Multiple positive LFTs, negative PCR

[FromTheAshes]

As the title says, really. Had anyone had this before? I have another PCR test booked for this morning after getting yet another positive LFT this morning.

My partner had the same this morning.. very faint line but we are getting a PCR test and treating as positive ., he’s currently asymptomatic

@QueenStromba Amazingly no! Not one of her contacts or anyone else in the household caught it and it was almost 4 weeks ago so we are well past the contagious state. She wore a mask in school for the few days prior to testing positive though as we were in an area with a huge number of cases. She caught it on the last day they weren’t required to wear masks (we’ve been able to pinpoint exactly which day and even the person who likely infected her due to an unusual week where there was little contact with anyone else).

@FromTheAshes

Negative! PCR results came through at 4am. It was as thorough as a test could possibly be. I really don't understand. I know what a negative LFT looks like, I do them daily. The only positives I've ever had have been from Monday this week. Not the strongest, granted, but if the same line had come up on a pregnancy stick I'd have been celebrating.

They don't photograph too well, but the attached is (top to bottom) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. I used different batches, so it can't just be a dodgy box. All tests taken on waking, so no eating, drinking, toothbrushing beforehand etc.

These are very very borderline!

When I had a positive LFT the test line was the same strength as the control line.

Maybe just keep testing and see but could be dodgy batch.

@iloveredpandas that's like saying you're borderline pregnant. The instructions are really clear, even a faint line is a positive result. Yours may have been a strong line, but not everyone's is. I've had enough negative tests to know that there is no hint of a line on them, and as a former long term ttcer I've had my fair share of line eyes! And as I've stated a few times including in my op, the tests were from different batches so that rules out the odd dodgy box.

You almost sound desperate for them to be positive! You've had two negative PCR tests so go with that!

My LFT’s were so faint for a few days. But I was positive.

No, @iloveredpandas, I'm desperate for them to be accurate. The specificity of LFTs is greater than 999 in 1000, but a negative PCR removes any protection I have in law for isolation. I do not want to be the cause for others getting ill, so I would prefer to know for certain if I have it or not so I can take the necessary precautions. Alternatively, if like to have the confidence to return about my daily business. That's the whole point of the tests, is it not? Conflicting results does not help me to take one course of action or the other with any support or confidence.

I have had positive LFT’s ever since starting regular testing for work in December. Always weak line. Always PCR negative and never symptomatic. After a few weeks I gave up on the LFT’s and after discussions at work (nhs) I do a weekly PCR test instead.

@strawberryLemonade I’ve also had numerous LFT’s followed by a negative PCR. Never any symptoms and because I’ve been able to take the PCR test on the same day I’ve never had to isolate.

That should say, ‘positive LFT’s with a faint line’

That's unusual @strawberrylemonade, I how it doesn't cause you to many problems in other areas. I'd hate not being able to see my dad in his care home, they write rightly insist on a negative LFT before entry.

Well, it's all become a moot point for me because my daughter went down with a scary cough last night. GP has prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection but her childminder wants a negative treat before returning to the setting so we've both tripped off for yet another PCR today. My LFTs are back to a clear negative now but I still feel quite ropey.

^test not treat. My phone, as usual, thinks it knows better than me.

I am really baffled by all these “Earl positive” LFT snaps one sees on MN as I can never see any line at all on them. All starting to get a bit gold vs blue dress, but rather more serious

I don’t know how people aren’t seeing two lines! My employer would ask me to treat it as though I was positive despite negative lft.

You're double vaccinated, it's possible your viral load is simply too low for the PCR test to register it, especially as those are very weak lines. If that's the case, then you shouldn't be transmitting any virus. Is there any work from home option?

If it's a different virus giving a faint line (lot of RSV about for example) then it's a test fault, but good that you didn't pass that around.

I think I'd take it as a very mild case that's not likely to be infectious; keep distance, work from home and then go about my business 10 days after the first one. I wouldn't stress with any more tests. 10 days only runs to Thursday am now regardless.

Thanks @FromTheAshes, it isn’t causing too many issues thankfully as I have been having weekly PCR testing. I am a bit worried incase the rules for not isolating anymore are daily LFT though.
Hope your DD is ok

Our pcrs were negative after positive lfts on Saturday (faint line ) we do have very mild symptoms and subsequent lfts are clear negatives but we are isolating anyway