Mega Fail Self-testing - anyone else struggle as much as me?

[peanacat]

So I had a test this morning as I’ve developed a cough and it’s come back already but with an inconclusive result. I’ve since gone back and just done another test.

The place I did it is a self-testing drive through one so you do it all yourself. I reaaaally struggled with the throat swab. A natural reaction to something touching your tonsils (aside from gagging, which I did do) is my tongue to go in the way and my mouth to close! I really tried to do a good throat swab tonight when I went the second time but without a way of keeping my tongue out of the way etc I’m sure it’s going to be inconclusive again because it’s probably touched saliva. I really don’t want another test, I’ve spent over 2 hours getting tests and driving there today (not to mention fuel!)

Anyone else had struggles like me but then had a legit test come out of it? Or am I just a total fail?

A friend of mine had to do three tests this week, the first two were inconclusive and she was gutted as she said it was horrible. The third test was negative - day 5 at that point and she was kind of disappointed as she had so many symptoms. I haven’t had a test but it sounds quite unpleasant.

Might it be worth trying a home test? It's the same process, but you could do it in your bathroom with better light, a decent mirror, and in your own time.

(I did one monday and had no particular issue doing it. May depend on how sensitive your gag reflex is?)

I had one done in hospital before they would transfer me to the unit I needed to be in and I think it’s easier if someone else does it for you. I have a very sensitive gag reflex and had a sick bowl ready but it was needed. I just opened my mouth and shut my eyes and concentrated on breathing and it was all good - not one gag in sight! The nose one made my nose and eyes water but was over so quickly. Mine was negative but I have been isolating since March

I did mine at a self testing place and have to say it was fine. I opened my mouth really wide and used the mirror to really look at what I was doing. I gagged a little but that was it. Not denying it’s a different experience for others, but worth saying it’s not necessarily horrendous for all, I was so nervous beforehand based on what I’d read on here.

I think someone would have to do it for me! I gag having dental x rays so there's no way I can swab my tonsils!

Have you had your result yet OP?

I had one Monday, drive through self administered, result same night was unclear. I’m sure I didn’t do it right.

I couldn’t get another test on Tuesday as nothing available locally so went yesterday morning and did another self administered test, no result yet. I watched a YouTube vid before I went so I’m hoping this time I did it properly.

Ds had sore throat, cold, cough type symptoms then I had the same, he had a home test which was ordered Saturday night but didn’t arrive until Tuesday afternoon! Posted back using priority mail box Tuesday night and no results for him yet, his will likely be unclear, he’s autistic and was horrific trying to swab him and almost sure the sample won’t of been sufficient.

We’ve been in a week now, none of us are ill and I’m fairly sure it was just a cold but obviously needed to check, I just want to go out, so i am patiently waiting for the results to release us

Hope you aren’t waiting too long.

Would you believe! 10 seconds after I posted that my sons result came through by text as negative.

Just mine now and we are good to go.

I had to do my 1 year old last week after he developed a fever at nursery. It was almost impossible to do properly in the back of the car and there's no way I got it far enough up his nose despite my trying, he was hysterical and choking on his own mucus.
His result came back negative and he had no other symptoms but I'm completely unconvinced that his test was accurate.