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Original poster

Getting a PCR Test

12 replies

tulippa · 31/12/2021 06:45

Just got a faint positive line on a LTF. Went to book a PCR but the only ones available in the whole of the UK are in Powys (I don't live in Wales). Does anyone know what time the system updates with more appointments? Or do I just have to sit at my laptop all day pressing refresh?

OP posts:
Original poster
tulippa · 31/12/2021 06:46

Forgot to say there were no postal tests available either.

OP posts:
Finfintytint · 31/12/2021 06:52

Depending what area you are in, you can take a test without an appointment. You just need to register the test afterwards. Maybe go to your nearest site and ask.

SpindleSpangle · 31/12/2021 06:55

I saw a MNer say yesterday that she sat and refreshed and eventually got a PCR test ordered but it took hours.

I've found it's the same with ordering LFTs. I log on at random times and maybe 1 in 25 times I have managed to be able to order a box - although that currently seems to have decreased to 'never'.

Apparently tests (both sorts) are being released in batches throughout the day, so it's blind luck if you get one. In other words, rationing, with no fairness of access or sense of prioritisation.

Original poster
tulippa · 31/12/2021 07:00

Ok thanks - looks like I'll be sitting here hitting refresh for a while. It's not like I'm going anywhere though is it? They did mention walk-ins on the website but said there were none of those available either.

OP posts:
KiloWhat · 31/12/2021 07:08

Nightmare OP. Hope you get one sorted. It's not what you need when you're ill.

nearlychristmas21 · 31/12/2021 07:32

Just logged on and ordered LFTs through the post for the first time in days... it's purely luck of the draw.

ColettesEarrings · 31/12/2021 07:39

I just got a pack this second too!

frenchiemummy92 · 31/12/2021 07:41

It's now letting your order LFTs but itv news did say yesterday that there was no PCR testing available in the whole of England and Ireland. You just have to keep checking when you can and hope they both become available at the moment.

Mol1628 · 31/12/2021 07:41

I kept checking all day and finally ordered 4 home kits yesterday evening. It’s a pain because you have to go through the whole process of entering your details then it tells you there are none left!

Mol1628 · 31/12/2021 07:42

Home PCR tests I meant.

Original poster
tulippa · 31/12/2021 07:42

Just refreshed and managed to get one for later on this morning. They're available across the whole of the UK at the moment if anyone needs one.

OP posts:
SpringRainbow · 31/12/2021 07:45

I was trying to get one yesterday for a relative who isn’t very confident on computers.

I started about 10am, I tried every 30 minutes to an hour. Eventually managed to book a PCR for them around 3pm ish.

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