PCR Test on a child under 1

[AnaBananas]

I'm sure there are parents who had to carry out a pcr test on a baby under 1. Just wanted to know what the process involves. DD has a high temperature and I'm thinking about getting a PCR test booked for her.

Should I take her to a drive through centre? Will I have to do the test on her myself?

I'm not in the UK so not sure if the rules for testing kids are the same but my DS had them at 7 months, 13 months and then fairly frequently from about 16 months when he started nursery. If you go to a drive through then it's easier strapped into a car seat. DS slept through the one at 7 months although he was quite poorly at the time (high temp, not covid). The one at 13 months in the carseat was fine although I had to do that myself (rather than a doctor the first time) and it was much harder to do when he was awake. If you have a partner who can drive and you can focus on testing it will make life easier. Just been for one today at 2 1/2 and he was very chilled out and used to them which is weird to think he is used to something that seems so strange and I don't know how I feel about that but I guess it's better that he isn't bothered.

Do you need a PCR - just do a LFT? Many places have changed the guidance to just do a LFT? You will have to do the test on her yourself either way - one other twins is good with LFT the other is awful.

I think with symptoms you need a PCR. I’m afraid my baby has hated them each time. Had about 3 I think and he’s 15 months now.
I took him to a walk in. Strapped into the buggy, and held his head/arms while I did it. It was a bit rubbish, but over quickly and fine afterwards. Feels so unnatural, but similar to getting vaccinations I suppose. Hopefully your little one will be one of the chilled ones.
Fingers crossed that it’s not Covid and they’re feeling better soon.

I’ve been to a drive through a few times. First couple of times had someone else driving and I just sat in the back. Keep them in the car seat and then can lift them out for a cuddle afterwards and put them back. Last time I went by myself and the staff at the test centre asked if I needed to get out the car. I didn’t fancy climbing into the back so said yes and they just advised me to pull up further away so no one around.

I’m sure you know this already, but it is just up the nose thankfully, although still not pleasant. Good luck and hope your DD is better soon

My DS has had his fair share of PCR tests in his little life. Sit baby in front of car if you are a doing a drive through alone (or sit in back with baby if you aren't driving)as you will need to do the swab. It's just a nose swab for little ones, so I hold arms down with my left forearm, hold head still with my left hand and then swab with right hand. Depending on age, a small treat for successful completion!

You can get out of the car at the drive through to do swabs if you need to (I have two rear-facing children in the back and no space for me to reach them or get in the back, can’t easily get car seats into the front). You just need to tell them that you will need to get out and they will direct you to an area where they will let you do it

I would try a nasal LFT first at home, a PCR test will only be needed if that’s negative and she has symptoms.

You might find it easier to do one at home. It takes longer but you can do it when LO is calm and in whatever position is easiest.

You do nose only.

Thanks all. I may take her in for the pcr- she has a fever so has symptoms. DH tested negative on lateral flow and then positive on a pcr he took a few hours later.

Going against the grain but can you not swab her and treat her as though she's got it? Your husband has tested positive and now she has symptoms. Treat the day she got symptoms as day 0 for her.

I swabbed my baby's tongue blaring positive on a home test I think once u have covid it's in your saliva

@RichTeaRichTea

You can get out of the car at the drive through to do swabs if you need to (I have two rear-facing children in the back and no space for me to reach them or get in the back, can’t easily get car seats into the front). You just need to tell them that you will need to get out and they will direct you to an area where they will let you do it

You're not allowed to get out of the car at my local drive through (you were when they first opened but not any more)

You have to swab anyway so you might as well go for the pcr. Don't even attempt to do the throat on a little one, just both nostrils as best you can.

Ah ok. I have only done postal ones for months now. I’m not sure what they would do if I did turn up - there is literally no way that I can swab them from inside the car

I took her for the PCR test this morning - I have a two door car so they allocated me to a space away from everyone else. Swab in both nostrils- she screamed bloody murder, but was all okay.

Thanks all for the replies.

@Metallicalover

Going against the grain but can you not swab her and treat her as though she's got it? Your husband has tested positive and now she has symptoms. Treat the day she got symptoms as day 0 for her.

This, testing babies is ridiculous.

@FajitaBonita yup!