Positive LFT, Negative PCR

[user86780990]

So last Monday I had a positive LFT (had some symptoms headache, blocked nose, sore throat, fatigue) ordered a home test PCR which came back negative.
Did another LFT last night and it was positive, booked a PCR test today and it came back negative again.
Can I stop isolating?

Following

But I would assume negative pcr means you can stop isolating

Yes you can. This seems to be happening to a lot of us lately.

Yes you can stop isolating.

There's a few reasons LFT can show positive - eating/drinking within 3 minutes of testing is one of them.

@TikTokBitches

Yes you can. This seems to be happening to a lot of us lately.

Is it ok to attend hospital appointments with this situation?

My understanding is that the PCR is more sensitive and therefore more likely to be correct. So you could go to hospital if you wanted to.

This articles explains well why the negative PCR should not trump a positive LFT: www.theguardian.com/theobserver/commentisfree/2021/oct/17/whats-the-value-of-a-confirmatory-pcr-test-covid

[quote martymcfly01]This articles explains well why the negative PCR should not trump a positive LFT: www.theguardian.com/theobserver/commentisfree/2021/oct/17/whats-the-value-of-a-confirmatory-pcr-test-covid[/quote]
If a negative PCR doesn't trump a positive LFT then I have had Covid since August.

@ConcernedAuntie this made me 🤣

I have always read that if you get a positive LFT you must follow up with a PCR to confirm whether you have it or not

@ConcernedAuntie

LOL @ConcernedAuntie. Have you been getting positive LFTs the whole time? Wow!
There's obviously a small error rate with both LFTs and PCRs. The chance of a false positive is significantly smaller than a false negative with either test though. Not dissimilar to pregnancy tests. Many false negatives (testing too early, application errors, actual faulty test) but very rare to get a false positive.

Just happened to someone I know, she didn't feel 100% and had Covid in her house already. Tested positive on an LFT but negative PCR and further LFT's. Really weird!

Same issue with me. 10 days of straight positive LFTs plus symptoms, 2 negative PCRs. Symptoms went 3 days ago but today is my first day of negative LFT.

I've definitely had something.

Happening loads where I am on SW Scotland. Noone knows whether they are coming or going.....

Then the conspiracy theories are saying its to do with non testing the samples in order to keep the public figures lower than they are, to stop another lockdown....

I'm not an anti vaxxer but the amount of people I know who are LFT+ with symptoms but - PCR makes you wonder.

@martymcfly01

LOL *@ConcernedAuntie*. Have you been getting positive LFTs the whole time? Wow! There's obviously a small error rate with both LFTs and PCRs. The chance of a false positive is significantly smaller than a false negative with either test though. Not dissimilar to pregnancy tests. Many false negatives (testing too early, application errors, actual faulty test) but very rare to get a false positive.

Yup. I don't test on a regular basis as we are retired and can go days/a couple of weeks without seeing anyone, only test when meeting up with family or friends indoors. So many things cancelled only to then get a negatve PCR. Was supposed to be meeting friends on New Years Day for lunch but no, another faint positive LFT, negative PCR result received yesterday. DHs tests are always totally clear. I always follow the instructions to the letter. Not knowingly been a contact of someone wth Covid since October 2020.

Have never had a negative LFT in all this time. I think I am up to 8 or 9 PCRs now since starting testing in August.

Wow, how very strange. That must be so frustrating. I wish we would get to the point where we only test when showing symptoms sooner rather than later. Such a faff!

This has happened to my sister. She has had 3 occasions where she tested positive in LFT, followed by a negative PCR.

She's a teacher, so tests regularly. Never had any symptoms.

The uncertainty and constant rollercoaster of "Oh shit I've caught it... oh no I haven't" is really wearing her down.

@martymcfly01

Wow, how very strange. That must be so frustrating. I wish we would get to the point where we only test when showing symptoms sooner rather than later. Such a faff!

Frustrating doesn't touch the sides. I'm a nervous wreck.

I don't think that only testing when you have symptoms would be wise - can still pass it on when asymptomatic.

I have two friends who are unable to be vacccinated for medical reasons and one who has just finished chemo. So worried that I am going to pass it on to someone.

Have decided that for the time being I am only going to see people outside and at a distance. I don't want to turn into the Covid equivalent of Typhoid Mary.

@gravybones

This has happened to my sister. She has had 3 occasions where she tested positive in LFT, followed by a negative PCR.

She's a teacher, so tests regularly. Never had any symptoms.

The uncertainty and constant rollercoaster of "Oh shit I've caught it... oh no I haven't" is really wearing her down.

I know the feeling.

I had covid in November.

Friday - positive LFT, negative PCR
Saturday - positive LFT
Tuesday - positive LFT, negative PCR
Friday - positive LFT, positive PCR

I isolated from the first LFT as I felt crap and members of my family had it. No idea why I didn’t have a positive PCR for a week but I had symptoms so I think the LFTs were positive.