Is re-testing necessary for ongoing symptoms after negative PCR?

[EdinaMonsoon]

I’m confused about whether DS & I should re-test. Both had multiple negative LFTs last week but had PCR as symptomatic - which also showed up negative. We both have cough & cold symptoms (mine for 7 days today & DS 5 days). DS has stayed off school as a precaution & I wfh anyway. Do we need to repeat the PCR? Or should we assume potentially “missed” positive & self isolate anyway?

You have a cold, not Covid. How many negative tests do you need to believe it?

@poorchurchmouse I’m aware that we probably do just have seasonal colds but it’s not clear to me whether the guidance is “negative PCR test & carry on as normal” or whether we still have to isolate as potentially false negative. The info in the test results email was incredibly vague regarding continuing to isolate even with a negative result. FWIW, I was very ill with Covid earlier this year & so I’m hyper cautious about potentially passing it on to others.

It’s entirely up to you if you want to have another PCR test done if it would help put your mind at ease, but I would have thought if you’ve had symptoms for over 5 days and it’s not covid, it’s probably a cold virus.

The statistical likelihood of a false negative from a PCR is many many times higher than that of a false negative LFT. So personally I would retest yes. If that one is negative them I'd consider it as I would any other seasonal illness, stay home whilst you're unwell, and only return to work/school when fit to.

@ColettesEarrings I didn't know that about PCR tests so thank you. Your post reflects what I was thinking/feeling anyway so I think for peace of mind DS & I will retest. If negative, then we'll stay home anyway until the coughing at least has stopped.

Thanks for responses.

@EdinaMonsoon I'm a numpty, it should read risk of false negative from pcr is higher than false positive from lft - that's why I would retest.