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Original poster

Positive result text - lateral flow or PCR, how to tell?

40 replies

Madwife123 · 25/06/2021 00:12

Despite working in the NHS I’ve not had much to do with the track and trace system and it’s now got me so confused as to wether I have covid or not.

Does anyone know what texts you receive after reporting a positive lateral flow to help me work it out.

Basically on Tuesday I ordered a postal PCR test as rates are high in my area and they are asking everyone to do them.

On Wednesday night I took this test and posted it Thursday morning.

On Thursday evening I took my normal lateral flow test which was positive. Reported it and booked a PCR test. Immediately got a text saying your lateral flow was positive book a PCR test etc.

Later on I had another text through saying your coronavirus test was positive. No mention of lateral flow in the text. It gave me a code to enter in the app which now tells me to isolate.

Does this mean that my PCR test was also positive or is it normal for them to send this text also after reporting a positive lateral flow?

I find it hard to believe that they collected the test from the post box, tested it and got a result in less than a day so that makes me think it can’t be the PCR.

But why send 2 texts with different wording if it’s not a different test result?

OP posts:
Original poster
Madwife123 · 25/06/2021 00:14

Here are the 2 texts, with personal info removed, to compare. Anyone who has reported a positive lateral flow does this seem right?

Positive result text - lateral flow or PCR, how to tell?
Positive result text - lateral flow or PCR, how to tell?
OP posts:
Pumpkinstace · 25/06/2021 00:16

That's the wording for the PCR result.

You have coronavirus and need to isolate.

Tests do come back that quickly these days.

coastergirl · 25/06/2021 00:18

I'm not sure on the texts, but I've had pcr test results in less than 24 hours.

Fullofpudding · 25/06/2021 00:22

That's the PCR test. Tests in my area are coming back extremely quickly.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 25/06/2021 00:24

find it hard to believe that they collected the test from the post box, tested it and got a result in less than a day so that makes me think it can’t be the PCR

Mine came back the next day

Motorina · 25/06/2021 00:26

That wording sounds exactly like a PCR test and, yes, they are turning them around in less than a day.

I'm sorry. I hope you're on the mend soon.

Iggi999 · 25/06/2021 00:33

There's a priority post thing for tests isn't there? I hope you feel ok OP

MrsSkeffington · 25/06/2021 00:46

We've had this too! It's a reminder bloody text to register your lateral flow - the whole system is a nightmare!

No one will commit to anything

MrsSkeffington · 25/06/2021 00:46

I've had 4 days of this crap

Spekoppar · 25/06/2021 05:31

That’s the wording for the PCR test, you have COVID and need to isolate. Many tests are coming back within the dat at the moment, particularly with areas doing surge testing.

niceupthedance · 25/06/2021 05:48

Hope you're feeling ok Thanks

Rooman · 25/06/2021 05:51

It's a reminder for your lateral flow test not the PCR text.

MrsSkeffington · 25/06/2021 07:39

Thus why the system is terrible and confusing

Original poster
Madwife123 · 25/06/2021 08:30

@Rooman Have you had the same? It’s not asking me to book a test so not sure how it’s a reminder and the app is just saying isolate, nothing about booking a test.

OP posts:
MrsSkeffington · 25/06/2021 08:31

Your work may still need you to isolate because of this stupid system

Original poster
Madwife123 · 25/06/2021 08:31

@MrsSkeffington How did you find that out? That it was a reminder? It came an hour after the your lateral flow test was positive text.

OP posts:
KatherineOfGaunt · 25/06/2021 08:35

I'm just not sure why you'd take a PCR and then take a LFT the next day AND log the results of the LFT. Confused

If the text doesn't tell you to get a test then it's your PCR result and you need to self-isolate.

Rooman · 25/06/2021 08:35

[quote Madwife123]@Rooman Have you had the same? It’s not asking me to book a test so not sure how it’s a reminder and the app is just saying isolate, nothing about booking a test.[/quote]
Yes, it is a reminder to log your result in the app.

Northumberlandlass · 25/06/2021 08:36

I’ve had Covid & have just come out of isolation yesterday.

That is a positive PCR test text & as others have said you need to isolate.

You will likely receive calls from T&T and a raft of information on help that’s a available.

Rooman · 25/06/2021 08:37

@KatherineOfGaunt

I'm just not sure why you'd take a PCR and then take a LFT the next day AND log the results of the LFT. Confused

If the text doesn't tell you to get a test then it's your PCR result and you need to self-isolate.

That isn't correct. I had a positive LFD that I didn't report (I don't have the app) and I got the same message. The PCR message is different.
Rooman · 25/06/2021 08:38

@Northumberlandlass

I’ve had Covid & have just come out of isolation yesterday.

That is a positive PCR test text & as others have said you need to isolate.

You will likely receive calls from T&T and a raft of information on help that’s a available.

No it is not! The PCR result doesn't refer to the app - it includes a line about telling school and nursery- I will try and copy and paste mine.
Rooman · 25/06/2021 08:40

This is the PCR text

Positive result text - lateral flow or PCR, how to tell?
Northumberlandlass · 25/06/2021 08:43

And this is my text…

Positive result text - lateral flow or PCR, how to tell?
MrsSkeffington · 25/06/2021 08:50

The pcr texts are coming out again after lateral flows are taken

MrsSkeffington · 25/06/2021 08:51

I mean pcr!