False positive lateral flows anyone?

[anxiousstanley]

Has anyone experienced false positive lateral flows?
I received a box of nose only LFT and used them for the first time this weekend. I followed instructions carefully but got a positive result. Ended up going for two PCR tests both came back negative.
Has anyone else had this? It meant two lost work days and lots of anxiety. I've used the nose/throat LFT with no issues previously.
The make was flowflex. Thank you.

Yes, yesterday!

Yes 6 months ago though.

Just happened to us last weekend. Ds was ill and got positive lft. I didn't have any symptoms and got positive lft. Both pcr were negative.

Yes, I have. I won't use them any more, it's too stressful.

@Slowfoxfast

Yes, I have. I won't use them any more, it's too stressful.

Yes I know what you mean. I have to do twice weekly tests for my job. I am really worried that I'm going to just keep testing positive with these new tests. I have done 3 now out of this box every one positive. I do the old type and I'm negative.

False positives are less likely than false negatives so although we always say PCR is the gold standard of err on the side of caution as it's actually more likely you are positive- especially the pp who was also unwell at the time.

@hotelharibo

False positives are less likely than false negatives so although we always say PCR is the gold standard of err on the side of caution as it's actually more likely you are positive- especially the pp who was also unwell at the time.

It's just so strange. I had two negative pcr tests so am going to go with that. I feel well and am showing no symptoms.

Haven't they said that lft are more accurate?

No ?

This is what happened in the South West where the lab had made an error with the PCR tests and told people they were negative but we're probably positive (positive LFT followed by negative PCR)

I would probably assume you're positive.

amp-theguardian-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/15/covid-how-did-error-over-wrong-pcr-test-results-in-uk-happen?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a6&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16366053044903&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fworld%2F2021%2Foct%2F15%2Fcovid-how-did-error-over-wrong-pcr-test-results-in-uk-happen

Yes my Dd. I've also seen lots of false positives in work which leads me to believe it's not as uncommon as they make out.

If I had a positive LF, I would assume positive due to what happened in my area recently. (The PCR test result mix up)
A lot of people I know thought they didn’t have covid so went out as normal even though they had it.

Yes in half term I had a very faint positive ltf followed by negative pcr and all other ltfs were negative , I would have had to keep isolating and pcr testing if I had had another positive ltf but luckily I didn't . I had a bit of a cold prior to the positive ltf so did think at the time it was a real positive but I never got properly ill or felt any worse so I do think it was a false positive and my nhs boss said it's not as unusual as people think to get a false positive on a ltf and they go by the pcr

My advice would be to keep doing the lateral flows frequently and pcr and isolate if you get any further positives . If the lines get darker and stronger i would advise your work etc and treat it as a real positive.

Sorry third message in a row ! Just reread your op I would be assuming positive if you've had more than one positive. Mine was also flow flex but only had one positive and as I said the line was v faint but visible

Yes, my DD was under the weather and got a clear positive within time limit on LFT (1st pic). Repeat LFT was negative within time limit but showed a faint line later (2nd pic).

PCR done on day of 1st positive LFT came back negative. Was unsure/surprised so she did another PCR 2 or 3 days later and that was negative too. All subsequent LFTs were negative too.

NHS 119 advice was to go by PCR result and send her back to school. But I do wonder what the heck's occurring, and whether she did indeed have Covid albeit mildly/fleetingly!

Yes! My son is testing repeatedly posotube yet negative on PCR. All other household members clearly negative. What's going on with these tests!!

My son had a positive LFT on Monday, followed by a negative PCR test. His subsequent LFTs have been negative too. I presumed he would be positive though as my oldest son is PCR positive at the moment. His positive LFT there was no mistaking though it came up as soon as the ink travelled across and the test line was stronger than the control, whereas my younger sons false positive was a very faint line that appeared nearer the end of the time to develop.