Please don’t lie to get a test

[TingTastic]

I’ve seen so many threads on here advocating lying on the form so you can get a test when you don’t have symptoms. Please don’t - it’s a waste of a valuable resource when there aren’t enough tests to go around www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53990068

Isn’t it an offence (fraud or something) to access a public resource when you don’t meet criteria?

If the government’s figures are right, then there is no issue with capacity. It looks like there’s a huge gap between the capacity and the number of tests they are processing.

There might be an issue with people with no symptoms ordering tests but I think what’s happening is that people don’t trust the government and are using the criteria used everywhere else to get a test.

The NHS trust I work for uses the same criteria for isolating & testing staff & household members, not just the 3 listed on the NHS website.

These tests are quite grim to carry out, so I cant imagine many stocking up. But if they become like 20 minute pregnancy tests, then the demand would be huge. People would take tests before going to meet vulnerable family members etc

You don't have to lie to get a test!

There are options when you go through:
Do you have symptoms - you can say no.
Why are you getting a test - other.

As PP says, if they don't want people to ask for tests in these circs they need to remove the options.

I am of been opinion that if we have capacity we should be using it fully each day to catch people who are asymptomatic it not having the confirmed symptoms.

I've been "invited" for tests after reporting symptoms (not the main covid ones, more things like runny nose or shortness of breath) in the Zoe app. You're allowed to say you fit the criteria for a test for their research reasons.

I still am not completely sure why we're not testing as many people as possible - I guess the aim is supposedly to do so in the "outbreak" areas although I'm not convinced this is being achieved.

The more clear we are about who does and doesn't have it, the less social distancing, masks etc will need to be happening. Obviously we can never be 100% sure though.

There needs to be better communication about it. If we turn up to work with a slight sniffle (no covid symptoms) then we have to go and test immediately otherwise we aren't allowed in the office for 2 weeks. It definitely feels like overkill.

I lied to get tested to see if a negative result would persuade the ward manager to let me visit my wife who had just received a terminal diagnosis (alone) and had to complete a DNR form and be advised no more treatment just palliative care. My negative test result did not sway to ward sister. I watched my wife fade each day from outside her ward window. They wouldn't let me in because the plan was for her to return home and they wouldn't let her home because she wasn't well enough. She finally was discharged "with weeks or a few months to live" and died two days later. Agony!

A few weeks ago we had thousands available locally, now just a handful. I think it is more of a case of capacity in the wrong areas. Agree with above pp, if there is an apparent 100,000 slack in the system, it is obviously in the wrong place.

Couple of weeks ago I went for a test with DD in the car. They were insisting she had a test too, even without symptoms. She declined, but the line then was that they were so quiet everyone was being offered tests regardless.

We need to stop blaming everyone when it’s the govt’s fault. And this is what they want - people blaming each other so it detracts from what a piss poor job they’ve done throughout.

People are being cautious (obviously some may be taking the piss a bit) but it’s better than no one testing and just cracking on.

Other countries are managing much better, so it can be done. We are just stuck with arrogant twats that can’t be bothered to get it right.

I still am not completely sure why we aren't testing as many people as possible

All a negative test does is stop you spreading it, it doesn't stop you catching it. A negative result could lead people into a false sense of security and loosen their SD precautions thinking its ok they arent passing anything on. You could get a negative test 1 day and catch it a week later. One off testing with no symptoms is pointless everyone would need to continue to have regular tests.

it seems another ill thought out plan.
When I was ill at the end of March, you couldn't get a test unless you'd been to Italy. I was doing the Zoe reports as soon as it started, recording my symptoms, but tests weren't given. About a month later I noticed if you had a symptom you were offered a test easily.

All a negative test does is stop you spreading it,

🤦‍♀️

That’s the whole bloody point of the testing. Finding people, even the asymptomatic cases who might be infectious is exactly why the international advice is test, test, test.

As opposed to the UK advice which of maybe we’ll test some people. Although I suppose that’s better than our previous position of we’ll only bother testing when you get sick enough to end up in hospital.

@joystir59

I lied to get tested to see if a negative result would persuade the ward manager to let me visit my wife who had just received a terminal diagnosis (alone) and had to complete a DNR form and be advised no more treatment just palliative care. My negative test result did not sway to ward sister. I watched my wife fade each day from outside her ward window. They wouldn't let me in because the plan was for her to return home and they wouldn't let her home because she wasn't well enough. She finally was discharged "with weeks or a few months to live" and died two days later. Agony!

I am so sorry. 💐

@RafaIsTheKingOfClay
If you are going to quote me please use the full sentence....... a negative test will not stop you catching it and I also added we'd need to continue testing without symptoms for that 1 test without symptoms to be of any value

joystir I'm so sorry for your loss. 💐

@joystir59 I am so sorry that you had to go through such an awful experience. I am sorry for the loss of your wife

"All a negative test does is stop you spreading it,"

How does that work? A negative test tells you that you didn't have the Covid genetic material in your sample at the time of the test. How would that knowledge stop you spreading it? You don't know whether or not you have Covid in your throat by the time you get the result.

A positive test is more helpful. It alerts you to the presence of the Covid material in your sample. With that knowledge you should self-isolate to avoid spreading it.

And, of course, alert your contacts, if you have a positive test.

All a negative test does is stop you spreading it, it doesn't stop you catching it.

🤦‍♀️

Stopping people spreading it is the whole bloody point of the testing. Finding people, even the asymptomatic cases who might be infectious is exactly why the international advice is test, test, test.

As opposed to the UK advice which of maybe we’ll test some people. Although I suppose that’s better than our previous position of we’ll only bother testing when you get sick enough to end up in hospital.

I got a test the other day as I had a headache,sore throat, no sense of smell or taste, by the time it arrived In the post the symptoms had gone so I haven't done it. I suspect that's happened often.

by the time it arrived In the post the symptoms had gone so I haven't done it

You should still have done it. When I had it my symptoms only lasted 2 days.

I didn't think you had to lie, you can just request one.
I had one the other day as I had symptoms. I booked an appointment within half an hour of going online and the test centre was empty, they offered to do my whole family including DC 'if I wanted.' So no shortage round here.
I had my results in under 24 hours too.

You don't need to lie to get a test. You can book one even if you don't have symptoms and you don't have to say you do.

You don't need to be having symptoms to book a test. There are lots of reasons people are being asked to test (as part of research studies - they are still asked to go to community testing sites, if they are having a hospital procedure, for work, because it has been requested for whatever reason by a school or other setting).

There’s no shortages of tests. I was in hospital recently and told by doctor to get a test the following week. No Covid symptoms, he said they want more people tested, that I had to be admitted meant I was more at risk

@Ohfrigginghellers nope never had a fever. Today I've got a bit of a sinus pain. Temperature is 36.1