How long for test results?

[mnahmnah]

Hi

DH has gone to get tested this morning at one of the drive through centres. It says it takes 48 hours for the results. Has anyone else done this please? Was it 48 hours, sooner or longer for results? Thanks!

@wembollian

There have been people on this thread that have said they got their results on a weekend, so I think the 5 days must include the weekend. They’ll be working round the clock in the labs I’m sure

I got tested yesterday and the result came through tonight - so about 35 hours.

It was negative, so no idea of why I am feeling so shit. I wish it had been positive so at least I would know. But like kindness I am not sure I did it for long enough as I was gagging so much.

Wish I hadn't even bothered going.

So it seems only 20% of people tested get a positive result (seems more around 10% for those in the extended group) - yet the majority are only being tested when they supposedly have symptoms - so either the tests are not to be trusted at all, or covid-19 isn't ripping through society like we are led to believe.

Went for a test yesterday afternoon at a drive through place. Results have just arrived via text.

And the advice on the text from the NHS is stop self isolating and basically go out. I can't help but think the testing as it is currently done is doing more harm than good.

I feel an absolute fraud, 4 days off work, house shut down and there is apparently nothing wrong with me.

So it seems only 20% of people tested get a positive result (seems more around 10% for those in the extended group) - yet the majority are only being tested when they supposedly have symptoms - so either the tests are not to be trusted at all, or covid-19 isn't ripping through society like we are led to believe.

But I don't think we havw been led to believe that. The whole point of the lockdowns is so that the virus doesn't rip through society. I think what's happened is that people have convinced themselves they've had it because they want to believe they got it over and done with and so in their minds they're now 'safe'

So it's probably right how so many people think they had it but got a negative result. This is because the tests are correct and less people have had it yet than us citizens think

Even in the worst hit areas, northern Italy for example only about 20% have had the virus, maybe even less and more like 10%. This is why governments have always warned that there might be rolling lockdowns. Easing of restrictions and then back into full lockdown and repeat for as long as it takes.

It's going to be a long long haul until we get anywhere near enough herd immunity and back to some kind of normal. Many months, maybe even a year

I’ve a hacking dry cough, no fever since Saturday. Went for a test today at local NHS hospital offering a drive through service for staff (I work in another healthcare area). They were really efficient I must say, I was driving out with tears streaming from the nose swab within 5 minutes. They said 2-3 days for the result which they will phone through although my manager says she has online access so will keep an eye too.

@TheGreatWave I'm wondering if a negative will be reassuring at all because I'll worry I didn't do it properly! I could kick myself-an hours drive each way to the nearest one!

Anyone had results today?

@Lighteninginabottle27 why does a mum friend having symptoms mean you need to be tested? That makes no sense.

No results so far. Day 5 now after testing. DH has missed a week of work.

Partner had her test last Thursday (over a week ago).

Had FIRST result via text and email on Sunday night. POSITIVE.

Had SECOND result via text and email early today. NEGATIVE.

Absolutely no explanation offered as to what the hell this is supposed to mean, and no means of cantacting anybody at all regarding this.

We have lost all faith in this system. Clearly doesn't work. Either there are data entry mistakes, or result mistakes, or accidental retests, or mislabelling, or...probably all and more.

However you look at it, the fact is that it should be impossible to send out positive and negative results based on a SINGLE test, one of them outside the timeframe allowed, and with ZERO explanation. There clearly should be automatice safeguards in place against this.

champion Goodness, this whole testing malarkey is turning into quite the farce.

I am thankful it is the long weekend, I will continue with the self Isolation which would have ended Sunday night and return to work on Monday. I have had something shortness of breath, cough and temperature so who knows.

@AldiAisleOfCrap I just meant that I wouldn't of thought of going for a test, I would of put it down to hayfever. The mum friend had no cough but still tested positive which made me more aware that indidnt need to have all the typical symptoms to be positive.

I have just returned from testing centre in Scotland, very calm atmosphere. Very well organised and only one other car. I was told to text a number, then called by nurse to come round the drive thru, parked and my swab was taken. Then given a wee letter away. Test result can take anything between 24-48 hours to arrive via text.

@ChampionRabbit how bizarre! How are you feeling now?

It's quite mad. As it stands, I will be able to leave the house in a couple of days because I'm 7 days post symptom start, without a test result. But DH will need to remain at home because my results haven't come through.

@Lighteninginabottle27 ah I see that makes sense, sorry.

The great wave, if you have symptoms then why are you saying 'there is nothing wrong with you'? This test only looks for CV, not the many other viruses that are around. I am sorry you are disappointed with your negative result but your reaction seems a bit strange. Most people would be relieved to receive a negative result, not angry.

Because any other time you would just think nothing of it, yet because I was showing symptoms at this time my household basically had to shut down. If there is an easing of lockdown then people can't be locking down for a fortnight continually because someone in the house has a cough.

There is an awful lot going round then with very similar symptoms as so many with symptoms are testing negative.

Or maybe the tests especially with self administered are not actually that accurate. And that what makes me angry, because basically the NHS says that I can go back to "normal" even when supposedly showing symptoms, I would be more reassured if it had said "negative, but finish your 7 days"

Sorry just to add, if they are basing policies on the outcome of these tests, then they need to be as damn close to 100% accurate as possible and not involve people in a car, trying to balance stuff on their knee as they stick a swab stick down their throat for probably the first time ever. What you are actually left with, did I do it right and it is negative, or did I actually do it right so therefore can the result be trusted?

If I was certain the test was carried out correctly then I would be happy.

Second should be did I do it wrong

Still no test results here - day 4 now, and still remembering the warning of it taking up to 10 days.

DH looking set to have to miss some of next week at work now too.

I feel a bit annoyed by it all, which might be unreasonable but it's true. I was hoping for a 48 hour result and back on with our lives.

So last night I phoned the number on the registration card from the test centre, which was 02035143817. The lady was pleasant, but took no details and said it was just taking longer, so wait.

Today, I looked at the instruction sheet I was given and that had a different number 03003032713. I phoned that and the man was really helpful. He took my details, attempted to register me again and got a notification that the test had already been registered. Then he sent an email to someone which he said may speed things through a little.

So although I haven't had any result, I at least feel like I've taken a step forward.

Are you all key workers? If it how do you get a test? X