PCR tests and Indian variant

[Thewiseoneincognito]

I work in a fairly small team (13) and so far 2 people within the past week have had fairly moderate Covid symptoms, bad continuous coughs, run down, shallow breathing, headaches etc. Both live in close proximity to areas where Indian variant seems to be increasing rapidly hence this post.

The thing is we have to test daily using the PCR kits and so far both have shown as negative so haven’t yet booked official tests, is there a chance the Indian variant isn’t picked up by PCR testing?

Before someone ‘pops along’ to inform me that it could just be a cough or cold- I know that already but it just seems odd especially as we have to wear face masks and gloves during work hours.

If the PCR test shows as neg should you trust it? Thoughts?

Do you mean lateral flow tests?

You mean lateral flow kits I think? PCR tests are developed in labs.

Are you sure you are doing PCR tests where the test goes off to a lab?
I would expect the PCR to pick it up but the LFT might not.

Are you confusing the lateral flow tests with pcr tests? You shouldn't use the lateral flow if you have symptoms. Need to book an official pcr test.

I assume you mean the LFT - result in 30 mins?

If son - no they should not be used for testing people with symptoms. They should either go to an official testing centre for a PCR test which is then sent to a lab, or order a PCR test in the post which is done at home and sent back for processing.

Yes, if they're sympomatic, they need to book a proper test.

Yes LFT FFS 🤯😭 I’ve just woken up sorry!

MNHQ please can you edit the title 🙈🙏🏻

Persistent cough - PCR required.
NOT daily lateral flow tests.
Plus, testers and families MUST isolate until negative PCR results received.

They should not be in work.

If they have covid symptoms, they need to isolate and get a PCR test.

This has not changed. The lateral flow tests were brought in to pick up asymptotic cases. They are not a replacement for isolation and testing.

LFT tests are for people with no symptoms, if they have symptoms they should book PCR tests and isolate until they get results and anyone who has had contact should also isolate and if it were myself I would also get a PCR test for myself, if you are in a high rate area, they are recommending everyone get PCR tests anyway.

They need to get proper PCR tests done ASAP.

It's more of a surprise that neither of them has had any sign of a positive both of them have done LFTs multiple times. The accuracy rate isn't that high, but if you repeat the test you're more likely to get a positive if there is one to be had.
Are you sure they're doing the lateral flow tests properly? I was involved in testing in schools and we had to watch the kids like hawks to make sure they did stick it deep enough into their noses or throats for long enough to get a proper sample. It's not nice to do properly; much easier just to dab it quickly and say "I'm done!".
The alternative of course is that they do indeed have some other infection that's not covid. But PPs are right, that if they have any kind of Covid symptoms they should get a "proper" PCR test.