Positive LFTs negative PCRs

[Thingsthatgo]

My DD has covid. I’ve been going into work (fully vaccinated) but testing every other day with LFTs. I got a very very faint positive yesterday so drove to have a PCR which has just come back negative. This morning, I did another LFT which is also a very faint positive. My DH did one which is definitely negative, so not a faulty batch.
I have now ordered a postal PCR because I can’t get back to the test site today.
I have no symptoms at all, my boss is desperate for me to go back to work tomorrow. I don’t know what to do!

I would take any positive as a positive (particularly as there's covid in the house) and not go in. Isn't it the case that sometimes PCRs don't pick up infections in the very early stages? If your LFTs are very faint this could be the case. It's likely your postal PCR will be positive.

Fingers crossed you stay symptom-free!

I'm in the same boat here. Did two LFTs yesterday, both faintly positive. Went for a PCR, came back negative. Done another LFT this morning and again a faint positive. What brand tests are you using out of interest? Mine were positive with flowflex, but not on the older NHS ones. Frustrating to say the least! I've had a headache for three days, achey and congested, which was why I did the tests.

I've been the same! We have a positive case in our household, I've had symptoms and been testing positive on LF's but had 2 PCRs which have both been negative. No idea what's going on!

We had the same when we had a household case and my DC tested positive on LTFs but two negative PCRs. I agree with the poster above that you are best to go by a positive test despite a negative PCR especially where there are circumstances which make it highly likely you'd have it (household cases or symptoms).

As yiu have Covid in the house I'd assume positive, but I have also had positive lateral flows and negative PCRs (no symptoms).

My dh had this 2 months ago. He did LF and was +. Went for PCR and it was -. He then did 3 more LF test over 3 days all +. By this time he had headache, temperature, feeling tired and aching all over. He went back for another PCR but yet again it was -. He rang GP who told him stay home until LF test -. He tested again 4 days later when feeling a bit better but still very tired. Finally LF -. He was working from home all except 4 days he just slept nearly all day. I think the LF test are more sensitive.

Thanks all. I shall do the postal PCR and go by that result. I am so frustrated with the LFTs. I’ve done three today, one clearly positive and two negative. They seem worse than useless!
My boss is pretty unimpressed. He is not blaming me, but it is the most important time of year for his small business.

There’s loads of this at the moment. I think there’s an issue with PCR tests that no one has investigated yet

Interesting. I had the faintest of lines last week, but neg pcr and then Dh had this week, two, and neg pcr.

I had had a night of aches but also v peri. Menopausal at the moment.

My DH has had this. Positive LFT followed by negative LFT (about an hour later) and negative PCR taken about 2 hours later. Then a few days later got another faint positive LFT (negative LFTs every day between the 2 positives) and another negative PCR. No idea what's happening but either there is cross reactivity with the LFTs with something or there is a problem with PCR tests somewhere. My LFTs have never been anything but pure white apart from the control line with the same batch!

My boss is pretty unimpressed what do you mean unimpressed?

@Carrotte oh, it’s just colloquialism, I just meant he is annoyed at the situation. He is not annoyed with me, he is lovely and will still give me a big Christmas bonus! I want to make sure his business has the best Christmas possible after last year.

Ah that's good. Yes the pandemic is annoying. I hope it goes away.

I thought the PCR was the more sensitive test?
A family member had 2 negative LTFs before their positive PCR (due having what they thought was the mega cold & also being a close contact of someone with Covid)
Personally I would go with the PCR (but that's just me & you should do whatever you think is best)

@Niki14

My DH has had this. Positive LFT followed by negative LFT (about an hour later) and negative PCR taken about 2 hours later. Then a few days later got another faint positive LFT (negative LFTs every day between the 2 positives) and another negative PCR. No idea what's happening but either there is cross reactivity with the LFTs with something or there is a problem with PCR tests somewhere. My LFTs have never been anything but pure white apart from the control line with the same batch!

I think mumsnet discovered the PCR problem weeks before it was announced, I'm sure this will be the same.

I agree, I have no doubt something will be in the news soon. Too many people have had this happen now for it to be a fluke.
There was a mention of it on bbc breakfast this morning but quickly swept under the carpet with ‘pcr trumps lateral flow tests’

I had a faint positive LFT then a negative PCR test, despite having symptoms. 2 days later and feeling even worse before I got a positive PCR. My daughter was negative twice before her positive came back and by that time she was back to normal!