Would I be unreasonable for taking a second test?

SammyW39

Hi all,

I am here in the UK and tested positive for COVID - 19 last Tuesday after taking a test in hospital. I was since discharged from hospital last week and have been recovering from home.

I no longer feel I have any symptoms (apart from a general fatigue), however, want to get tested properly again so that I can be certain I am now negative before I go out again. I took the first test two weeks ago on this coming Tuesday.

Would I be unreasonable for booking a second NHS test? I have had a look and private tests seem to be upwards of £225 - that seems outrageous!

How much does it cost the NHS to administer a test (I doubt near £225) and would I be unreasonable for taking a second test?

bradders1983

Are you in a group that is eligible to go and have a test?

Jeremy535897

It may be too soon. Second tests can give incorrect results if you have only recently recovered.

[Deleted User]

Personally, I would want to take a 2nd test too; I know of others who have been tested 3 times, these are not carers or hospital staff but patients who have been in hospital for other reasons, peace of mind is everything, cost comes into it, obviously, but if you can afford it i'd do it.

SammyW39

I really want to take the second test - I am just someone who likes to be certain about things, especially before I go out again. 

poppy12345

SammyW39 said:

I am just someone who likes to be certain about things

If that's the only reason then it's unlikely they will give you a 2nd test. You can of course pay for it yourself, if you want to.

SammyW39

Hi all,

I am here in the UK and tested positive for COVID - 19 last Tuesday after taking a test in hospital. I was since discharged from hospital last week and have been recovering from home.

I no longer feel I have any symptoms (apart from a general fatigue), however, want to get tested properly again so that I can be certain I am now negative before I go out again. I took the first test two weeks ago on this coming Tuesday.

Would I be unreasonable for booking a second NHS test? I have had a look and private tests seem to be upwards of £225 - that seems outrageous!

How much does it cost the NHS to administer a test (I doubt near £225) and would I be unreasonable for taking a second test?

bradders1983

Were you not given guidance and advice upon discharge about how long to give it until you went out again?

SammyW39

Yes - I was told by GP on the phone that I 'should be okay to come into contact with people now, as I no longer have a fever/temperature'. I am quite an anxious person, so that really doesn't do it for me. I feel that I need an objective test result to confirm. 

SammyW39

poppy12345 said:

SammyW39 said:

I am just someone who likes to be certain about things

If that's the only reason then it's unlikely they will give you a 2nd test. You can of course pay for it yourself, if you want to.

Does it really cost the NHS in the region of £225 for a test or are these private firms making a huge mark up on private tests? 

poppy12345

I don't work for the NHS so i have no idea how much it costs.