Negative LFT but positive PCR anybody?

[ShowOfHands]

Anybody tested positive on a PCR following clear symptoms but never shown positive on an LFT?

Yes, my husband and 2x kids all negative lft but positive pcr

Oh sorry, no 'clear' symptoms though ie not the usual cough/temp/ loss of smell or taste

Someone I work with didn’t get a positive LFT until several days after her positive PCR.

I have had a hideous cold. Really awful with blocked sinuses and sore throat, fatigue and hearing loss. I test with LFTs regularly for work, as does DH who has also had a rotten cold. On Thursday, I lost all smell and taste and started coughing so did a PCR first thing Friday and it's positive. I'm still negative on LFTs however. I know that PCRs are more reliable with symptoms but to not have a faint positive at all on an LFT did surprise me.

My husband.

We were similar over Christmas. Positive PCRs about 5 days before positive LFTs. (I got a test because I had a temperature).

My husband never had a single positive LFT despite having a bad cough. PCR was positive in the Monday before Christmas

Yes all my LFTs were negative. Positive PCR. I tested several times both before and after and didn't have one single LFT. This is more common than people realise. The LFTs aren't great. They pick up some, but not all.

Yep.

In November DH and I were testing daily as DS was positive (LFT followed by positive PCR). We never had one positive LFT between us, but both got fever & cough so went for PCRs which were positive.
We're back in the same position, DS has tested positive again, yet we have been testing for 6 days and all LFTs are negative. I now have a runny nose, headache and sore throat. According to NHS I don't meet the requirements for PCR though, so have to trust the LFTs (which I don't!)

Same @hunder. Last time I only went for a PCR because I was told I was a close contact. This time I have cold symptoms, so not "classic" covid symptoms. LFTs all negative, wouldn't be surprised if PCR pos.

Me. My entire extended family had positive LTFs following a family get together. Mine were negative but I went for a PCR as a precaution. My PCR result was positive but my LTF did not turn positive for a few days. But I felt absolutely fine for the first few days. I just think I caught it early as everyone else felt like crap immediately, I was a few days behind everyone.

I am unsure of anything anymore. Myself and DS2 have been dying with the cold (honestly really bad) since Thursday afternoon. All LTFs negative. I did go for a PCR myself and came back negative but I am not so sure. This is the first time I have had a temperature with a cold.now DS1 has a. It of a cough and 2 emails from nursery regarding positive cases. LTF is negative but who knows honestly. I can't wrap my head around it x

Yes on my third bout of covid. Neg LFT and pos PCR

Yes, my son. Negative antigen in the morning, positive PCR that afternoon.

I had several negative LFTs after DD had a positive. Assumed I’d got away with it but then I started to feel cold-like symptoms so did a PCR just in case. Was positive. Now been feeling like shit for a week. Haven’t continued to do LFTs as I don’t want to waste them, but I was surprised at the time when I got a positive PCR.

Pretty common then. I haven't even had a shadow of a line.

I've had the cold symptoms for 10 days now and textbook Covid symptoms for 5 days. I've just done another LFT to see where I am in terms of returning to work and not even a shadow of a shadow of a line.

Me and colleague have exactly same symptoms. Colleague positive lft me negative! Just done PCR today so we will see!

Yes it's not unusual. The PCR tests correctly identify more cases. Most LFTs pick up 7 or 8/10 of positive cases only.

For both PCR and LFT if you get a positive it is pretty close to 100% certain you have Covid.

@Hayisforhorse Is that 7 or 8/10 true across cases or tests? So is it that each test has a 70-80% accuracy rate or each case of Covid had a 70-80% case of being picked up by an LFT?

Because I did an LFT last Friday and Saturday, again on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and then today. All negative.

Yes, me. I had symptoms and 2 positive PCRs, did LFTs at various points while I was isolating and they never showed positive.

You do know you are actually supposed to get a PCR if you have Covid symptoms? Not rely on LFTs.

Ah I'm sorry, didn't see that you had got a PCR. Apologies!

It is reassuring that other people have had the same experience.

I'm not doubting I've got Covid as I have textbook symptoms and a positive PCR. Just very surprised that at no point have I had a positive LFT despite testing regularly throughout.