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Original poster

I have managed to get a test but due to post collection times, it is going to be pointless???

32 replies

Crunchymum · 18/09/2020 08:17

After 48h I've managed to get a home test.

Unless it arrives today (highly unlikely) it will be pointless as if its not posted before midday tomorrow it can't go until Monday and then it's too late.

The system is broken on a level I didn't even think about???? Had I been able to get one yesterday, it would have been fine.

OP posts:

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 18/09/2020 08:22

We have a couple of post offices near us (inside shops) which are open Sunday. Have you checked where near you would be open on a Sunday?

Bimbleboo · 18/09/2020 08:33

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz even the ones open on a sunday, there’s no post collection. The actual post office counter might be open but any post dropped off will just sit there until Monday I’m afraid. :(

Original poster

Crunchymum · 18/09/2020 08:45

The email confirming the test specifically states not to go to a post office.

There is a number to call so I'll wait and see when the test turns up and assess our options.

I either need to do the test by 11am tomorrow or 5pm Monday. Symptoms started about that time on Weds. So I don't think Monday is going to work.

OP posts:

JS87 · 18/09/2020 09:29

If symptoms started on Wednesday then you have 5 days to do the test so Monday should be fine. When the test arrives it may also give details of when you can do it relative to posting it. For example, it would be better to do the test on Sunday if it says you can do it the day before posting.

Original poster

Crunchymum · 18/09/2020 16:03

@JS87

It already says on the email NOT to do a test on the Sunday. I'm sure I also read do it an hour before posting and check post collection times.

I've had an email to say it will be here tomorrow, before 8pm. Hoping it comes first thing though, otherwise we lose 36h (half Sat and whole of Sunday!). Which just isn't good enough when it took 48h to get a test to begin with.

We are going to end up isolating due to a issues out of our control (how long it took to get a test, day we receive the test etc..)

Child woke up with cough on Weds AM, so I'm making that at Sunday is day 5?

OP posts:

Char2015 · 18/09/2020 16:06

It was much better when the couriers came to collect the completed test as you didn't need to worry about postal times etc.

Lumene · 18/09/2020 16:09

Is it possible to get it couriered or have they stopped that?

Char2015 · 18/09/2020 16:19

I believe it has been stopped. There doesn't seem to be any option now to arrange collection. I think they expecting all tests to be posted in the priority post boxes.

marydtf · 18/09/2020 16:19

Call royal mail and ask them where you can post it. Certain post boxes are specially designated for people posting test kits. All boxes should be emptied tomorrow - sat- anyway and mail wont just sit in them or an office till Monday

Zarahaider88 · 18/09/2020 16:24

They do collections from the priority postboxes on Saturdays but it’s usually earlier so unless you receive it a couple hours before Saturdays collection time then you’d have to wait till Monday but it still Wouldn’t be too late

user1471530109 · 18/09/2020 16:35

I think it's at least an hour before collection rather than an hour before. I thought what you did but when the bumf came it said 'at least' an hour before. Not sure why .

I think Monday to do the rest will be fine. I'd do it before their first collection though rather than final collection of the day.

user1471530109 · 18/09/2020 16:36

And yes. Needs to be a post box labelled as 'priority'. You have to input your postcode when booking it and it tells you were you nearest one it and when the last collection is.

CabernetSoWhat · 18/09/2020 16:37

You have to take the test within 5 days of the onset of symptoms. The test remains viable for 7 days as long as you keep it in the fridge.

Iggly · 18/09/2020 16:37

The email setting out confirmation of your home test will tell you which are your nearest priority post boxes.

The test should be posted no later than an hour before the last collection time.

You should be able to check collection times on the website.

Original poster

Crunchymum · 18/09/2020 17:39

@CabernetSoWhat

You have to take the test within 5 days of the onset of symptoms. The test remains viable for 7 days as long as you keep it in the fridge.

I haven't heard this before, or seen it any on info? If it is correct, does that mean we could take it tomorrow and post it Monday?

I know where I need to post it, I know last collection is Midday (so I would need to post it at approx 11am)..... and if we miss this then we have to isolate until 30th September

OP posts:

CabernetSoWhat · 18/09/2020 18:02

@Crunchymum I was randomly selected for a test a few months ago for research purposes. The tests were collected by courier. You had to book the courier and take the test on the collection day, except the couriers were really unreliable. I had to rebook a couple of times. The helpline told me not to worry as the test was good for 7 days. I got negative result from a test collected 4 days after it was taken.

Original poster

Crunchymum · 18/09/2020 18:17

@CabernetSoWhat

That is really reassuring to know. Thanks!!

If the test doesn't arrive in time for the post, I'll call the helpline and see what the options are.

OP posts:

Snowpatrolling · 18/09/2020 18:29

When I got my home test it came via amazon at 3pm on a Friday! 🤦‍♀️

Original poster

Crunchymum · 18/09/2020 18:39

@Snowpatrolling

When I got my home test it came via amazon at 3pm on a Friday! 🤦‍♀️

When did you order it though?

And 3pm tomorrow is no good for me as the last post on Saturday is Midday.

OP posts:

sashagabadon · 18/09/2020 20:20

Just do the test on monday and put it in postbox an hour before collection time. Check the royal mail website for your nearest priority postbox.
I do this every tuesday and get result back on Thursdays. It works fine

Original poster

Crunchymum · 18/09/2020 20:21

@sashagabadon

Just do the test on monday and put it in postbox an hour before collection time. Check the royal mail website for your nearest priority postbox. I do this every tuesday and get result back on Thursdays. It works fine

Monday is day 6?

OP posts:

sashagabadon · 18/09/2020 20:25

Don't forget to register your test. It will have a bar code in the pack. This you can do on line at the government register a test website.
It is really a very simple system.
You get 4 x bar code stickers. You stick one on the vial with the liquid in and one on the bigger plastic bag (of the two bags) in the pack. You then have 2 spare stickers you can just keep. I write the date on them so i know which relates to what date as i have done so many. But i have never not had a result back.

sashagabadon · 18/09/2020 20:28

It is better to do test monday and catch the post than do it on saturday and miss the post.

sunshinestanley · 18/09/2020 20:34

Last time I did a test I'm sure it had something about Sunday post in the instructions. Plus there are NHS Priority postboxes - maybe these get Sunday pickups?

Best to wait for the test to arrive and see if the instructions mention the weekend - good luck!

herecomesthsun · 18/09/2020 22:18

I am in exactly the same situation with my son.

Cough started Wednesday,
finally managed to book home test today Friday,
delivery due Saturday night, (by Amazon
no post Sunday,
advice to put the test in the post Monday afternoon.

It's quite confusing. I have previously tried to get through on the 119 number and was on hold for ages.

I was asked for feedback at one point. I wrote quite a bit.

They asked how they could improve things and I suggested sacking Dido Harding

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