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Original poster

Logic of PCR test for school close contact

51 replies

RuleWithAWoodenFoot · 27/06/2021 20:29

Child's bubble has closed, she's off until next week.

Last contact was Thursday.

Letter says we should get a PCR test for her as soon as possible.

Why?

If I do one tomorrow, it doesn't mean that she wouldn't be positive next Sunday, so why do it so early?

If she has to isolate for the full time anyway, why bother testing at all? If she gets symptoms, then we'd cross the 'next isolation' bridge at that point.

Am I being thick?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 27/06/2021 20:36

Is ot not just to try and track positive cases. Although if she got symptoms you'd then need to test again

Original poster
RuleWithAWoodenFoot · 27/06/2021 20:52

But why do I have to do a PCR. What's wrong with LFT?

I figure I've got one chance to get a test out of her, I'm not going to waste it on no symptoms.

OP posts:
Lougle · 27/06/2021 20:56

Because most of the Delta variant cases have no symptoms, or at the very least, not the typical symptoms. The person she had contact with may have had Covid for longer than they realise, which means your child could have been infected earlier. Testing contacts reduces the chances of it spreading further.

jmh740 · 27/06/2021 20:57

Lateral flow tests are not as accurate as pcr tests if you test positive on a Lateral flow you then need to go and have a pcr test anyway

Comefromaway · 27/06/2021 20:57

It’s to try & track the Delta variant.

Angel2702 · 27/06/2021 20:58

It’s so anyone that tests positives can also isolate their contacts. Several members of the class could already be posting and not know PCR is most reliable way to test.

HelenaJustina · 27/06/2021 21:01

It’s to pick up earlier traces of the virus, LFD’s are good when the individual has high viral load, but less accurate at lower levels.

PCRs for close contacts will help pick up cases in the early stages or asymptomatic cases.

UpSlyDown · 27/06/2021 21:10

I’m with you OP I wouldn’t bother unless she became symptomatic.

noblegiraffe · 27/06/2021 21:29

Because they want to stop the spread of the delta variant. If she is positive and they find out now, then they can isolate her contacts too. Currently you don't have to isolate, but she may be positive and asymptomatic (given how much more transmissible delta is) so if she is, then you have to isolate too, which will stop it spreading to your contacts.

They're being proactive. LFT is not good enough because as we know, LFT are shit at detecting positives compared to PCR.

SexTrainGlue · 27/06/2021 21:35

You can sequence the virus from a returned PCR test, so they will know whether it is Delta or not.

It's quite important to know how far and how fast Delta is spreading.

It's not 'test and release'

frozendaisy · 27/06/2021 22:08

Same days for us.

Got child a PCR test today. Awaiting results.

If positive them sibling might not take it into their school. We can isolate from the wider community.

If negative then just one has to sit out isolation.

Child tested has absolutely no symptoms, well coughed once this afternoon, once!

frozendaisy · 27/06/2021 22:09

All done LFT in house.
All negative.

Original poster
RuleWithAWoodenFoot · 27/06/2021 22:14

Super that 'they' consider it appropriate for people like Gove to use LFTs to not isolate, that I'm OK to go to work where we have no mitigating measures other than LFTs, that some medical staff can now carry on going to work on daily LFTs despite being close contacts... and yet my 6 year old has to do something 'better'.

Doesn't take away the fact that if she's negative on a PCR now though, she might not be positive a day later, either. And still asymptomatic.

OP posts:
covidcloser · 27/06/2021 22:17

If she has to isolate for the full time anyway, why bother testing at all? If she gets symptoms, then we'd cross the 'next isolation' bridge at that point.

It's not just about her. Identifying positive cases enables close contacts to isolate which in turn helps prevent the spread of the virus.

Original poster
RuleWithAWoodenFoot · 27/06/2021 22:21

I know all of the stuff you are saying. But one PCR tomorrow that is negative, doesn't mean she hasn't got it in 3 days time. At the moment there will be a test tomorrow, then another 7 days of possible asymptomatic spread to us and beyond, before we all just go about our business.

