Why would people not do PCR if they've tested positive on LFT? (Not in order to avoid isolation, they are doing that quite happily)

[Tryingtryingandtrying]

Just that really. Why would someone do this? Is there a benefit in getting PCR confirmation?

To avoid the constant calls?

Because they know there is a higher chance of a false positive with lft and they want to isolate?

We delayed ours just because it was tricky to go with work and we already knew our isolation dates.

They consider it a waste of time and resources? They don't want to be responsible for someone else having to isolate (although I now believe this requirement has been dropped even for omicron?)
They don't agree with the government publishing statistics on cases which are people who aren't even remotely unwell

Can't be bothered?

@marmaduke888

To avoid the constant calls?

This was my first thought Just when I took a PCR, it seemed they texted every two hours before the result to ensure I didn't go out.

Families I know have had calls for each member of the family, including infants.

Because they know they have it, need to isolate and just getting on with it. They don't need reassurance of a PCR as LF is unlikely to have a false positive.

Didn’t take one dc as we had just been a couple of days before. It’s not that close (half hour drive). It’s not very pleasant for them and the calls are massively annoying.
She’s 10yo, isn’t going to be travelling anywhere and I couldn’t think of a particular benefit of it. Other 2 dcs had it (confirmed by pcr) and she had same symptoms and lateral flow went positive 2 days later.

I have now had positive lateral flow and I will go for pcr tomorrow as I think it’s more important for adults - I might need to show why I’m exempt from pcr or something.

My Mum didn’t she got a positive LFT 3 days after DS and 4 days after babysitting him

Having seen how long track and trace took and feeling rough she didn’t want to drive herself to a test site or do a test.

It was clear she had it (felt really rough for 5 days) where she caught it from and who she had been in contact with (us). All of whom had been in contact with DS

She wasn’t going anywhere in 90 days and isolated for 10 days and just wanted to rest in peace

I imagine because it all seems a bit pointless when you know what the result will be and are doing what's required anyway

No time? CBA? Don’t want track and trace hassle?

We knew DS 1&2 had it but didn’t get them retested after false negatives. God the calls were bad enough for just me and OH

To avoid constant calls from T&T

Because they feel poorly and dont want to drive/walk to a test centre. Postal tests take an age so they seem pointless.

They find the tests uncomfortable.

Lots of reasons.

I tested negative on PCR and lateral flows last week. I tested because a household contact was a positive case. I was starting to develop symptoms but the PCR and subsequent lateral flows were negative. I intended to isolate regardless.

Wednesday I tested again with two lateral flows as I was convinced I had it and both were positive. I didn't bother with another PCR because I knew I had it and I felt too ill and weak to go out to send away a test or get someone to get me take me to a drive through. Plus I couldn't be bothered with all the trouble with track and trace so I'm just continuing to isolate.

DH had covid recently (LFT & confirmed by PCR) he needed the PCR email for work.
I didn’t catch it (tested everyday) if I had a positive LFT I wouldn’t have bothered with a PCR - I don’t need it for work, I would be sensible & isolate but I simply can’t do the throat swabs required for PCR (I gag before the thing is even near my mouth, actually doing it makes me vomit)
Sounds like a silly reason but don’t see the point in going through that at a test centre only to get the same result back as the LFT

To not contribute to the statistics.

Track and trace is a pain in the neck and they will notify contacts themselves. Can isolate so don't need the confirmation for sick pay tho you can self certify for 28 days now.

Despite what is sometimes written on here, if you get a positive LFT, you're very likely to have a positive PCR, especially when linked to onset symptoms or you know you've been exposed.... so people don't bother.

Tbh I'm not really sure what any of us gained from DS having a PCR after having a positive LFT apart from a painfully slow call from Test&Trace and me getting two copies of the same series of texts (one for me, one for the 10mo ) giving confusing, contradictory and outdated advice about the self-isolation rules

What's the point? If you can easily isolate then why bother?

I had a positive lateral and then posted a pcr on Thurs morning. I'm still waiting for my results, not heard anything. Been in on my own since Thurs

I thought my work might require one as I was expected in the office. So if I could confirm the LFT result it might be easier to explain why I wouldn't be in?

I got a text to the T&T website to fill in my details. So much quicker and easier than the rather painful call I'd had with T&T about DC.

Is there a benefit to getting a positive PCR? Anything to do with future travel plans or “covid passports”?

If my LFT was positive I'd maybe do another one to confirm and then just assume that I have Covid anyway. Why put myself through the hassle of booking a PCR, going out for it and then be harassed constantly by T&T instead of just isolating?

To avoid repeated calls from T&T, and because it's pointless. If the LFT is positive, I know I have covid, I'll stay at home, and I'll tell my close contacts so they can test/isolate as needed. Nothing more needs to be done.

No plans to travel. And I think it prob is around the T and T causing a headache. They definitely have it, close contact, symptoms etc. I don't think they care about the stats side of things though. Wonder how many in this situation.