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Original poster

Current turn around time for NHS PCR?

138 replies

isitjustlockdown · 29/09/2021 15:58

My DD (18 + double vaccinated)) and I are due to go away for a UK weekend break this weekend, leaving Friday lunchtime.

DD started feeling unwell during this morning and we took her down for a PCR test at a drive in centre this afternoon.

Does anyone have experience of the current turn around times for results?

Her school has a bout of colds at the moment, so fingers crossed it's just that, but obviously we need a definite answer before we can go away.

OP posts:
mariebaby3 · 29/09/2021 16:01

I’m in Wales, DD1 PCR done yesterday at 10am and positive result came in 8am this morning. DS had a test a 3 days earlier and his negative result took over 48hrs. Not sure why there was such a difference - do they communicate positive results quicker?

underneaththeash · 29/09/2021 16:02

Less than 24 hours for all of ours recently. All negative, but there are LOTS of cases in all three of the schools at the moment.

Bagamoyo1 · 29/09/2021 16:03

DS had a test midday yesterday and still waiting.

Florabella · 29/09/2021 16:04

Test was 9am yesterday- still waiting for results. Will be really pissed off if my daughter has to have another day off school unnecessarily tomorrow

gmailconfusion2 · 29/09/2021 16:05

In Colchester, took less than 24hours Monday 9.25-tuesday 7am

Peridot1 · 29/09/2021 16:06

24 hours for DS on Monday/Tuesday. Positive result unfortunately. Poor thing feels rubbish. Double vaccinated too.

Hermanfromguesswho · 29/09/2021 16:06

Just under 24 hours for us this week in SE

CharlotteRose90 · 29/09/2021 16:07

Less then 24 hours I think. I had mine on Sunday at 18.00 and got the results Monday at 14.00. Sadly just got the crappy cold that’s going round.

whiteonesugar · 29/09/2021 16:08

Drive through one usually within about 15 - 18 hours. I did one at 8.30am once and got the result about 11pm same day.

I did a postal one on DS Monday, it was delivered at 7.30pm and i got the result at 7pm last night, so 23.5 hours. I have been quite impressed actually.

Original poster
isitjustlockdown · 29/09/2021 16:08

Thanks everyone. Looks like we got a good chance of finding out in time then.

OP posts:
DamsonIcecream · 29/09/2021 16:09

Still waiting for our results, from 1.40pm yesterday. Really hoping we can all go back to work/school tomorrow.

RockPaperScissorLizardSpock · 29/09/2021 16:09

I had one on Sunday (5pm) and had the results at 8pm the following day. I’m in the south west.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 29/09/2021 16:09

17hrs on Friday and Saturday. South Yorkshire. (11am to 4am)

degsydoodoos · 29/09/2021 16:16

Mine took 18 hours (tested 10am Mon, results texted at 4am Tues) however DH had test at 2pm Tues and is still waiting for results - 26 hrs and counting!

frogsbreath · 29/09/2021 16:17

My ds had one at 9.45am yesterday and received results 12.30am ish today

Bagamoyo1 · 29/09/2021 17:40

Are the results automated and coming through 24-7, or is there an evening cut-off after which I can stop jumping when I get a text?!

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 29/09/2021 17:46

@Bagamoyo1

Are the results automated and coming through 24-7, or is there an evening cut-off after which I can stop jumping when I get a text?!
4am, twice. Guessing 24hrs...
tiredbetty · 29/09/2021 19:40

S.East London here. 3 negative tests in family back in 36 hours, positive test took 59 hours.

ProfSprout · 29/09/2021 19:47

We had one Monday at 1:30pm, results just after 7 the next morning (negative).

Senso21 · 29/09/2021 20:04

Just outside London here - test at testing centre 6.30pm last night, results email today just after 10am

Badgerstmary · 29/09/2021 21:17

Posted one on Friday last week, still waiting. Next time I’ll use a drive in centre.

AttaGirrrrl · 29/09/2021 21:25

About 36 hours here. North west.

Silkiescatz · 29/09/2021 21:27

Drive in about 18 hours

jillandhersprite · 29/09/2021 21:33

postal pcr last week in NW took 3 days
just posted one tonight for DD, hoping its improved with the anecdotes above seem hopeful for...

Clouds76 · 29/09/2021 21:43

SW London. Tested 11am Sunday - still no resultsSad