Will PCR come back negative if had covid recently?

[Pl242]

Travelling to USA in 2 weeks with family and bit behind with organisation.

Know we will all need PCRs day before travel.

DH and DD had covid end January/start February.

As they didn’t get PCRs done (just LFTs) I think it will be tricky to get them recovery documentation. Also sounds like a faff.

Assume it’s unlikely they’ll test positive on a PCR still?

You can still test positive on a PCR for up to 90 days after infection I believe.

Out of interest, why are you getting a PCR? I'm travelling to the States in a week and have just booked my Antigen test which I need to do within 24 hours of my flight (could do PCR within 48 hours but wouldn't chose that option). I currently have covid but hopeful I will be negative in a week on the lateral flow! At least you can check before you do it and not have any surprises.

That’s a really good point @TimeForLunch. Thank you. Just getting my head around what’s required. I’ll get DH and DD to do lfts at home this weekend. If they’re negative then should remain so (unless they get it again between now and flight. Hope not!). And then we can get antigen tests day before flight.

If there are positive on lft now then I’ll look into recovery documents too for them both instead.

Hope all goes smoothly and enjoy your trip!

You only need a lateral flow which has to be supervised forr the US. You don't need a PCR. Less likely to still test positive on a lateral flow

Super unlikely they’ll test negative on either by now. Enjoy your holiday!

Thanks. Now just have to hope DS and I don’t get it before the trip!