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Original poster

How long for a test result right now?

27 replies

EttaG · 28/12/2020 09:42

Apparently there have been lots of extra tests booked over Xmas by people wanting to see family safely. Facebook friends have reported being tested 4-5 days ago and not getting a result yet. You have to isolate while waiting for a result. I feel off colour but I can’t afford to be waiting around isolating for 5 days if there’s nothing wrong with me, so I’m debating just not getting tested?

OP posts:
Whirlwind14 · 28/12/2020 09:46

It’s been less than 48 hours here in Cornwall and that was over the busy pre- Christmas rush.

I guess it depends if you’ve had contact with anyone who would then need to isolate...
If you don’t have a test presumably you (and anyone living with you) will still isolate for the amount of time as if you were positive...

Oh what a world we live in Sad

JustDanceAddict · 28/12/2020 09:47

If you’ve got one of the 3 main symptoms then get a test.if it’s just a normal cold then dont (but be careful - don’t go & see granny).
Dh had test yesterday- they said between 24-72 hours for results.

YakkityYakYakYak · 28/12/2020 10:11

Mine took just over 48 hours in tier 3 area. That was with a drive through test.

OnYourSix · 28/12/2020 10:16

I was tested yesterday afternoon, results back at 6am. Tier 3 area, drive through test site

Original poster
EttaG · 28/12/2020 10:17

No I can’t afford to isolate for days if I’m negative. I’d be willing to wait for 24 hours but not if the results are taking 4-5 days. If I’m positive I can isolate and get paid, but I’m up shit creek if I isolate for days and then turn out to be negative.

OP posts:
Pastanred · 28/12/2020 10:22

You don't have to isolate if you test asymptomatically. I tested PCR wednesday and still waiting on result but i'm not isolating as I tested without symptoms - eligible area.

Lateral flow tests come back within few hours but then you need to go for PCR test to confirm positive result as they're not that accurate.

RuthW · 28/12/2020 10:23

Test 5pm Christmas eve.

Result positive 7am Christmas day.

Pastanred · 28/12/2020 10:24

if you feel of colour and don't have the 3 symptoms then you can test without isolating if your in an eligible area - or you can lie and pretend you have symptoms - again no need to isolate

RuthW · 28/12/2020 10:26

@JustDanceAddict

If you’ve got one of the 3 main symptoms then get a test.if it’s just a normal cold then dont (but be careful - don’t go & see granny). Dh had test yesterday- they said between 24-72 hours for results.
My dd just had a cold. I tested her with a lateral test and it was positive. She has never had any of the three main symptoms. Government test was also positive.
Original poster
EttaG · 28/12/2020 10:31

I have symptoms but very mild, just a slight cough and sore throat, feeling tired and achy. All hell will break loose if I stay off work for days only to find out I’m negative. So if you’ve been waiting since Wednesday that would be disastrous for me. If I can’t get a result within 24hrs then I’m better off not getting tested.

OP posts:
Mumofoneee · 28/12/2020 16:01

I will have been waiting 4 days at 5.30 today😭

Stylinson · 28/12/2020 16:03

I’ve been waiting since 11.30 on Christmas Eve, DD tested at the same time and got a negative result at 7pm on Boxing Day. How can mine be so much later??

Themadcleaner · 28/12/2020 16:04

Test 11am boxing day, result 6am next day, drive through in tier 4 that was busy.

letsmakethetea · 28/12/2020 16:04

I think it depends on your area. South West, 24 hours.

BlackeyedSusan · 28/12/2020 16:14

So you would rather put other people's lives at risk?

Get a fucking test.

cassgate · 28/12/2020 16:27

Test Xmas Eve 3pm. Still waiting. I have complete loss of taste and smell so would be surprised if I get anything other than a positive eventually. It is ridiculous though that we have to wait this long.

TroubadorinTrouble · 28/12/2020 16:31

My partner tested at a drive through centre in the NW after developing a cough. 10am yesterday.

Result, negative, received by text at 2am this morning.

Randomrebel · 28/12/2020 16:36

Do the right thing and get a test!

londongirl12 · 28/12/2020 16:37

Tested Boxing Day 5pm, had result this morning 9am

londongirl12 · 28/12/2020 16:39

Get a test and don't be so selfish!!! I had none of the 3 main symptoms but didn't feel right, and it was positive

AldiAisleofCrap · 28/12/2020 16:40

@EttaG If I can’t get a result within 24hrs then I’m better off not getting tested. what is wrong with you! Take a test.

Wildernesstips · 28/12/2020 16:40

Results took just over 12 hours here in Somerset.

catpoooffender · 28/12/2020 16:43

Why will 'all hell break loose' if you test negative??

Pastanred · 28/12/2020 17:03

Lors of employers would be unhappy - esp with time of year. I don’t feel right but my test isn’t back and I’ll have to go in tomorrow because a) they’re not typical covid symptoms and b) it’s peak week of the year that everyone wants off - if I ring in I don’t doubt that every person will think I’m taking piss!

So I’ll go in despite still waiting since last Wednesday

It’s winter we can’t all be off work unless we have out right covid signs

Pastanred · 28/12/2020 17:05

Are these timeframes for everyone pcr results or rapid flow as the rapid lateral flow are quick -within few hours- but not available everywhere

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