'We could not read your test sample'

[MrsWildermac]

Has anyone got any idea what this means?! Weekly healthcare testing and I've just got this result. In a v low Covid area and no symptoms but panicking that it could mean I'm 'almost' positive.

Have had a second test but would love to know if others have had anything similar.

Thanks!

Not had anything similar.

My hunch is that it means you didn't get enough mucus in the sample for them to test, not that there's anything ominous going on.

I'd presume it just meant there wasn't enough on the swab for them to detect... Inconclusive? I don't know much about how the tests work though so could be talking rubbish.

This happened to me, it was a self sample and I think I touched my tongue with it too much. Tested again the following day, did a better job of it, and got a positive result.

I honestly thought mine was going to come back inconclusive the amount of times it was out of my mouth whilst I was dry heaving or throwing up. Must've gotten just enough on the swab for it to work. And you've just reminded me that now my sick leave has finished my weekly Covid tests re start again tomorrow morning. Must remember not to eat or drink anything first!

Did you have a snotty nose? Did you go too far up and make your nose bleed a bit? Maybe you touched your tongue? Loads of reasons! Don’t panic

Not ominous at all, just not enough of the stuff they need to draw a conclusion.
Redo and follow the instructions to the letter.

Maybe they lost or screwed up your sample. That must happen occasionally.

Thank you! Appreciate all your replies. Hopefully tomorrow will bring a negative result!

Means they dropped it and couldn’t find it in the lab.