Getting a test without symptoms

[Medievalist]

I'm assuming the only way to do this is to pay privately. But how do you know which of the fast turn around tests are the most reliable?

Just thinking about maybe getting adult dcs to have them done immediately before their Xmas visit.

Any suggestions?

I'm not saying this is right or wrong to do, but when you book a test online you just tick a box to say what symptom you have.

No one actually checks this when you go for the test.

Also, if one member of your household becomes symptomatic, you have the option to book tests for three other household members regardless of if they're symptomatic or not.

I couldn't do that I'm afraid. Happy to pay just want to know I'm using a reliable company.

There are a few private doctors where I live that do private tests. My son got sent one from a pharmacy arranged by his firm. He was sent it on a Thursday, sent off same day and got result back on the Saturday. Some private gp’s can get results back same day for travel etc,,

I would pay for this too rather than use up the free tests when I dont have symptoms. It would be great to know I wasnt spreading covid to family over Christmas.

I would also pay. If you did go for an NHS test you’d have to isolate until you got the result which is likely to take days as a lot of people are likely to do the same

We’re using the Lloyds Pharmacy online service

I just read that Lloyds and Boots do tests. Think we may use one of them.

I’ve used Doctorcall, very good customer service.

Will do another again tomorrow and will use AssuredScreening.

Only reason why I’m not using Doctorcall again is because I need a travel certificate with passport number on it and they don’t do that.

These are tests you do yourself at home and then mail. I don’t know if you want it to be done at a clinic/pharmacy instead.

Just want you to realise that the PCR tests can give a positive result for dead viruses and inactive viruses... generally an aysymptomatic person is, a healthy person. There is no real evidence for asymptomatic spread... look up Dr. Mike Yeadon... not some quack was the chief medical advisor for Pfizer! He explains how the tests are totally inaccurate!

I know people don't want to use up tests where others might need them but honestly I don't think that's the case now.. DH had a test in October.. booked at 1 pm offered 1 of 80 appointments available. Went the next hour. 20 minute drive , testing station set up for 100s. There were two cars there including us. Got negative result 3 days later. I had a test as was contacted by t&t . Had choice of 187 time slots. Again only 2 cars there and counted 45 staff standing around. Excited to see someone. 26 hrs for results .
You really aren't 'taking a space' .. if you feel bad make a donation to the nhs charity.

Why not use the Nhs tests? We aren't at capacity and it's set to ramp up.

@Trickyboy

I know people don't want to use up tests where others might need them but honestly I don't think that's the case now.. DH had a test in October.. booked at 1 pm offered 1 of 80 appointments available. Went the next hour. 20 minute drive , testing station set up for 100s. There were two cars there including us. Got negative result 3 days later. I had a test as was contacted by t&t . Had choice of 187 time slots. Again only 2 cars there and counted 45 staff standing around. Excited to see someone. 26 hrs for results . You really aren't 'taking a space' .. if you feel bad make a donation to the nhs charity.

I couldn't get tests for my famil earlier this week because no appointments available and no postal tests available. Turns out we do have covid. Had we been able to get tested when we first had symptoms then all our close contacts (and two school year groups) could have gone into isolation a day earlier.

I barely had symptoms when I tested last week (knew DP was positive) good I did as I was positive too

Of course you shouldn’t get an NHS test if you don’t qualify. I realise op won’t but I’m shocked others are suggesting this. Getting the tests done, analysed and reported back is still an additional cost that the NHS has to cover.

Surely your DC should have a say in this?

@Trickyboy

I know people don't want to use up tests where others might need them but honestly I don't think that's the case now.. DH had a test in October.. booked at 1 pm offered 1 of 80 appointments available. Went the next hour. 20 minute drive , testing station set up for 100s. There were two cars there including us. Got negative result 3 days later. I had a test as was contacted by t&t . Had choice of 187 time slots. Again only 2 cars there and counted 45 staff standing around. Excited to see someone. 26 hrs for results . You really aren't 'taking a space' .. if you feel bad make a donation to the nhs charity.

It's not collecting the samples that's the 'bottle neck' it's the processing of the tests.

People shouldn't be using the NHS testing for things like this.

@Medievalist. Personally I don't think there's much point as it's only 'at that point in time' there not positive at best. They could walk out of the testing centre & get it.

@GalaxyCookieCrumble

Surely your DC should have a say in this?

Do you think she's going to surprise them - tie them down and shove a test up their noses without them knowing?

I wouldn't get uptight about the morals of ticking a box. My daughters uni was meant to test students before the travel window. Guess what they said they are not doing it because the government missed them off the list. I'm not prepared to pay for government mistakes. I wouldn't have a problem with her saying she had a symptom when she doesn't.

Surely your DC should have a say in this?

Well quite! I just thought I might gather some information before I suggest it to them. I wouldn't expect them to pay.

But from what others have said I'm not sure there's much point.

And just to reiterate, I've no intention of suggesting they try and get an nhs test without symptoms.