Aren't PCRs more accurate? Plus last one I did (yesterday) got back in 12 hours.

PCR tests are more accurate - Lateral Flow tests are good, e.g. if they say you are positive, there is a very high likelihood you are positive. But their downfall is it can give you a negative result when you actually are positive. Think it's something to do with the fact they only detect viral load at a certain time (when you're most infectious I believe). They're a good tool, but not an exact rocket science method.

What I mean is, what's the difference between how you do them? I have never done a PCR, I don't think.

 

I mean, I've only ever done a test you get posted to you so I have no idea what kind that is.

The old lateral flows you had to put in your mouth and nose whereas PCRs were just the nose. However the most recent batch we have of the laterals are also nose only.

I don't think there's any difference in how they're done (may be wrong, not done a PCR myself just know others who have), both swab your throat and nostrils, it's just how the sample is 'analysed' to get the result that's different?

 

I've heard mixed things about the accuracy of LFT - have a friend who says he tested positive on them twice, followed up with a PCR both times and the PCR results came back negative. Have heard of other people who've carried out LFT as many as seven or eight times, all come back negative only to then go on and get a positive PCR result.

When I did my in person PCR test, the equipment was exactly the same as the LFT - had to swab both my tonsils and nose. Yes, one gets sent to lab rather than using the device. That's the only difference. And you have to have symptoms for a PCR - although they aren't that scientific, the temperature one you only have to feel hot (which I did) rather than use a thermometer. Mine came back negative so was just a regular bug as feeling better already.

Thank you!

 

Well I've only done the nose and mouth ones. Nose only would be a bonus!

I’m starting face to face teaching in a few weeks and very apprehensive about it. I have been advised by the company I work for to speak to students in each class to get a consensus on things like mask wearing and social distancing but of course none of this is enforceable and people have a wide range of differing views on the situation. There will be some people like myself who are very cautious and others who aren’t bothered at all.

I’m starting face to face teaching in a few weeks and very apprehensive about it. I have been advised by the company I work for to speak to students in each class to get a consensus on things like mask wearing and social distancing but of course none of this is enforceable and people have a wide range of differing views on the situation. There will be some people like myself who are very cautious and others who aren’t bothered at all.

 

Are you double jabbed though?

Finally got my first jab. Such a relief to know I've finally done it. The drop in at Glasgow was packed which was encouraging because it meant I could see tons of other people getting their jabs and walking out fine.

 

Now I'm just home and sitting awkwardly watching the clock waiting to see if any side effects kick in. I did feel like I was going to pass out when I left the centre (mostly anxiety) and tonight is probably going to be rough mentally but jeez, it's so nice to say I finally done one.

Are you double jabbed though?

 

Yes I am but you can still catch the virus albeit shouldn’t be as bad.

I really want to go abroad but unless I'm being stupid why do we have to pay for a test when we can do lateral flow or PCR even for free?! Will it always be the way or will it ever stop? It seems like a money making scheme mostly 🥴

My dad Never got the result of the day 2 test after he visited me and that one is from the nhs ish coz Scotland has a 70 quid rip off monopoly

 

No where else I know of has such a ridiculous regime as the U.K. does

I really want to go abroad but unless I'm being stupid why do we have to pay for a test when we can do lateral flow or PCR even for free?! Will it always be the way or will it ever stop? It seems like a money making scheme mostly 🥴

 

It’s no real surprise that this government have found a way to make money out of this.

I really want to go abroad but unless I'm being stupid why do we have to pay for a test when we can do lateral flow or PCR even for free?! Will it always be the way or will it ever stop? It seems like a money making scheme mostly 🥴

 

Some countries allow a lateral flow but I think most require a private paid-for PCR.

 

Yes it's a massive money making scheme which I don't see changing any time soon.

I don't object to the idea of people paying for the actual cost of a post-holiday test. Why should the NHS effectively be subsidising someone's holiday? However, they should be paying no more than the actual cost. Companies shouldn't be allowed to make massive profits on this - particularly as the increase in tax on profits won't kick until this should be over.

Is anyone else genuinely uncomfortable with the idea of vaccine passports?

 

It's seems like generally people are now resigned to the fact it's going to happen but I honestly don't see all that many practical benefits to it and many negatives to it.

Edited September 9, 20213 yr by chartfridays

I still think it will be dropped - it's a false flag designed to encourage the young refuseniks to get the vaccine.

 

This government always get what they want.

I think the whole nightclubs thing is baffling. Vaccinated people can still spread the virus so what does it actually achieve? Would make much more sense to enforce a negative lateral test to enter instead, they've done that successfully with all the sporting events this year.

 

Anyway I wouldn't be surprised to see the whole idea dropped as it just seems far too impractical to actually work effectively. Probably was just a coercion tactic targeted at young people as Dr Blind says.

Is the vaccine passport thing only going to be used for nightclubs then? It seems a two pronged process - to get young people to vaccinate (although can't imagine that there's a huge proportion of young people that go to nightclubs) but also a subtle (or probably unsubtle way) of blaming the youth for an unpopular decision which the Government just loves to do.