LFT line after time limit

[Gecko85]

I've come down with a nasty cold (sore throat, headache, very tired) and took a couple of LFTs yesterday. Both negative at the 30 min mark, but I forgot to throw them away and they now both have a faint line. I know that they are unreliable after 30 mins, so it's still a negative, but just wondered if it was common/usual to have a faint line show up much later? Has anyone else had this?

They aren't very reliable so book a PCR test. Hope you feel better soon.

This happened to ds's friend yesterday. Negative test after 30 mins. Went to college. His mum noticed he'd not thrown the test away and a line had developed. Fetched him home, did several more lateral flow tests, all negative. Went for pcr, neagitive result came this morning.

As per NHS Instructions

Yes, it's common. Hence why you are told not to use a reading that comes up after 30 minutes.

LFTs should not be taken if you have symptoms. You need a PCR.

@goddessofmischief

LFTs should not be taken if you have symptoms. You need a PCR.

The OP does not have covid symptoms which entitle you to get a pcr.

@Comefromaway
Delta variant symptoms can include headache and sore throat. Might not be the top 3 but can still get a PCR done.

I’ve kept used tests for days sometimes by accident and never seen a line. The fact it was both makes me suspicious. I’d get a PCR test.

Thanks all. I was just confused as I hadn't seen it before, but I guess that's exactly why you chuck them after 30 minutes! I did another just now - you can see the faintest ever line checking at the right time (you have to really squint!) but its colourless and I think it's just the test strip itself showing up if that makes sense.

I've done a PCR anyway as they sent one with the LFTs and asked me to do one at the same time for research purposes, so fingers crossed that will confirm the negative soon.

In some regions you can get a PCR with those symptoms (or pretty much any symptoms 😳) - you click "my council have asked me to get tested" or similar. I had to PCR test my 7-yr old for a headache the other day.