DD positive LFT but negative PCR

[BlackInk]

Apologies. I know there are a lot of posts on this subject but I still feel unsure what to do.

DD age 9.
Friday - lack of appetite.
Friday night - couldn't sleep, shivering.
Saturday 6am - threw up once, fever.
Saturday 10am - positive LFT (went for drive-through PCR).
All day Saturday - tired and lack of appetite, mild fever on and off.
Sunday - PCR result came through negative! DD feeling ok. Repeated LFT looks negative I think?

NHS guidelines seem to say to go by the PCR so I guess that's what we'll do, but I don't feel entirely comfortable. My DS has just recovered from Covid (came out of isolation 7 days ago) and I thought the rest of us had escaped it. DD has been on half term this week and no close indoor contact other than with family who are all well. If it's Covid I would guess it's caught from DS.

1st pic is yesterday's positive LFT, 2nd pic is today's.

She didn't eat or drink for a few hours before yesterday's positive LFT.

So, I guess we carry on as normal, but will LFT her regularly and keep an eye out for any symptoms? Feels dodgy!

Unfortunately until the government change the law re positive lateral flows being super exceded by negative pcr tests, then nothing will change, as this is the law review isolation and sick pay.

Hope she's ok

@Tinysnickers I accidentally uploaded 2 pics of the same positive LFT originally. The 2nd LFT done yesterday morning was negative at 20 mins, but a couple of hours later developed a definite 2nd line.... I know I should have just thrown it out!

I've done an LFT (throat and nose style) on her again this morning and that was a clear negative at 30 mins. She's feeling ok, maybe a bit washed out/tired and appetite a bit off.

So it was only one positive LFT strictly speaking, followed by negative PCR and a few negative LFTs. Definitely no risk that she faked the test. I watch her swab and do the rest for her. The only thing I can think of is that she was sick about 4 hours before doing the positive LFT. I wonder whether any traces of vomit on the nose could trigger the test...

I would have to lie to get another PCR. No positive LFT since her last one and none of the three main symptoms now.

I really really don't want to put anyone at risk. We've been so careful about this.

If you use the Zoe Covid app, it will probably invite her to book a pcr.

The government have been totally useless in not updating the official symptoms you should book a pcr with. At this point, I would lie to get another pcr.

Whatever you decide to do, she doesn’t sound like she’s well enough for school.

I would probably also lie to get another pcr. Just click the 'close contact' thing. They don't check. Better to be safe.
I don't know about vomit, it is acidic but the solution you have in the little tube is a neutralising buffer, so that should remove the effect of the acid.
To make it turn positive with the acidic coke/juice etc you have to put it on neat, not mixed with the solution.

Honestly OP I get how frustrating it is, I’m into our third week of isolating now as our household keep getting it one by one, each time right at the end of the last persons isolation coming to an end. But your DD had a strongly positive LFT and symptoms- it’s highly likely she has covid; LFTs aren’t meant to be used to then reduce the isolation time if they then turn negative. I’d definitely also get another PCR to be sure.

Well, I've just taken her for another PCR test and am keeping her off school until we get the result. All subsequent LFTs have been negative so I'm expecting the PCR result to be negative again. Better safe than sorry though.

That’s a sensible decision. Hope it’s a quick result.

You've done the right thing. With Covid in the house, symptoms and a positive LFT, it seems very unlikely she hasn't had it. Possibly the viral load is too low now to show up on tests, but another PCR to set your mind at rest is the best course of action (and maybe avoid seeing vulnerable people for a week or two even if it is negative).

I did wonder whether she's just had a very mild case/low viral load. Feels unlikely that, with daily LFT's for the past few weeks, it was only picked up on one test. But really don't know what else it could be.

I've been in close contact with her the whole time so am still doing daily LFTs for the time being and avoiding close contact with known vulnerable people... although I care for my mum so that's tricky, although she is triple vaccinated.

Well, DD's 2nd PCR also came back negative so I guess the positive LFT must have been wrong.... all pretty confusing but feel kind of reassured by the 2nd PCR, and she's gone back to school today (feeling fine).

I hope I've done the right thing. Advice I've received varies widely from people being astounded that I didn't just go with the 1st negative PCR to people suggesting I isolate her for 10 days because there's so little chance of a positive LFT being wrong. Feel like I can't win!

@BlackInk

Well, DD's 2nd PCR also came back negative so I guess the positive LFT must have been wrong.... all pretty confusing but feel kind of reassured by the 2nd PCR, and she's gone back to school today (feeling fine).

I hope I've done the right thing. Advice I've received varies widely from people being astounded that I didn't just go with the 1st negative PCR to people suggesting I isolate her for 10 days because there's so little chance of a positive LFT being wrong. Feel like I can't win!

I think you've done the right thing, what's the chances of having two negative PCR's when she's actually got it?!