PCR test before C-section - had covid before

[tudorqueenie]

Hi all,
I'm having a planned C-section on the 5th of January. I tested positive for Covid (both lateral flow & PCR) on the 15th of December. I am now obviously out of isolation - but a midwife said that PCR tests should not be done within 90 days as they will show up positive. However - the hospital is having me do a PCR. I told them that I had covid within 90 days. I'm happy to do the test but what if it comes back positive - Which it most likely will! So what's the point in doing one🤣

It will just help inform what order they do you and theatre cleaning. If you still show positive depending on their protocols you may for example be the last section of the day to minimise risk of cross infection.

unfortunately that makes sense! Thank you. I hope it won't show up positive but based on what I've read I'm pretty sure it will.

I think for most people the PCR will be negative much, much earlier than 90 days. Family members have had negative ones (having had to have due to new symptoms) after less than 3 weeks, and I’m sure I’ve read average time to negative test is around 25 days but obv can be earlier so fingers crossed xx

I really really hope it will be negative 🤞🏻 it will have been 20 days tomorrow when they do the test.

It’s definitely an added worry you don’t need isn’t it!

It really is!

I work in theatres. In my trust we have a separate "green" theatre for elective caesareans. Anyone with an unknown Covid status (PCR hasn't come back in time or is missing) or positive result is done in our "red" (emergency) theatres. All it usually means is that we get you done when we can, rather than having a set time. If you're positive, ideally we'd like you to be wearing a mask for the entire procedure. Also, a positive result determines how much PPE we have to wear.

Good luck! Hopefully your PCR comes back negative anyway.

@Dyra

I work in theatres. In my trust we have a separate "green" theatre for elective caesareans. Anyone with an unknown Covid status (PCR hasn't come back in time or is missing) or positive result is done in our "red" (emergency) theatres. All it usually means is that we get you done when we can, rather than having a set time. If you're positive, ideally we'd like you to be wearing a mask for the entire procedure. Also, a positive result determines how much PPE we have to wear.

Good luck! Hopefully your PCR comes back negative anyway.

Thank you so much for this!

In my trust (as a midwife) we're not allowed to do a PCR on anyone who's tested positive in the last 90 days so I would really double check this with them before they swab you. We've had a couple of instances where a whole load of hassle has been caused by PCRs coming back positive that didn't need to be done as we know it was within 90 days. Unfortunately once done, they have to be acted on.

@littlemissalwaystired

In my trust (as a midwife) we're not allowed to do a PCR on anyone who's tested positive in the last 90 days so I would really double check this with them before they swab you. We've had a couple of instances where a whole load of hassle has been caused by PCRs coming back positive that didn't need to be done as we know it was within 90 days. Unfortunately once done, they have to be acted on.

Right?! Exactly! I will 100% double-check this with them. Thank you!

UPDATE - the hospital decided not to test us as it would come back positive. So this is good news. But does this mean that they automatically consider us as having covid?😂

No they won't, as long as you're not symptomatic hope it all goes well.

Just realised it's the 5th today! How are you?

No, I had that same thing except they tested me and it said.. you guessed it.. positive. They just ignored it, ok ward with everyone else.

Good luck.

Thank you so much everyone. I was third on the list and baby was born at 3.40pm! :) no issues with covid thankfully!