LFT negative on day 7 of isolation

[feelinglow2021]

I got a very strong positive lateral flow test last week after losing my sense of taste and smell, and then did a PCR which confirmed I had COVID. I’ve hardly had any symptoms apart from loss of taste and a very mild snuffle. I’m now on day 7 of isolation and feeling totally better (although I still can’t taste). I did a LFT earlier just out of interest and it was negative! What does this mean?

Not sure what it means but my DD had similar. Tested positive on LFT, no symptoms. Confirmed PCR positive. Tested again on Day 5 with a LFT, negative. I assumed that she had had the virus for a good few days before se tested positive. She was asymptomatic throughout.

LFTs don't test everything that PCRs do. I just spoke with T&T about it, as have been doing a LFT every day to see when they go negative. Haven't done today's yet (day 7), but will now.

LFTs don't test everything that PCRs do.

@RuleWithAWoodenFoot How do you mean, “test everything”?

Haven't done today's yet (day 7), but will now.

I’d be interested to know your results!

It just means you are past the peak of your viral load. I had the same and had to have it explained to me. The PCR is definitive. Lateral flows are unreliable.

You can get different results from LFT tests, you are not recommended to take them or PCR tests for 90 days.

It just means you are past the peak of your viral load.

This is what I was hoping it meant!

The PCR is definitive. Lateral flows are unreliable.

Well, not always. LFTs as 96.1% accurate. A positive LFT is very, very likely to be a positive PCR. We hear about those that aren't because a) that issue in the SW and b) people question it, c) 4% of lots is still lots.

I dunno what they test, T&T were telling me some nonsense or other. I only asked because I have to do them for work.

Well, not always. LFTs as 96.1% accurate

That’s interesting. In my experience and that of people I know who’ve had COVID, they’ve always been dead on with the positive results. Clearly it’s harder to know with the negative results, as these don’t tend to be followed up by a PCR.

I did four lateral flows on my first day of Covid. Two were positive and two were negative.
Only the subsequent PCR gave me the confidence that I did actually have Covid.
I believe lateral flows are extremely hit and miss.

It means that lateral flows are not very sensitive and if you're not at a point of high viral load, then it might not pick any Covid up.
It doesn't mean that you're fully better and no longer infectious - so give it the full ten days please!

Link to LFT/PCR data:
twitter.com/BristOliver/status/1456282333066186755

I've just done my LFT - a T line has come up, but it's much fainter than yesterday's. Up to now, the T line has come up immediately since the first day it was positive - literally as the liquid was passing it - with the C line taking longer to appear.

Here - my investigation! Twice daily after partner's positive PCR, until my first one (confirmed on PCR an hour later), then daily since.

If you are double vaccinated you may no longer be infectious, as viral load tends to drop quicker in the vaccinated. You cant rely on it as there is a small chance the test is wrong.

I did the same - day 8 was negative, did it out or boredom really!

PP is right that the PCR and LFT test different things.

Not sure why someone would do 4 LFT in one day - seems extreme.

I was told not to do any tests for 90 days as could get false results.

My son was the same positive wed pcr positive thurs. Sat took lateral flow negative. He isolated for the full 10 days. The rest of our house did not catch..

It means nothing except that LFTs cannot be relied upon.

It means nothing except that LFTs cannot be relied upon.

@Waxonwaxoff0 a poster above said they're 96% accurate. Assuming that's correct, it sounds pretty reliable to me!

It's pretty frustrating to be stuck inside for a three more days when I apparently no longer have a high viral load and feel completely fine.

My LFT's were negative until 2 days after a confirmed PCR, so not that realiable, no.
Certainly you cannot break isolation thinking it is a real negative.

@feelinglow2021

It means nothing except that LFTs cannot be relied upon.

@Waxonwaxoff0 a poster above said they're 96% accurate. Assuming that's correct, it sounds pretty reliable to me!

It's pretty frustrating to be stuck inside for a three more days when I apparently no longer have a high viral load and feel completely fine.

I doubt they are considering so many people are getting false results from them. So many threads on here about it. I tested negative on them the entire time I had Covid (2 positive PCRs).

I doubt they are considering so many people are getting false results from them. So many threads on here about it.

I’m not sure “threads on here” are the most reliable gauge though. Also, the fact the LFT showed a strong and almost immediate positive when I first came down with Covid suggests it’s pretty reliable. My DH had the same experience.

I have also had a couple of negative LFTs backed up by negative PCRs in the past.