OP posts:
Spaghettihooplas · 27/06/2021 22:22

How long is it taking to get pcr resukts back at the moment

beela · 27/06/2021 22:23

@RuleWithAWoodenFoot

Super that 'they' consider it appropriate for people like Gove to use LFTs to not isolate, that I'm OK to go to work where we have no mitigating measures other than LFTs, that some medical staff can now carry on going to work on daily LFTs despite being close contacts... and yet my 6 year old has to do something 'better'.

Doesn't take away the fact that if she's negative on a PCR now though, she might not be positive a day later, either. And still asymptomatic.

I agree 100%, it doesn't make sense.

I won't be putting my 6yo through testing again unless I absolutely have to. She was so upset by it.

covidcloser · 27/06/2021 22:23

@RuleWithAWoodenFoot

I know all of the stuff you are saying. But one PCR tomorrow that is negative, doesn't mean she hasn't got it in 3 days time. At the moment there will be a test tomorrow, then another 7 days of possible asymptomatic spread to us and beyond, before we all just go about our business.

What would your solution be?

Tinysalmonswimminginastream · 27/06/2021 22:24

If she were to test positive, then your whole household would then know to isolate. Otherwise she could unknowlingly infect other members of the household who are then going about their business as normal and spreading it as well.

As others have said its about trying to identify positive cases ASAP. Also, if you take her now and she is negative there is nothing to stop you taking her again in a week to test again if you want to?

Original poster
RuleWithAWoodenFoot · 27/06/2021 22:29

if you take her now and she is negative there is nothing to stop you taking her again in a week to test again if you want to?

I don't want to test her at all. It's a one time opportunity - she'll kick off big time. Just don't want to do it tomorrow, then have to try and do it again in a few days if she then gets symptoms.

What would your solution be?

Isolate her, test her if she has symptoms. That's it.

I do LFTs twice a week, I'll do them every day this week, so will my partner. I'm double vaxxed, he's single vaxxed.

OP posts:
Tinysalmonswimminginastream · 27/06/2021 22:33

@RuleWithAWoodenFoot

if you take her now and she is negative there is nothing to stop you taking her again in a week to test again if you want to?

I don't want to test her at all. It's a one time opportunity - she'll kick off big time. Just don't want to do it tomorrow, then have to try and do it again in a few days if she then gets symptoms.

What would your solution be?

Isolate her, test her if she has symptoms. That's it.

I do LFTs twice a week, I'll do them every day this week, so will my partner. I'm double vaxxed, he's single vaxxed.

To be honest, that all sounds OK and you aren't under any obligation to actually PCR test her at all if she has no symptoms. It's just that they are asking parents to do it to try and track/contain spread.

How old is your DD, does she have sensory issues etc? I was a bit worried about testing mine, but for kids you only have to do it up the nose not the throat, and they didn't find it as bad as they/I thought they would!

Anonawoman · 27/06/2021 22:34

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at OP's request.

goneroguetoday · 27/06/2021 22:39

I wouldn't worry about PCR. Will she be taught remotely? Presumedly you will have to stay off work anyway to supervise her.

yeahdarling · 27/06/2021 22:42

@RuleWithAWoodenFoot

Super that 'they' consider it appropriate for people like Gove to use LFTs to not isolate, that I'm OK to go to work where we have no mitigating measures other than LFTs, that some medical staff can now carry on going to work on daily LFTs despite being close contacts... and yet my 6 year old has to do something 'better'.

Doesn't take away the fact that if she's negative on a PCR now though, she might not be positive a day later, either. And still asymptomatic.

Totally agree with this. I wouldn't put her through an unnecessary test unless she has symptoms. Kids have suffered enough.
cherin · 27/06/2021 22:47

My kids school explicitly wrote to say that LFT are NOT to be used on

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