DD temperature but I'm sceptical about testing

[Delphine31]

DD has a mild temperature at 37.9.

A few weeks ago I took her for a test as she had a similar temperature on a day she should have been going to nursery and their policy was that the child should get a test (I don't think it was government policy at that point that anyone with a fever should get a test).

DD was as compliant as I could expect any 3 year old to be. She didn't make a fuss but her reflex worked against me swabbing her tonsils for 10 seconds. She wasn't keen on the nostril swab either.

I just cannot see that these swab tests are getting reliable results on young children but if that was the case would it come back with an 'invalid' result rather than 'negative' if you hadn't managed to execute the swab sufficiently well.

DD isn't due at nursery for the next three weeks so that's not the issue here. We're quarantining ahead of a trip to see my parents anyway so have a week minimum of isolating planned as it is.

If the tests were more convincing (ie a blood test) I'd 100% be taking DD for a test but it is almost impossible to follow the swab instructions with a young child.

You have my sympathy - I can't imagine having to swab my own child - I didn't realise parents were expected to do this themselves and I worry that this is going to lead to a lot of false negatives. Anyway, to answer your questions - no the test doesn't differentiate between negative and inadequate sampling so if you get a negative you won't know if it's a true negative or due to you not being able to get a good sample.

Bearing in mind that it's a hot day and her temp isn't technically over 38 I might hold off getting tested.... (hides head under desk for fear of flaming!). Hope she perks up soon.

Thanks Moo

It’s so difficult! She has a slight temperature and a runny nose and is a bit grumpier than usual but it seems like run of the mill toddler/preschool stuff.

I’m loathe to put us in a hot car to go and get a test which is unlikely to give a valid result and which will make her even hotter given the wait in a hot car.

Our local centre instructs you to swab children's throats whereas I've read that most test centres tell you to swab nostrils only.

I'm wondering how I can find a test centre that will just let us do the nostrils only swab.