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Original poster

Lateral flow test

57 replies

Rebeccabubba · 02/10/2021 23:25

NEED HELP!!! Every lateral flow test I take comes back as positive. This is the new 15mins nose ones. 10 taken now. I've had 3 PCR test and have all came back negative. I don't have symptoms. Has anyone else experienced this. What else could the covid tests pick up on. Getting worried, or over thinking that something else could actually be wrong with me. I've rang the covid help line and they said to do another PCR TEST and then go with what that result said. I've done this and it's negative. Do I think I have covid NO. But what else could be causing the positive results

OP posts:
Miracle29 · 03/10/2021 09:22

We are having this too. My ds has had 2 negative pcr and positive lft. The lft are the nose ones. I've tested myself and dd and they are clear positives so I don't know why ds is testing positive but apparently we have to go with the pcr and he needs to attend school.

noblegiraffe · 03/10/2021 09:27

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4356425-Positive-LFTs-but-negative-PCR-twice

Lots of people with the same issue. Quite a few eventually get a positive PCR, which is worrying as it suggests it’s not a different bug.

HalfwomanHalfcookie · 03/10/2021 09:30

That's pretty concerning when it's usually the other way round. I'd be tempted to go with the PCR result.

earlydoors42 · 03/10/2021 13:33

I've had the same. 4 positive LFTs and 2 negative PCRs

Original poster
Rebeccabubba · 05/10/2021 08:29

Did another lateral flow test last night and that was a positive AGAIN!!!! Confused spoke to pcr test centre and they said there getting a lot of positive tests put false pcr.

OP posts:
bunnybuggs · 05/10/2021 08:34

Stop testing for every little symptom - we are now in an endless loop and most of us are trying to get out of it. If the expensive PCR says negative you are negative. Shock - stop wasting your time

bunnybuggs · 05/10/2021 08:37

@earlydoors42

I've had the same. 4 positive LFTs and 2 negative PCRs
For goodness sake - why keep trying - some of us have never tested ourselves so don't add to the daily roll call of 'tests done' that keep us from returning to normal. Enough is enough.
Original poster
Rebeccabubba · 05/10/2021 09:02

I've not got symptoms I'm testing for work. I go into peoples houses everyday and god forbid if I did have covid I wouldn't want to pass it on!!!

OP posts:
Noogar · 05/10/2021 10:40

@Rebeccabubba yeah you're doing the right thing. Are all your tests from the same box?

JustMoved123 · 05/10/2021 11:21

Hi, my adult daughter also has this problem, lateral flow always shows a very faint positive line and several subsequent PCR tests have been negative. She has an auto immune condition and we wondered if that’s the cause, does anyone else have conditions which could complicate the result?
It causes her a lot of stress worrying about unknowingly infecting someone else.

earlydoors42 · 05/10/2021 12:00

@bunnybuggs I tested because my son was positive (still isolating) and I have 3 of the 5 main symptoms listed by Zoe covid study as current symptoms for vaccinated people. My daughter is clinically vulnerable so I wanted to know if I have it so I can stay away from her. But that would be hard to do so I don't want to do that if not necessary.

I don't register any of my lateral flows if that makes you any happier?! I hadn't tested for weeks before this and only starting testing as there is a positive case in my house. Is this ok by you or want to complain at me a bit more?

fadingfast · 05/10/2021 12:33

As I understand it there is a higher rate of false negative PCRs than false positive LFTs. So if you are repeatedly testing positive on a LFT it is likely to be a true positive, especially if you also have symptoms. PCRs are not quite the ‘gold standard’ many believe them to be and are often not showing positive until several days in. It’s dangerous to assume that negative PCR means you are not COVID positive.

JustMoved123 · 05/10/2021 13:03

@fadingfast - we have to believe I something though, especially if symptom free? My daughter has repeatedly (in many occasions) had PCR tests which have been negative and she has also tested negative for antibodies so she hasn’t had Covid without symptoms

Miracle29 · 05/10/2021 13:06

When my ds second pcr came back negative I rang the school and even though he had positive lft the school said he was to go as they take the pcr. I kept him of the days he was ill then sent him back as the school requested but he had symptoms and 3 of his friends tested positive. I tested with the same Bach and mine were clear negatives. I felt wrong to send him in when he was feeling better but the school insisted he was to go in and it wouldn't be authorised as covid as his pcr was negative.

Karleeb30 · 05/10/2021 13:44

Stop taking lateral flow tests unless you are required to do them? I'd be going by the pcr tests which are meant to be the accurate ones but it makes you wonder doesn't it.

earlydoors42 · 05/10/2021 16:10

Just asked a medical colleague of mine for opinion. Advised to treat as covid and take appropriate precautions. (This is for my multiple + LFTs, despite having neg PCRs).

JustMoved123 · 05/10/2021 16:27

@earlydoors42 were they over several weeks or all part of the same potential infection? My daughter has had issues for months and she can’t have had Covid each time surely?

earlydoors42 · 05/10/2021 17:07

Mine were all as part of the same infection (over the last 5 days).

That doesn't sound right at all for your daughter. Very odd.

In4mation · 05/10/2021 17:13

According to the other thread, several did go on to spread it.

JustMoved123 · 05/10/2021 18:17

@earlydoors42 I agree, it’s very strange, the line is very faint though so I think it must be something to do with her medication. She has been in touch with the hospital but no response as yet….

Original poster
Rebeccabubba · 06/10/2021 06:10

@Noogar no they are from different boxes. The new 15 mins tests. The 30mins nose and throat tests all come back negative.

OP posts:
frenchiemummy92 · 07/10/2021 19:29

I've had 4 very faint positive lateral flow tests. Every one else in the house hasn't had a hint of a line. The new nose ones we are using. I've been for a pcr today so still awaiting the results but mine where from different boxes 🤦🏻‍♀️. Not sure what to think really

Original poster
Rebeccabubba · 07/10/2021 21:15

@Chipsinthewoods thank you. that's an interesting read!!! Just makes you wonder!!!

OP posts:
Timeisavirtue · 07/10/2021 22:18

@fadingfast

As I understand it there is a higher rate of false negative PCRs than false positive LFTs. So if you are repeatedly testing positive on a LFT it is likely to be a true positive, especially if you also have symptoms. PCRs are not quite the ‘gold standard’ many believe them to be and are often not showing positive until several days in. It’s dangerous to assume that negative PCR means you are not COVID positive.
So what are you supposed to think then.... the PCR is supposed to be the more reliable one... but wait if it’s negative don’t listen and think you positive is what your trying to say.....
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