How long are samples viable? Mine was posted Friday and only delivered to test site this morning.

[Herbiefriel]

Hello,

I wonder if anyone knows how long the samples are useful for? In all the documentation it stresses to make sure the sample reaches the post box one hour before final collection, presumably to make sure they are tested ASAP.

I took and posted a sample on Friday afternoon. The test kit showed up too late on Thursday to get it to the post box on that day, so I waited until Friday. I have just checked the royal mail tracking and my test sample was only delivered at around half ten this morning. I'm worried that this is too late for the sample to be useful.

My symptoms started on Tuesday and I'm worried now I will have to retest and isolate with my family for another whole week while retesting and waiting for results (when it may be past the point in picking up the virus on a test anyway).

Does anyone know whether or not my sample will be usable after over 40 hours in the post? Thank you.

I'm not sure about how long the sample lasts but you'd surely be too late to take another test now as it needs to be within 5 days of symptoms starting?

Hopefully your sample is OK and you get a result. Otherwise yes you'll need to isolate for 14 days from day your symptoms started (so until 27th October?)

The rules must have changed since we had a test (a month ago) as its within 7 days and not 5 from onset of symptoms.

In England it's now 8 days. Frankly I think it's got more to do with their testing failures than any science.

I don't know the answer to your question though, sorry. 119 might be able to help you if Google can't.

Thank you both. I tried Google but couldn't find the answer. I think I will wait for results, as at least now I know they have the sample. As you have to record the time you take the test, I guess they would let me know if it's too old for testing. I'm sure I'm not the only one either as I see tests are being diverted from Glasgow as they've maxed their capacity, and that's where mine was headed.