False positive on lateral flow?

[BrutusMcDogface]

What are the chances?! A quick google hasn’t really given me any anecdotal evidence. It’s my child, not me. Booked pcr for tomorrow.

Highly unlikely to get a false positive on an LFT

False negative,yes but a false positive,nope!

My DH had a false negative on LFT,me and my DD had a faint but positive line.All went for PCR test and all tested positive!

I had a false positive just before Xmas. Tested positive on LFT at 4.30pm, had PCR at 5.30pm - results back as negative.

I had one! DS positive pcr so we did lateral flow. Mine had 2 lines, same as his so booked a pcr for myself which came back neg!

Strange - especially as we literally had covid in the house at the time.

Thank you all. I hope it’s negative (obviously!) It’s not over until the pcr speaks...

It's my understanding that you would be more likely to get a false negative PCR than an original false positive LFT

I've had false positives on the flowflex LFTs. Multiple in fact. Always negative PCRs. Lots have so it is possible.

My DMum had a false positive LFT on Christmas Eve, went for PCR straight away. results received on Christmas Day were negative

LFTs are increasingly accurate, especially nose only ones. One child got two lines and a subsequent positive PCR, rest us us negatives for both consistently. Omnicron is super asymptomatic so it can seem weird to get a positive but PCR will confirm one way or another.

@frenchiemummy92

I've had false positives on the flowflex LFTs. Multiple in fact. Always negative PCRs. Lots have so it is possible.

That doesn't necessarily mean the LFT was a false positive. The PCRs could have been false negatives.

The actual PCR test is very accurate but depends on the quality of the swab, i.e being stuffed far enough up your nose, and as most of us wince and pull back it doesn't always happen as it should.

Agree with posters above, more likely to have a false negative PCR

A friend had a false positive just before Christmas. PCR same day was negative.

Thought the latest guidance is not to follow up a positive LFT with a PCR as positive LfT means you’ve got covid and to isolate

@Lacedwithgrace

Highly unlikely to get a false positive on an LFT

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4447414-Anyone-else-get-false-positive-LFTs-Worried-about-the-new-rules-impact-on-time-off-work

It happens!

Do you have reflux, @BrutusMcDogface?

I thought the guidance had now changed and if you got a positive LFT ( without symptoms ) you should not go for a follow up PCR and should take this as a genuine positive and isolate from the result of the LFT?

New guidance starts tomorrow I think

Yea it does. I got 2 positive LFTs on Saturday and spent a while trying to work it out. New guidance starts on 11th. Really hoping I’ve had a duff pack

I have been testing positive on LFT and negative on PCR since August.

I do know 2 people that have had false positives on Flowflex LFTs - apparently it's more common with that brand

We did use a flowflex actually. No reflux. Just got to wait and see now 🤞

My DD was unwell and got a positive LFT. PCR came back negative but I didn't trust it so did another PCR, also negative.

We swabbed properly for all the tests so have got no idea whether she actually had Covid or not. I sort of presume not. I isolated her until the result of the 2nd PCR came through then stop isolating but avoided non-essential close contacts.

It's clear that neither PCRs or LFTs are totally accurate and we may never be totally certain!

Those who have had positive lft and negative pcrs…. Do you have any photos of your lfts? I’d be really interested to see what they look like… is it a clear solid second line?

This is DD’s, faint but definitely there and within the time limit…

@BlackInk

This is DD’s, faint but definitely there and within the time limit…

DP had same just before NY. Same faint result the next morning. Positive PCR. I was negative throughout his isolation period.

In October a friend had a faint positive and her PCR was negative as was mine.