positive PCR following neg LFT?

[saltontoast]

Hi,

DS2 is really unwell. Dry cough ALL night, extremely green snot, temp and generally unwell.

Baby DD is also poorly

Likely a heavy cold but this is the second one in 3 weeks and he hasn't been anywhere really

Negative LFT on me (I'm testing for work)

DS lft is negative, but because he has symptoms I've booked a PCR

DH isn't keen on testing him again because he thinks we should go off the lft result but I'm conscious of him having symptoms and online says he needs a PCR

Has anyone ever had a positive PCR following a clear negative LFT?

Yes, DH had 3. I don’t trust lateral flows at all!

Same here. My dad and I are both positive on PCR not picked up on numerous lateral flows. Same for many at her school.

I know of alot of people who tested positive on PCR test but negative of lft so thats why PCR is meeded if someone has symptoms

My DS was negative on multiple LFTs but postive on a PCR.

That said I've just had a horrendous cough and cold which has lasted for 4 weeks now, with antibiotics not touching the cough - I lost my sense of taste and smell for about 4/5 days, but was consistently negative on LFTs and PCRs. Other viruses are available

Thanks everyone, reassured me I'm doing the right thing. PCR booked for 10am

yes. When we had COVID it was exactly as above. My son had so much green snot it was disgusting. We were all repeatedly negative on LFTs but positive on PCR.

LF are only meant to be used for no symptoms so yes definitely get a PCR booked in!
My daughter had a positive LF last week so we all went for a PCR I take LF for work and mine was negative. PCR has come back positive.
I've known a few people to be negative on LF and positive on PCR.

Glad you've booked a PCR in, keep safe:)

My dh took 3 days to show up positive on the ltd tests after his positive pcr.

Definitely do a pcr.

Hoping his PCR is negative and it's just a cold, thanks for the replies. I've never been a fan of the LFTs

LFTs detect a protein that the virus secretes. It can take up to 3/4 days to detect it. PCR detects the viral genetic material so can detect the virus much sooner. On day 1/2. So yes you can get a negative LFT and a positive PCR.

So you are right in that LFTs are unreliable with symptomatic people as if you test early it could well be false. PCRs always if you have symptoms. However LFTs are great for routine testing with no symptoms.

Yes, both me and DS. Multiple negative LFTs, both had positive PCRs.