Fit to fly PCR- can the lab tell if you take the test outside of the 48hrs?

[Dorset2]

The country we are due to fly to requires a negative pcr within 48 hours of arrival there..due to that being a Tuesday and first thing, our tests need to be done on Sunday morning. My kids will be with their dad then. Do you think if I was to test the kids on Saturday instead but date it Sunday morning (they are the drop box variety so I write the timings etc) the lab would be able to tell? I can’t see how and I know it’s not perfect but it might be my only option to get the results back in time for the flight.

What, so in other words you want to commit fraud? Great idea.

Without commenting on whether it’s right to do it or not I don’t see how the lab would know

If you do the test on Saturday and don't return it until Sunday, it may affect the accuracy of the PCR test.

The lab would probably be able to tell the date of the sample. Whether or not they check, who knows.

3 hour turnaround PCR tests are available. I did one before my recent trip abroad.

I just want to ensure I can get the test results in time to fly which isn’t possible if the children aren’t with me. Considering some counties accept tests taken up to 72hrs before flying I don’t think it’s the end of the world to take it Saturday evening instead of 6am Sunday morning but there we go. A test 48 hours before departure with a next day result up to 12am before a 6am flight and a Sunday drop box isn’t the easiest to navigate!

Then go for an in-person test with a small turnaround time.

I’ll take a look into 4 hour turnarounds 🤞🏼

Can't you get them early to do the tests ?

When do the children come back to you? You could always go to their dads and take the tests there on the Sunday.

@Dorset2

I’ll take a look into 4 hour turnarounds 🤞🏼

I hope you can get it sorted!

Randox health say the test needs to be processed within 70 hours of taking the swab or it may degrade.

Where do you live?

I got a 12 hour turnaround near me using the airport testing

The longer the time between taking the test and carrying out PCR, the higher your chances of an inconclusive result, so bear that in mind. If you receive an inconclusive result, you'll have to get tested again.

The sample has more chance of degrading in that time, so you would have a higher chance of an inconclusive result.

Why not just ask their dad to test them? Or maybe you could vary contact time just this once so he sees them at a different time instead?

I’m flying home on Friday and I’m not allowed to use the result of a self administered PCR - needs to be done by a testing centre. You should check whether you can definitely use a home test for flying.

@IsabellesMissingSock

What, so in other words you want to commit fraud? Great idea.

Fraud?! Wow that's an exaggeration somewhat? 12 hours on a tight PCR window and fraud are really different things.

I booked in for private antigen tests for the Monday instead. 1 hour turnaround and cheaper than pcr. Italy accepts antigen. Ex is an anti vaxx anti testing conspiracist so wanted to avoid any of that drama around asking him to test the kids (he wouldn’t) or make the available for me to test.

OP, we used rapid antigen test, £28 per person and you do it at home and just take a pic of the negative test (same as lateral flow) and they issue the certificate by email within 12 hours but we had ours within a couple. Company was C19.