All three PCR could not be read - help

[Wordywordy]

Did postal PCR for me and 2 DC, waited three days for result and all three have come back just now saying they could not be read. I’ve done a PCR twice before, I know I swabbed my tonsils and my nose fine. Haven’t had a problem with results when swabbing youngest for PCR test either. I don’t understand how all three tests could not be read?

I’m double vaccinated, kids barely have symptoms now behind a snotty nose it’s actually me that’s been really rough, hence the postal test as felt too ill to drive.

Have gone online to book new drive in test first thing but FFS. I am really going to struggle to get them to test again. Both having quite severe mental health issues at moment.

Could it be a problem with the whole batch being contaminated or something? I don’t understand how I could’ve fucked up three tests when I’ve never had a problem before.

Please any advice on how to make sure I get a bloody result when I take them up this morning? If I can even get them to do it at all?

Perhaps the parcel got damaged. What a pain.

I’ve had the same result overnight. Luckily there’s a mobile unit near me so I’m going to get another test. I started coughing since testing so I think it wise 😔😔

Do you have to test them?
Could you just test yourself?

We had this and then 24hrs later a follow up email/text saying that actually, it was negative.

That’s a long time to wait. I agree, that the parcel/package or batch was possibly damaged or the PCR tests were duff.

You don't need to test your kids just you.

Ok I’ve woken up again. Sorry not v clear above. The youngest did have symptoms, he had sore throat first, then a mild cough. He is still coughing a bit sporadically and has snotty nose. The older one is mainly just snotty, no continuous cough, and already nearly better.

I’ve been the one with raging cough and temp. I will take them both up centre this morning but not test younger one if he gets too upset.

I would just do a LFT tbh

Do you know you can just do the kids noses if that makes it easier?

Why do you need the test?
You're showing symptoms so you'd better isolate anyway.

I agree that a LFT might give you a quicker answer if it's positive.
If negative, then go for a PCR if you do need a more definitive result.

We have weekly pcr's for work and loads of us had inconclusive results in the last couple of weeks. Had a message from our Manager yesterday that tests have an expiry date and all of our current stock are past it so we have to collect new kits next week. Apparently its been a widespread problem recently, so that's possibly whats happened.