I've taken test too early

[zoidforth]

I’m an idiot. I've taken the test but I don't think I am supposed to until an hour before the postman collects it. Should i put it in fridge or have I just completely messed it up?

You are meant to take it between 9pm the night before collection and before 7am on the day of collection.

Ah this said to post it one hour before that box is collected by the posty

I did my sons at 2 yesterday. We put it in the post box at 3. Last collection waas 4.30. I didnt think it said it had to be an hour before last collection?

Okay maybe it isn't too important then. It said it in the email instructions. Perhaps there are different tests!

It did say to put it in box an hour before collection but I just assumed it meant so you didnt miss last collection and not sitting in box for ages? Maybe I read it wrong. I doubt a few hours will make much difference as long as it gets collected today

Yes!

Is this for an antibody test? We have taken two tests for active cv and they both tell you to arrange a courier and not to out on the post box?

You have to post them yourself now? When DH did his they sent a RM courier to collect it.

Oh ok I guess it’s antibody test

@Jrobhatch29

It did say to put it in box an hour before collection but I just assumed it meant so you didnt miss last collection and not sitting in box for ages? Maybe I read it wrong. I doubt a few hours will make much difference as long as it gets collected today

Errr this is odd, have the rules changed? I took a postal home test just 3 weeks ago and the only option was to get it collected by a specialist/dedicated courier as it’s basically a biohazard? I assumed you can’t just throw it in the postbox to prevent cross contamination....

“The test kits are time sensitive and expire after 48hours of the swab being taken. That is why you need to plan to complete your test and then take it to the priority postbox, 1 hour before the last collection. If your sample is completed too early this may reduce the accuracy of your results” Are the instructions on my test kits

We have to put them in priority post boxes.

That’s interesting, the rules changed then. Or maybe I just don’t have a priority post box near me.

A bit weird that the government want people with coronavirus symptoms out in public to post their tests in the box though - aren’t they supposed to self isolate until they receive their result?

Yes all a bit weird tbh. Maybe they don't have the resources. I'll just have to send it at 4 and see what happens. A priority postbox is one that is collected first in the area I think! Or has multiple collections throughout the day.

You put in post box now. Its very odd just throwing it in with peoples mail and a bit unfair on postman too 🙈

Ahh! I went to my postbox the other day (to post a letter) and there was a label saying 'priority post box' which had me wondering, but now it's clear!!

I do weekly tests ( without symptoms) and use my local priority post box. Last week i happened to arrive at same time as postie and he had special gloves to wear and a special bag to put it in.
To be fair it is pretty secure and the virus is unlikely to "escape". It is in a plastic vial, then in 2 plastic bags and then in a box with a security sticker on.

BUT if you have covid symptoms (hence testing) you shouldn't be leaving the house. Those instructions haven't changed. You are risking spreading the virus!!! A dedicated courier (who you book prior to taking your test) collects the very next day.

@ThatDamnScientist
I wasn't given this option. I followed what the government sent me.

@ThatDamnScientist

BUT if you have covid symptoms (hence testing) you shouldn't be leaving the house. Those instructions haven't changed. You are risking spreading the virus!!! A dedicated courier (who you book prior to taking your test) collects the very next day.

Not anymore. The instructions are to put in post box. I think you can book a courier if you live alone or other circumstances

Household of 4 inc. one essential worker (not NHS) and we've just received tests today which tell us the post them an hour before the last collection in the priority postbox (three nearest ones are listed). We are doing them tmw. No mention or option of it being collected. Missing the point of the thread BUT Anyone got any tips for testing two 3 year job olds?

Household of 4 inc. one essential worker (not NHS) and we've just received tests today which tell us the post them an hour before the last collection in the priority postbox (three nearest ones are listed). We are doing them tmw. No mention or option of it being collected. Missing the point of the thread BUT Anyone got any tips for testing two 3 year job olds?

@ThatDamnScientist

BUT if you have covid symptoms (hence testing) you shouldn't be leaving the house. Those instructions haven't changed. You are risking spreading the virus!!! A dedicated courier (who you book prior to taking your test) collects the very next day.

This is no longer the case. There are priorty post boxes that these are put in.

@doublethecuddlestwinmum

Household of 4 inc. one essential worker (not NHS) and we've just received tests today which tell us the post them an hour before the last collection in the priority postbox (three nearest ones are listed). We are doing them tmw. No mention or option of it being collected. Missing the point of the thread BUT Anyone got any tips for testing two 3 year job olds?

Your household is the same as ours(inc keyworker) and we did the last lot of tests at the weekend. My last test prior to that was a month ago and courier collected on a Sunday (result back late monday!). Both were courier collection (although still awaiting results for this round of tests).

How odd that they are giving different advice out - I am perplexed by them sending possibly contagious people out to post boxes when the nhs site (and gov site) still says do not leave your house for any reason if you have any symptoms. (Not disputing that is what posters have been told but just gobsmacked at the ineptitude shown by the powers that be!)

I wondered what that priority label on my local post box was!