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Original poster

Self testing for NHS

22 replies

BanginChoons · 01/12/2020 07:28

I have been offered the twice weekly tests. If you get a positive, you self isolate and do a "proper" swab. It a very much an optional thing and many of my colleagues have opted out. What would you do? Arguments for and against please. I'm a single mum with school aged kids if that has any relevance. Thanks

OP posts:
Ffsnosexallowed · 01/12/2020 07:30

You'll know if you're positive, so can isolate and protect your colleagues and patients?

ScrapThatThen · 01/12/2020 07:39

I have registered. I am seeing patients face face so it makes sense to know.

Motorina · 01/12/2020 07:53

I am doing it. First test last night. I am astonished anyone wouldn’t. Isn’t it better - for your sake, and everyone around you - to know early if you’re positive.

Pomegranatespompom · 01/12/2020 09:45

Yes - definitely. It is disappointing that people are opting out. We have a responsibility to protect people.

testingtesting321 · 01/12/2020 09:47

I'm doing it, I can't really think of any reasons not to! Why are your colleagues opting out?

LadyPenelope68 · 01/12/2020 09:48

I don’t get why people would opt out tbh, doesn’t make sense.

lunar1 · 01/12/2020 09:59

DH is doing it, I can't really see a downside.

clary · 01/12/2020 10:01

I work in the NHS tho I am not eligible for the test. I would certainly do it and encourage you to. It's a genuine way to avoid passing it on to inpatients and other colleagues, why wouldn't you?

So sad to hear colleagues for yours are opting out op.

Harmarsuperstar · 01/12/2020 10:02

Is it optional? That's not the impression I got from our trust. But as others have said, why wouldn't you do it??

PrivateD00r · 01/12/2020 10:27

You say you then get a 'proper' swab. So what does this initial test consist of? Are you piloting new technology?

If so, surely it isn't that difficult to see why some people wouldn't want to risk their families lives getting severely disrupted for potentially no benefit (if there may be false positives)? I would be reluctant to test new technology in this manner if it could mean my DC missing their mocks, partners losing pay, not being able to look in on elderly relatives etc. I am surprised people can't see why it might be an issue for some. Obviously if it was just the usual test and not new technology, that would be different, but your post does not read that way!

Just because we work for the NHS, doesn't mean we have to be guinea pigs!

Motorina · 01/12/2020 11:04

It’s the lateral flow test. Same as they’re using in Liverpool. It gives results in 30 mins, but is less accurate than the PCR test, hence any positive needs confirming with that.

(We have been told that if you get a positive you will almost certainly test positive on the PCR too.)

PrivateD00r · 01/12/2020 13:27

The uni I study part time at are offering a pilot of this too and urged caution to students to think hard before participating due to impact on exams etc. People need to weigh it up for themselves, the risk of detecting asymptomatic cases that are likely to not be infectious V the benefits of detecting a pre-symptomatic case. Staff are wise to be cautious rather than rushing in without considering it.

I doubt there are many false positives with this technology going by data from Liverpool, were only 700 cases were detected in 100, 000 tests Shock I daresay a negative result giving you false reassurance is a bigger issue.

I am not terribly convinced that mass testing is worth the cost, but only time will tell, I will be happy to be proved wrong as things progress.

Athinginitself · 01/12/2020 16:07

Dps work started yesterday and it has already picked up one asymptomatic positive in his tiny office (to be confirmed by the PCR but she did 2 so I'm assuming she will test positive) I definitely think it's a good thing, particularly for NHS staff more than the general population.

treesliding · 01/12/2020 17:49

The false positive rate is 0.35% I was told today but I thought it was the risk with these tests that there is a high false positive so unnecessary self isolation was the draw back - so I assumed it was higher. Either way, it has to be confirmed with a PCR.

We're all doing it at work starting soon. I'm mildly worried about needing to self isolate more but not enough to give it much thought. And would assume that a positive means a positive rather than it being really unnecessary!

LegoPandemic · 01/12/2020 17:51

I would do it.

WhimsicallyPlain · 01/12/2020 17:59

We're doing them in our trust (assumed it was mandatory) but I can't think of a single reason why people wouldn't? It's quick, easy and may save lives or slow infection rates?

Original poster
BanginChoons · 01/12/2020 18:31

I've signed up. To me it's the obvious thing to do but as so many were opting out I wondered if I was missing something.

OP posts:
Riv12345 · 01/12/2020 18:31

Yes I've been given this too

Think it's a good idea

10storeylovesong · 01/12/2020 19:16

My DH will be picking his up today. We are the support bubble for his sister who lives alone and has depression. We can't not visit her as she will go downhill, but although not CV she is morbidly obese. At least we will have an indication not to go round early if he shows as asymptomatic. Plus he is visiting people in their houses for his job role.

FMyUterus · 01/12/2020 19:23

I'm doing it. Well I will be when I get back to work!

missmeg3leg · 01/12/2020 19:39

Started this week as well for me (theatres / ICU)...testing kit amusingly came with a “free gift” CIF eco cleaner spray 🙄

FMyUterus · 01/12/2020 19:47

@missmeg3leg hahah! Love it I got a mini and I mean mini pack of clinell wipes. They look like mints

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