Positive LFT, Negative PCR

[lineandsinker]

I’ve been daily testing as I work in a school.

Tested +ive this morning. Went for a PCR as had COVID 100 days ago (know the cut off is 90 but just wanted to make sure it wasn’t a hangover from previous infection). PCR has just come back as negative. I don’t have any symptoms bar a sore throat.

My boss now wants me to return to work based on -ve PCR but not sure what to do?

Test and Trace say the LFT stands. What do I do? Can’t find any advice online.

Why did you go for a PCR if you don’t have symptoms?

The rate of false positives with LFT is about 0.03%

The rate of false negatives with PCR is about 5%

There is no benefit to confirming a positive LFT by PCR

The guidance says you don't need a confirmatory PCR when you have a positive LFT. Do another LFT and if that's positive then isolate.

You’ve got a positive LFT, so rules are you isolate, even Test and Trace have told you this. Tell your boss to look at the rules or to call Test and Trace themselves.

I'd do another LFT just to shut your boss up.

@brogueish in some jobs you are still required to do a PCR with no symptoms as the blanket government guidance doesn't apply. I work for LA and we have to do a PCR regardless

Thanks for the replies. It’s tricky as my LA have stipulated that, like @Sunrae28, we are expected to PCR. This was reiterated last week when the rules changed. I work in an SEN setting, so it’s even more important I get this right.

I’ve been for another PCR this morning and hopefully that might come back positive. Otherwise, I’m a bit stymied.

Unfortunately, 'the rules' are set by people who don't understand the science /statistics behind it all. Very frustrating, but a positive LFD means you almost certainly have covid - 1 in 3000 is a false positive. As long as you didn't eat or drink before the test or have acid reflux.

Just a quick update: my second PCR came back positive. Obviously a false positive yesterday! Thanks all for the advice.