Test question

[makemyweek]

I'm sure this has been asked before so forgive me but I've had a look and can't find a definitive answer.

It's been in the news that Boots will be offering tests which people are saying may then allow them to see family for Christmas. Ive been wondering if I have exposure to the virus on Monday and I take a test on Tuesday would there be any chance that the test could be negative but then go on to develop coronavirus say on Wednesday or Thursday? This is aside from false negatives and more to do with virus levels being picked up. My concern being that even if I tested negative and self isolated from the time of test I could still be infectious.

Yes, unfortunately you can be incubating the virus, test negative one day then positive the following.

The Boots tests are advertised at 97% accurate, which I'm not sure that I'd feel that comfortable with if I was planning to spend lots of time inside with others.

Thanks for your response.

97% accurate is much better than the swan tests to be honest!

Yes there's no point really in using those tests like that, you need to isolate for 14 days in order to be sure you're not infected/infectious.

*swab!

I agree. I'm not sure about this 'having a quick test to check before you go off to a family Christmas or abroad' approach tbh.

Self-isolation for 14 days before is obviously considerably more inconvenient but the only way to ensure that you're not carrying the virus if you remained symptom free during that time.