Ordering mail PRC tests vs LF tests

[AvysD]

Do you or any of your family members have to isolate while waiting for the delivery or the results of a mail order PCR test if none of you have symptoms and none of you have been contacted by track and trace?

I’ve just had an argument with a relative over this as I don’t think they should have even ordered the PCR tests and the fact they don’t plan on isolating while waiting for them or the results makes it all pointless in my mind! They think they qualify for them as they had limited outdoor contact with someone a week a go that has now tested positive. They say all their friends are ordering mail PCR tests ‘just for peace of mind’ and that the government are advising everyone to do this too. I thought it was the LF tests you’re meant to be doing in these circumstances?

Apologies for asking what’s probably been asked before - I’ve tried looking through threads and official website but the more I read the more confused I get! I had limited contact with a positive case a few days ago and a few of my daughters friends and classmates have recently tested positive but we’re just doing regular LF tests since we’ve not been contacted by track and trace or showing symptoms.

PCR tests can get you out of isolation if you are a close contact with a positive case. I'd just let them get on with it tbh. No point arguing with them

LFTs are pretty crap too and give lots of false negatives

You are correct, but I think an increasing number of people are doing PCR tests 'just to be sure'. It's fairly clear from the info at www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-testing that technically they shouldn't be ordering PCR tests.

I think the issue is that the LF tests are fairly unreliable.

I remember reading that sensitivity of LFTs was around 58% in asymptomatic people but around 70% in symptomatic. I think a properly done PCR is around 95% sensitive maybe more but done at home drops to around 70%. I see that some unis are asking students to do a PCR test before moving into accommodation. DD was asked to do and there was an option to say that you were requesting a PCR because your education provider had requested.