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

[Madwife123]

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?

You know what - I've just looked and I've actually got two texts almost identical about my positive test result. I only took one test. But 2 have come through and both of the posters above seem to be correct - I have both texts!

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor

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

I had my postal tests back within 14 hours (when in surge area) and 16 hours (nolonger surge).

@CliffordMouse

You know what - I've just looked and I've actually got two texts almost identical about my positive test result. I only took one test. But 2 have come through and both of the posters above seem to be correct - I have both texts!

You always receive 2 texts and 2 emails with your PCR results, sent about 30 mins apart. It’s in case one gets lost on route.

This is so confusing!

@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.

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

I took a PCR test as we are in a surge area and everyone is being asked to have one.

I took the lateral flow as I have to take one prior to each work shift.

I may be missing the point but does it matter in practical terms. It looks like both tests have come back positive. Even if the PCR one hasn't yet you have to isolate after a positive lateral flow until you have a PCR result.

@DownToTheSeaAgain

I may be missing the point but does it matter in practical terms. It looks like both tests have come back positive. Even if the PCR one hasn't yet you have to isolate after a positive lateral flow until you have a PCR result.

Yes, but if it’s a positive PCR a test then her close contacts rather than just her household members also need to isolate.

Just curious, have you been vaccinated?

I’m also wondering if I do a PCR today but then the issue is if that’s negative which one do I follow. That’s why I need to know if the text is the PCR or lateral flow.

And yes I’m fully vaccinated

Hi OP, have you received a call from Track & Trace yet? it’s likely you will, they seem to have been on the phone to me every few days!

I do believe you have received confirmation of a positive PCR test & do need to isolate for 10 days from the first day of your symptoms or your positive result.

You can always call T&T for advice, everyone I have spoken to is helpful.

@DownToTheSeaAgain

I may be missing the point but does it matter in practical terms. It looks like both tests have come back positive. Even if the PCR one hasn't yet you have to isolate after a positive lateral flow until you have a PCR result.

Was going to say that too. Does it matter? You need to isolate. Hope you are ok.

@Schulte it’s about who else needs to isolate.

@Madwife123

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

You have covid; isolate and have your household isolate, warn work, wait for Test & Trace to warn others or call them yourself if you feel comfortable doing so.

Call 119 if you want to check if one of the messages was PCR or not, you should have the reference details for the PCR test.

[quote Fitforforty]@Schulte it’s about who else needs to isolate.[/quote]
But doesn’t that get sorted out by T&T? And they will contact her if it is the PCR test. At the moment it doesn’t make too much of a difference to what the op is doing.