Scrapping PCR tests?

[CocoCarrie]

By scrapping PCR tests and relying on LTFs instead, how is the government's recording of data going to be accurate when it is guaranteed that many people will test positive but won't be bothered to record their result?

And how will scientists identify new variants in time?

I mean you can record it if you want to! I don’t know there is the react survey, the ins survey sewage testing but yes let’s waste lots of public money on pcr tests totally unnecessary as we know lost them will be postive 🤦🏻‍♀️!! Honestly people on here need perspective (or alternatively sent the bill for the stats they are asking for somewhat un still since the ons provides a much better picture - one in 1-5 have covid in the U.K. so they are not saying it’s low!!)

I don't think employers can demand a PCR test result unless they are willing to pay for the test. You won't be eligible for a PCR on NHS if you have no symptoms.

Obviously you wouldn't get away with it more than once, but I am seriously getting worried about the impact on essential services/infrastructure.

A couple of people I know are already "joking" about getting their diaries out and planning their week off...

Doesn't affect me as I WFH so no skin in the game.

The testing centres/labs are struggling to process the high numbers of PCRs currently, hence this move by the government. The worry in schools is that parents will still send their LFT positive children in and just not say anything because they can't manage the childcare issues it creates. If they even bother doing LFT/LFD tests at all.

@Bobholll

This thread title is incorrect mumsnet.

They are NOT scrapping PCR tests.

If you have symptoms, you can first do an LFT.

If it’s positive - no need for a PCR. False positives are very rare on LFTs so there is no need to bother getting a PCR. You’ve got covid. Isolate.

If it’s negative & you have symptoms - go get a PCR to double check.

It’s a perfectly sensible move. One of the ones that actually make sense!

I think you still have to take a pcr if you have symptoms plus positive LFT. The idea is to reduce asymptomatic isolation periods, isn’t it? The BBC website says;

‘The guidance is still that you must get a PCR test if you have symptoms’

@Runforthehillocks

The testing centres/labs are struggling to process the high numbers of PCRs currently, hence this move by the government. The worry in schools is that parents will still send their LFT positive children in and just not say anything because they can't manage the childcare issues it creates. If they even bother doing LFT/LFD tests at all.

But that’s no different to now? I don’t see how scrapping PCR after LFT changes anything? Those who intend on sending asymptomatic children to school would be doing so now currently, nobody knows if they have had a positive LFT so they wouldn’t have to get a PCR anyway. It will change nothing for those who intend to break isolation rules.

@CocoCarrie

By scrapping PCR tests and relying on LTFs instead, how is the government's recording of data going to be accurate when it is guaranteed that many people will test positive but won't be bothered to record their result?

And how will scientists identify new variants in time?

It's very optimistic to think it was ever accurate. A mixture of patchy support for isolation and the state having chosen to make this public health issue into a criminal one has meant there've always been people not testing, or just using lateral flows and staying out of the formal testing system.

What’s with the misinformation? They aren’t scrapping PCR tests, anyone with symptoms have to get one, PCR are just for stats and rhey analyse the samples to check for variants. Everyone who tests positive with no symptoms doesn’t need a PCR as well

Maybe report your own thread for spreading misinformation?

Half of all PCR tests taken in Ireland and Wales (maybe England too now?) are positive. A lot (how many?) are just confirming what a LFT has already told you.

So if you have a positive LFT you don't need to waste the resources and get a PCR.

This only really works when the PCR positive rate is so high. Because so many people have Omicron it's almost a safe bet that you have it and a positive LFT.

Just playing devils advocate but what are the symptoms that you need a PCR though? The old symptoms, cough, temperature etc. or some of the cold type symptoms that omicron seems to bring?

@Bayleaf25

Just playing devils advocate but what are the symptoms that you need a PCR though? The old symptoms, cough, temperature etc. or some of the cold type symptoms that omicron seems to bring?

All of them, I tested positive today, I just knew, sore throat, headache, cold, swollen glands, bit of a cough. No temp, any of these symptoms and a positive lft and you need to have a PCR, which gives enough folks to check for variants, they don’t need to test those with no symptoms for variants,

Yes I see your point @Angel2702 - if people can't look after their children at home then they have always been able to either not test or not own up to positives.

@Bluntness100 totally agree with you but some people I’ve come across in real life are still saying that they don’t have Covid symptoms just a ‘cold’ and aren’t testing. I guess this has probably always been the case though.

You can self Cert now for 28 days which will cover most covid isolations/sickness anyway