Rapid tests when you actually have symptoms.

[Bbee29]

Not asking for myself. Thankfully I’ve been fine and well and have escaped having a covid test so far.

I know a couple people this week who have felt unwell so have used a rapid test and tested negative and gone back to normal. They’ve had them to use because perhaps they use them in work or their secondary school children have been given them.

I know little about them as my dc are younger and me and dh aren’t required to do them for anything. So I may seem a little clueless.

But I’ve been under the impression that rapid tests are only for those who are asymptomatic and if you actually have the symptoms of covid you should go a test site or order a home test?

Is this correct? Just generally intrigued. Thinking they should have a test at the test site rather than relying on the rapid tests?!

Apologies if I am wrong here. Like I said above I am clueless as it’s all new to me.

You're right. The lateral flow tests are not to be used if you have symptoms.

@merryhouse

You're right. The lateral flow tests are not to be used if you have symptoms.

I thought I was! I had a mini row with someone over it and was worried I sounded like a d**k. I actually searched for it myself after posting this and it does specify that lateral flow tests are only if you’re asymptomatic! Thank you.

I have to do lateral flow tests twice a week for work. This week DD was sent home from school with symptoms, I offered to do a lateral flow on her so she could go back ASAP and they said they need a proper COVID test done before she can return. I think you’re right.

If you have symptoms a PCR is needed. The LFT are for people with no symptoms.

Why is that? Surely if you are positive, you should test positive with either (I know PCR is more accurate).

My understanding is lateral flow tests have a higher rate of false negatives. Using them for mass testing of asymptomatic people catches some people who have it that otherwise wouldn't have known that early, if at all. If you have symptoms, the chances you have it are higher and you should therefore use a test with a lower false negative rate.

The chances of testing positive if you have it (the sensitivity) will be different for both, and different again from the chances of having it if you test positive.

Yes op.
Lft will miss 20% more positives at least.
And the legal requirements to isolate and test is for a pcr test.

Thank you all!

I only ask I know someone feeling unwell with a cough, fever etc. Did a lateral flow test they had in the house and it was negative so going out and about like normal etc. Chances are it could just be a bad cold but I did try and tell them they need to do a usual test ! But what can I do 😒

Quite a few people are doing this I imagine. Saves a whole household isolating which quite frankly is a massive ball ache.

Mind you, we were isolating properly last week. Had one negative pcr result back, but were still waiting for the pcr result from another symptomatic person in our household. Someone who was asymptomatic in our bubble had an nhs appointment, and the nhs actually advised this person go ahead with it, as apparently “if one person in the household tests negative then it’s likely that everyone will, so no need to miss your appointment”.

So I give up! If the nhs are not fussed about everyone in the household who’s got symptoms getting their negative, then what the hell are we all doing faffing about missing work and school etc??!!!