable

Finfintytint · 17/05/2021 05:59

It’s much quicker going directly to the test centres. It is between a 24 hour and 48 hour return but our area is coming back with results much before the 24 hours.

whatswithtodaytoday · 17/05/2021 05:59

We go to the test centre. The last lot of results took about 14 hours, so only one day off nursery.

smeerf · 17/05/2021 06:00

The second I realise one of them has a temperature, I book the next available test at the local drive through test centre and go. Results are usually back well under 24 hours so I often only miss one day of nursery for everyone (two for the child affected as they aren't allowed in 48 hours from having a fever).

Last night my eldest had a high temperature and was very unwell with it, I felt it was too cruel to bundle him in a car so I've booked a test this morning. I should get the result back soon enough that the youngest can attend nursery from tomorrow.

One of them has had a temp every week for the past month so we're old hands at this now.

Original poster
Purplelemon7 · 17/05/2021 06:08

Thanks, and at the centre you have to administer the test yourself right?

OP posts:
Finfintytint · 17/05/2021 06:10

Yes, you do it in your car or in a walk-in awning or gazebo.

Original poster
Purplelemon7 · 17/05/2021 06:13

Is it both throat and nose for kids?

OP posts:
FrancesFlute · 17/05/2021 06:16

Hi, I believe the home tests are for regular, asymptomatic testing. So if your child has symptoms you should be booking a proper test at a test centre. At least that is what my husband told me (who's a medic) but I'm happy to be corrected!

Our toddler has had three this year since he started nursery and has picked up everything going! Each time we've had to book him a test and self-isolate until a negative result. I have been using home tests regularly for a month or so, but they are in my name.

FrancesFlute · 17/05/2021 06:17

We've had different experiences at drive through centres. At two my husband was able to do the test on DS in back seat, at the last one, a nurse did it through the window.
Yes it is throat and nose swab just the same as an adult.

blueluce85 · 17/05/2021 06:21

I took my nearly 5 year old to a test center and struggled to swap and made her sick. I wish they had given me the advice at the time to just do both nostrils instead. That seems to be the advice that goes with young children.

Just to clear up... You can't keep PCR tests at home, you can order one for a symptomatic person or go to a test site.

You can only keep a stock of lateral flow tests for asymptomatic regular testing

SquigglePigs · 17/05/2021 06:27

We've only had to do one on our toddler so far luckily. We did a drive through (DH sat in the back because your aren't allowed to get out at all) and we got the results back the same day. For little ones is nose only, you don't have too try to do their throats , so it's easier in that way.

mn81987 · 17/05/2021 06:28

@FrancesFlute she wasn't talking about the lateral flow tests she was talking about ordering the same tests that you get at the test sites.

MinnieMountain · 17/05/2021 06:34

After our 7yo hated the throat swab so much the first time, we’ve done nostrils only 4 times. It’s always come back with a clear result.

Original poster
Purplelemon7 · 17/05/2021 06:40

Ah ok good glad it’s just nose and not nose and throat!

Wonder if we will have to do it ourselves or someone will kindly do it for us.

OP posts:
Dustyhedge · 17/05/2021 06:41

You can just do the nose with little ones. I don’t know anyone who has done both with theirs. My toddler has been quite easy to do. Doesn’t like it but sort of cracks on. My 4yo on the other hand seems to have some sort of ptsd from having it done. She becomes a quivering screaming wreck and I can’t get near her to do it properly. God knows what we’re going to do next time she needs a test as I think shes at the point where we’ll struggle without sedation which isn’t going to happen.

Dalooah · 17/05/2021 07:00

I'd rather someone else stuck things up my toddlers nose. Kids can hate a stranger for hurting them Grin

ItsSnowJokes · 17/05/2021 07:08

They will not do it for you. They are not allowed to swab under 12s it has to be done by the parent.

MindyStClaire · 17/05/2021 07:19

Here you have to do it yourself, but nostrils only. They don't let you get out of the car so bring two adults if you can - one to drive and manage all the bits, play a video on their phone etc, and one to sit in the back and do the actual swabbing.

It's better at a drive in site really as the car seat helps restrain them! DD has had a few and been fine - she does fight it but we get there and she knows she has to get her nose tickled and then it's home for chocolate buttons!

mynameiscalypso · 17/05/2021 07:22

As with so many things in a toddler's life, any shock/outrage at you sticking something up their nose can quickly be resolved with some chocolate buttons.

FrancesFlute · 17/05/2021 07:25

@mn81987, which are for when you have symptoms, not just to 'have in'

Shelby1981 · 17/05/2021 07:25

Here (East Midlands) at the drive through site they do the swab for you, whether it's adult or child. Just open the window and they swab you.

My 4 year old is unusual though, he kept going on about how much he liked it and wanted to go back?!

Keep hearing of people getting results in 12 hours but my last one (a week ago) was 40 hours Hmm

HazeyJaneII · 17/05/2021 07:26

@Purplelemon7

Is it both throat and nose for kids?
When we have been to the test centre it has been administered by us in the car and only up the nose
Puntastic · 17/05/2021 07:26

We always do them at home and they've been very quick. Test arrived next day, posted back and results texted the day after.

Meatshake · 17/05/2021 07:27

The last one we did they let the kids (2+4) do the inside of their cheeks

Original poster
Purplelemon7 · 17/05/2021 07:47

@Meatshake wow that would be great, hadn’t heard off that before

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