Lateral Flow Tests

[bookish83]

Hi,

Do these tests pick up positive cases in the incubation/pre-symptomatic period?

I can't find this answer. I mean in comparison to a true asymptomatic case or someone with symptoms.

Of course this could be a silly question and there is not an answer

Thanks

I doubt it. They need to be shedding enough virus for it to be picked up. They miss quite a high % of positive cases already

Ok, thanks for replying. It is a worry, isn't it?

I did a lateral test on the 26th evening and got a negative result, didn't believe it and had a proper test as a test station on the 27th and tested positive .... a bit worrying

www.newscientist.com/article/2263746-test-caught-just-3-per-cent-of-students-with-covid-19-at-uk-university/

It did with my sister. She tested positive on one, subsequently got a PCR, also positive. She developed loss of taste and smell 7 days later. Before that mild cold symptoms and certainly nothing on the day of the lateral flow test.

We have to do them at work now. I think someone said they only 54 percent accurate. So we do two if these a week and one of the normal ones

My team has had three positives. Two in presymptomatic individuals and one in an asymptomatic. So, yes, they do. This is the main use for them IMHO - pick people up early and get them out of the workplace before you would otherwise know to be concerned.

We've had lots of people test positive on the lateral flow tests at work who have been asymptomatic and then also be positive on a PCR test.

Weve just done them at work. Not one positive out of 500 people. Including someone who already tested positive in november.

Sorry, probably a dumb question, but are the material flow tests up the nose or throat AND nose. We’re starting them tomorrow and I have a really sensitive gag reflex so just want to be prepared - have visions of puking up all over the new Headteacher 🤣🤣

My brother in law tested negative and after 2 days PCR came back positive

@LadyPenelope68 the school ones are nose and throat.... good luck

@JanuaryChill
the school ones are nose and throat.... good luck
Thanks - could be making a memorable impression on the new Headteacher who’s doing them 🤣

Ours at work were just up the nose. 15 min wait for result.

@Rowgtfc72
They are antigen tests so previously having Covid doesn't mean they should come back positive.
While they are not as accurate as the PCR tests widespread use of them in asymptomatic individuals will pick up some cases that wouldn't otherwise be detected as they can be used on a much larger scale and come back much quicker. They are not recommended for use by people who currently have symptoms and these people should continue to rely on PCR tests.

The message got through to some not to have them, I didnt as I tested positive in oct, but one person did test. And it was negative. We were told not to test if we'd had a positive result within 90 days.

I did one Saturday after DH reported loss of smell, my smell and taste were fine. We’re both positive on them and currently waiting for PCR results but I know the answer. I no longer have a sense of smell or taste.

@LadyPenelope68

Sorry, probably a dumb question, but are the material flow tests up the nose or throat AND nose. We’re starting them tomorrow and I have a really sensitive gag reflex so just want to be prepared - have visions of puking up all over the new Headteacher 🤣🤣

Nose, both nostrils.