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Original poster

Positive LFT but not taking PCR?

127 replies

DeerMyDear · 27/12/2021 21:10

My SIL has had a positive LFT and intends on not being in contact with anyone for then next 7-10 days (she lives alone). However, she’s decided not to take a PCR. She says she can’t see the benefit - she has (mild) covid, so doesn’t need confirmation of that. And a PCR test will put her in the system and she could be fined if she breaks any isolation rules.

She isn’t breaking the law as having a PCR test isn’t a legal requirement (isolating after getting a positive PCR is legal requirement), but it does feel like it’s going against the grain.

Any thoughts most welcome.

OP posts:
Fallagain · 28/12/2021 07:33

[quote humdingle]@Fallagain can you actually read? Try reading it again. It literally says she will not see anyone. 🙄

I have just had covid and thought I'd "do the right thing" by getting a PCR. Also because we plan on travelling soon.

But my god the harassment from T&T x 3 because it was for my kids too and it would be far too efficient to go through the contacts of everyone at once, so you have to sit through multiple interrogations and then each family member gets contacted as a contact even though they themselves have it... such a load of bollocks I don't think I'd bother again.

I worked throughout it all as well. It was a cross between a hangover and a cold, but Jesus Christ here we are still expecting people to avoid public places, work from home, wear masks etc etc and some people are desperate for further restrictions. Load of bollocks. [/quote]
Yes. I can read actually. Perhaps you would like to reread this sentence from your original post. “And a PCR test will put her in the system and she could be fined if she breaks any isolation rules.”

lanbro · 28/12/2021 07:45

I'm getting one today because we're travelling abroad in a few weeks so I need it on my passport...I might not bother though if I wasn't going away

DitheringBlidiot · 28/12/2021 07:59

So would the people who would actually get in the car/ go for a walk to the post box be the same people that cry "you can't even go go for a drive to get some fresh air WHAT IF YOU CRASH THE CAR"

Unless you need the covid result for something surely the best thing to do is stay indoors

itsgettingweird · 28/12/2021 08:08

@TooWicked

I wouldn’t get another PCR if I ever get covid again. Test and Trace were a pain in the arse with the phonecalls and emails,

I’d follow isolation rules, that’s all that matters.

They seem to have certain numbers that arrive in the system. Some people get called constantly and others not at all.

My brother got called 8am everyday. He was really unwell with covid and it actually didn't help because they kept waking him up!

So I can see why people would rather just isolate for the right thing rather than be disturbed everyday to check they are doing the right thing!

RisingSunn · 28/12/2021 08:17

Loads of people are doing the same.

ThettaReddast · 28/12/2021 08:26

Apparently this is becoming quite common. One individual doing it make little difference, but on a large scale it messes with the data used to make decisions. If reported cases are suppressed, then hospital admissions will look ‘worse’ per number of cases. For me I’d also want my health records to be accurate.

MiddleParking · 28/12/2021 09:59

@HiJenny35

It's really not up to her, it's obnoxious, if you test positive or have symptoms you are meant to do a pcr test, that's the end of it. If she needed to attend hospital for any reason in the next 90 days, travel abroad etc she'd need a negative pcr and would still be showing positive so would need it on the record as when she had it. As for trace being a pain, they call from the same number answer once and tell them you want no fuether calls and then block the number for 10 daya its not hard.
😂 it really very much IS up to her. And that actually is the end of it.
PugInTheHouse · 28/12/2021 10:01

I did the same, DS1 tested positive on LFT then PCR first, he had been to one place then school, he tested positive and the T&T call was ridiculous, it took 35 mins as we had to repeat so much information. A couple of days later I tested positive on LFT, I had been isolating with DS1 just in case, then DS2 got it. We hadn't been anywhere anyway so I didn't bother doing PCRs. If it hadn't been such a pain to give them the info I would have done the tests.

We all tested negative on LFTs within 5 days of the negative test so we weren't worried about a positive test later on within the 90 days. I was unwell and trying to work so did not need to spend loads of time answering T&T calls.

OliverBabish · 28/12/2021 10:05

I know a lot of people who have covid atm (according to LFT results) and none of them have PCR’d. They’ve isolated though.

Atmywitsend29 · 28/12/2021 10:12

Has she registered that she's had positive lft?

PCR testing confirms the positive result, identifies what strain she has and helps PHE track strains and mutations. It's such a minor inconvenience to take a pcr, especially if she's actually going to isolate anyway, I don't know why she wouldn't? It also helps them to keep track of what symptoms people are suffering from.

