- Why is my pcr test taking so long uk - why is my pcr test taking so long uk

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If you have received a positive lateral flow test result but have no symptoms, then develop symptoms while you are isolating, it is not necessary to confirm your positive result with a follow up PCR. Your positive lateral flow test result means it is very likely you have the virus. People who have a positive rapid lateral flow test result should only have a follow-up PCR test if:.

We continue to expand our testing capacity and urge anyone who needs to access either rapid lateral flow tests, or a PCR test, to keep checking GOV. UK regularly. The official blog of the UK Health Security Agency, providing expert insight on the organisation's work and all aspects of health security.

Without a clear explanation, such changes risk seeming rapid and arbitrary, with the suspicion that they are based on just saving money. However, when assessing the strengths of each type of test, together with the present state of the pandemic in the UK, can we discern any scientific logic behind these changes? But they do not show whether someone is currently infectious. A person may have recovered from COVID but still have small amounts of the virus in their system — hence recommendations not to repeat PCR testing within 90 days of a positive result.

LFTs instead measure whether viral proteins called antigens are present in a sample. They are only positive when a sizeable amount of virus is present. They therefore give a very good indication as to whether someone is currently infectious.

This difference between detecting the presence of the virus and whether someone is likely to be infectious is critical for deciding which test to use in any given situation. For instance, the recommendation to use LFTs twice weekly or daily for some professions , regardless of feeling ill, makes absolute sense when trying to stop people who may have COVID — but no symptoms — from inadvertently spreading the virus.

On the other hand, if the intention is to confirm that someone definitely has COVID — for instance if they have cold-like symptoms that could potentially be caused by other bugs — then conducting a PCR test makes sense. You can also order a LFD test online for home delivery. Due to high demand, tests may be released in batches throughout the day on the online home delivery service. If you are not able to order tests immediately, please check again regularly throughout the day.

Tests can also be ordered online at gov. Share this page. Staff in adult social care services including homecare organisations and care homes. Residents in care homes and extra care, and supported living services. You can find out more on the government website. Please be kind, caring and supportive of one another.

Please respect the personal choices of others, consider your own risk and take responsibility to keep each other safe. Stay at home and minimise contact with others if you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection , including COVID

     

Why is my pcr test taking so long uk - why is my pcr test taking so long uk

  How do I do the lateral flow test? Your booking reference number may also be found by clicking here. Is this pack suitable for Travel Requirements? But just as importantly, it has provided much needed company for volunteers who are living alone or are new to the city. You can also order a LFD test online for home delivery. This is in line with good laboratory practice.