Do nhs covid pcr test results come back at the weekend?

[NumptiesIncorporated]

Honestly, this has been ridiculous.

My daughter got covid a month ago. She requested a test, it came the next day and she returned it the same day, and she got her results the day after that. Three days.

I got covid. I requested a pcr test. It took three days to arrive. I did it and returned it that day. It took two days to get delivered to the test center and I'm still waiting for the results.

It's frustrating! (I had a positive lft, but I need the pcr results asap. I could have done with them yesterday tbh).

Why are you doing tests?

Because I need to.

Where are you based?

Cant get pcr’s via NHS in England for general public anymore. It’s all LFD’s.

Where are you based?

About eight miles from my daughter, who got hers very quickly. We are in the same postcode area.

Based on the royal mail tracking it looks like the test is being processed in or near Northampton, in case that's relevant.

Is this still a thing, never heard of anyone having a pcr test for ages

I assume some special circs you haven't mentioned

Yes, still a thing for some people.

I’m only asking because as far as I was aware, pcr’s are no longer available. So few people are likely to know because they aren’t readily available.

Government advice indicates they aren’t

We had PCR testing way longer in Scotland than in other parts of the UK and we can't get PCR tests. If you're going into hospital or are a carer, lateral flows only.

I don't think you can get PCRs anymore. Unless it's like the private testing for traveling abroad that you need to pay for.

Do you guys want proof or something? 😂

Even for health and social care it still says lft only online so strange

not doubting you but why do you actually need one?

If you are positive on a lateral flow test you have it.
PCR tests are not needed anymore.

If this is for travel insurance purposes the NHS one wouldn't count anyway.

We’ve had issues with samples due to the Royal Mail strike.

@TabithaTittlemouse yeah, I do think that's had a lot to do with it, despite them saying they would be prioritising delivery of tests.

You still qualify if you're vulnerable enough to be likely to need antivirals. I can't remember if there ida number of the paperwork but you could try 111. If you're symptomatic and likely to need treatment I'd get in touch regardless of the result.

Thanks @2Hooves

Sorry if you didn't want to say @NumptiesIncorporated but guessing a lot of people don't realise this is still the case. It's very stressful waiting, fingers crossed it doesn't affect you badly.

Oh it's not a problem @2Hooves. I just don't see that my circumstances are relevant to the question. And honestly, I feel like it wouldn't matter what I said it would just least to more questions, and I'm not willing to go into details.

I appreciate the helpful responses by you and TabithaTittlemouse.

I've had test results come through on weekends previously but obviously not recently as I don't qualify for pcr testing. But definitely had results in the past on Saturdays and Sundays

I can answer own question - I've got it! 😁

And what is the result?

Hope you're OK OP.

I don’t know why you wouldn’t say though - due to our own circumstances, we still qualify for PCRs. Anyone in the same boat who can advise how long we need to wait for results?

There are loads of people out there - including me - who should probably be in the same boat but aren’t. So it’s not like it’s anything to be ashamed of or cryptic about.

It's positive, which isn't a surprise given I had a positive lft.

I qualify for antivirals. A LFT is enough. I was told not to use the PCR that I was given unless told to by a doctor.