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Original poster

help cant get a test!!

25 replies

cretelover · 09/09/2020 12:25

Came down with a cough. Have tried and tried to get a test this morning, first nothing was available now home kits are available. My question is if I book a home test does that disqualify me from getting a drive through if they become available this evening? anyone done this? Thanks

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Cornettoninja · 09/09/2020 12:27

Why would you not just use the home kit? It might take a little longer but the alternative is 14 days isolation so it’s better than nothing.

If you order a home kit it can’t be redistributed if you then have a test at a centre so yes, you’ll waste a test.

MiteBiteatNite · 09/09/2020 12:29

Find out where your local mobile testing is today. It should be on your local authorities website. Drive up there and ask to be tested. Worst case scenario they'll say no, but they'll probably just test you anyway. If not, drive home again and order a kit. Just don't do both.

Original poster
cretelover · 09/09/2020 12:31

I'm a key worker so need to get back to work asap.
@MiteBiteatNight I didnt think there would be any point?

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Lockdownseperation · 09/09/2020 12:32

Keep trying. New slots are released at 10am and 8pm but there maybe other times too.

Augustbreeze · 09/09/2020 12:34

Key workers should be able to get a priority test, ask your employer:

www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

(I've no idea how well this is working at the moment however.)

Snailsetssail · 09/09/2020 12:37

Does your employer have any tests? Schools have 10 each.

puzzleboxes · 09/09/2020 12:37

I couldn’t get a test online until I put that my symptoms had started a couple of days before (rather than being honest that they’d started that day) and suddenly there were loads of slots. Don’t know whether it was a coincidence or if they’re prioritising people who are further into the ‘window’ of ‘within 3 days’ but it’s worth a try for you.

WildCherryBlossom · 09/09/2020 12:38

New slots are released throughout the day (I was told 1pm was one of the times new slots become available). Also check for walk through test centres as well as drive through. You may be able to park near a walk through test centre.

Cornettoninja · 09/09/2020 12:41

@Augustbreeze

Key workers should be able to get a priority test, ask your employer:

www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

(I've no idea how well this is working at the moment however.)

Exactly and if you’re still struggling, as you’re a key worker, you need to talk to your occupational health department who may be able to help.
Original poster
cretelover · 09/09/2020 12:43

thanks everyone. I have the key worker code thanks, still not speeding anything up. Work doesn't have any tests, I've checked. I've tried for walk through too. I'll try saying the symptoms started earlier and also check at 1!

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MiteBiteatNite · 09/09/2020 13:00

@cretelover

I'm a key worker so need to get back to work asap. *@MiteBiteatNight* I didnt think there would be any point?
It's what I and several others did yesterday. I also know several families who have done so today. We were all tested at the mobile testing site nearest to us. Surely it's a better bet than keep trying to no avail? Just Google XYZ council mobile testing sites and it will bring up where they are today and what times. Then just drive up, they'll ask if you booked and you say no, then (speaking from experience and that of a the others I've spoken to over the past few days) they'll explain you need to call and register your test when you get home. Do your test, they give you a receipt and registration card which tells you how to register it and just wait for your results.
Original poster
cretelover · 09/09/2020 13:17

Blimey I didn't think that would work! are you in a high risk area though?

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Original poster
cretelover · 09/09/2020 15:33

Ok so tried to go to my local test centre. Wouldn't even let me inside the gate without a booking. No tests available at all now, not even home ones.

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Thirtyrock39 · 09/09/2020 15:37

I was tempted to try driving up to local test centre - worth knowing there is no point

KentMum2008 · 09/09/2020 16:37

@cretelover

Blimey I didn't think that would work! are you in a high risk area though?
Nope, very low risk so there's very few testing sites about. But the ones that are, are completely empty.

I wouldn't say there's no point in trying. It's worth a shot, if the alternative is no test at all surely. I know personally 6 families who have done this over the last 2 days, and most of them know at least 1 other family who has done it too. It needs to be the mobile testing sites though, not the permanent ones. They're pretty strict.

If the testing centre is near enough, surely it's a far preferable alternative. Incidentally, we just got our results, 29 hours later. Negative as we suspected, but school and DH work wouldn't even entertain them going back without being tested.

Original poster
cretelover · 09/09/2020 16:41

See update - sent away with a flea in my ear !

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lifesalongsong · 09/09/2020 16:43

@Thirtyrock39

I was tempted to try driving up to local test centre - worth knowing there is no point
There must be regional variations, a friend of a friend works at a local drive in place and I know for sure you can turn up and if they have tests left they will test you.
Original poster
cretelover · 09/09/2020 17:06

yes I guess so, I'm quite close to (and the centre too)a local lockdown area so can't imagine there would be many spare tests!

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Original poster
cretelover · 09/09/2020 17:07

I'm sure the stress of it is making my cough worse!

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Asgoodasarest · 09/09/2020 17:12

Keep trying, I had a right time of it yesterday but managed a pretty local one eventually. I also came all the way out as well as refreshing. You could try 119 too? A guy there tried to book me a test and asked if I was a key worker (I’m not). Hope you’re feeling better soon.

FredaFox · 09/09/2020 17:14

If you do get a home one, I found it quick, it came the next day by amazon!

Original poster
cretelover · 09/09/2020 17:27

@Asgoodasarest

Keep trying, I had a right time of it yesterday but managed a pretty local one eventually. I also came all the way out as well as refreshing. You could try 119 too? A guy there tried to book me a test and asked if I was a key worker (I’m not). Hope you’re feeling better soon.
What time did you get yours at? Have tried coming out of the page now you've said it. Tried 119 and got fed up waiting after an hour. Thanks
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Motorina · 09/09/2020 17:58

Keyworker (NHS) priority testing worked for me today. Filled in the form at half nine, had a callback within an hour, and a test at lunchtime.

Unlike the drivethrough I did a few weeks ago I was swabbed by a nurse. It was much more thorough and, 5 hours later, my nose still feels raw from it. Which does make me wonder about the efficacy of self-administered tests.

Asgoodasarest · 09/09/2020 20:10

Sorry just saw this again. Have you had any luck? I tried for a couple of hours and then got a test for three hours later in the end. Hope you get it sorted.

Original poster
cretelover · 10/09/2020 22:01

I did eventually get a test, tried all day yesterday and at 6pm got one for this morning. Now the family have it too, so booked 2 more for tomorrow .....grrrr

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