I know you say she doesn't want to be hassled by t&t but all they do is contact your close contacts, and ring every day or every couple days to make sure you're managing well, can give advice on managing any symptoms.

Elphame · 28/12/2021 10:18

I did the same. No need for a PCR

I just isolated myself for the 10 days and told those I’d been in contact with myself.

Job done.

NorthernSoul55 · 28/12/2021 10:37

We're doing the same... All positive on lfts but don't have the 'classic' symptoms, no cough, no temp, no change to taste or smell. So according to the govt we don't qualify for a pcr.

chiefcha · 28/12/2021 10:47

@NorthernSoul55 didn't you receive the information after you registered your positive LFTs to take PCRs? Oh let me guess, you didn't register them.

SoupDragon · 28/12/2021 10:51

I wouldn't bother with a PCR either. DS's results took so long to come through it was pretty much pointless. I would absolutely isolate as per the rules though.

MolkosTeenageAngst · 28/12/2021 11:04

[quote chiefcha]@NorthernSoul55 didn't you receive the information after you registered your positive LFTs to take PCRs? Oh let me guess, you didn't register them. [/quote]
I’ve never registered a LFT! Didn’t even know that was a thing you could do.

Nonnymum · 28/12/2021 11:08

If she is following isolation rules , she isn't putting anyone at risk. But for the record she should probably have a PCR.
I don't understand when you say she doesn't want a PCR as if she has one and breaks the rules it will be illegal if as you say she doesn't intend to break any rules anyway

BeLessMe · 28/12/2021 11:09

@ChimChimeny

I'd want to get it confirmed in case I needed to test for eg travel in the future & still tested positive.

Plus also if there are complications or it gets worse

Absolutely.

OP did she log her LFT at least?

Jabinderarm · 28/12/2021 11:14

Personally I know too many people with adverse reactions now to taking the Injection. Such as clots, breathlessness , stomach pains, shingles , headaches .. I’m worried about taking the booster. Haven’t felt right since my second ?

Summersdreaming · 28/12/2021 11:27

I travelled a few weeks after covid in summer and my lft and pcr were both negative. My understanding was the UK does not recognise recent infection and that would not 'forgive' a lingering positive on a pcr, so that argument doesn't hold. If you travel to a country that accepts recent infection, you would still be screwed on return to the UK if the day 2 pcr was positive.

peppaminttea · 28/12/2021 11:51

If Test and Trace harassment is the only thing stopping you from doing a PCR, block the number. Far better to have the PCR result and block T&T than not have the result on record.

T&T is blocked on my phone number after receiving dozens of calls (and emails) when all 6 in the household tested positive. It hot to the point where they were leaving voicemails (berating me for not answering) when I was on the phone to them, all whilst trying to work, honeschool 4 children and feeling pretty lousy due to having covid. But I would still take PCR's if needed.

MsFestiveReindeer · 28/12/2021 12:01

@NorthernSoul55

We're doing the same... All positive on lfts but don't have the 'classic' symptoms, no cough, no temp, no change to taste or smell. So according to the govt we don't qualify for a pcr.
Of course you qualify for a PCR. When you book it you tick the box that says it's to confirm a positive LFT, which is one of the big criteria for PCR testing.
chiefcha · 28/12/2021 12:32

@MolkosTeenageAngst there's a QR code on the LFT. Have you never wondered what that was for?

MolkosTeenageAngst · 28/12/2021 12:40

[quote chiefcha]@MolkosTeenageAngst there's a QR code on the LFT. Have you never wondered what that was for? [/quote]
I’ll be honest I had never even noticed that it was a QR code! Think I just assumed it was just some kind of manufacturing stamp/ logo although never really gave it any thought.

justasking111 · 28/12/2021 12:43

Going down like flies in Wales PCR test wise. The rub is there's not a LFT test to be had anywhere so unless you have symptoms no PCR TESTS.

Frankly as someone said since the start only 20% have tested positive so 80% have seemingly dodged it or had zero symptoms or not registered in Wales. But seeing as our figures are the highest in Europe going back a bit I think we'll survive

thecatsthecats · 28/12/2021 12:47

My mum has a condition that is severely aggravated by taking nasal or throat swabs.

She's asked us not to give her name as a contact if we test positive, and they will just isolate.

The rules aren't designed with individuals in mind, and since she has a degree specialism in epidemiology, I'm happy to take her call on this.