Lateral flow or PCR does it matter 11 November 2021 at 12:38AM in Coronavirus travel help & info 16 replies 404 views

jay1964

I flew back last month and did a lateral flow test one I had at home and didn’t use the PCR test from randox . Does anyone know if I go,away again in the next few weeks can I use the code on the PCR test that I didn’t use the last time instead of buying one of the recognised lateral flow tests . Just asking as the PCR test was only purchased last month ….

longjohnjohnson

Ask the provider of the test.

Caz3121

jay1964 said:

I flew back last month and did a lateral flow test one I had at home and didn’t use the PCR test from randox . 

which reference did you use on your PLF as your day 2 test booking? (was it a lateral flow test that was booked as a day 2 test?)

silvercar

You can choose to do a bought PCR rather than a bought LFT. Some people with ongoing travel arrangements do this so that the test covers day2 as well as a fit to fly for a country that requires a test prior to entry.

If you should have done that PCR test when you arrived back and used a free NHS test instead, particularly when PCR tests were still mandated then you broke the rules. The test and associated code should already have been used and you should therefore be buying a new test. Whether you will be caught out is debatable, but your defence is weaker if you then re-use the code for subsequent travel.

michael1234

I've done exactly that as my Randox PCR arrived too late the first time. I never registered the kit with Randox so it still available to be registered. I reused the code given to me when I originally bought it to put in the passenger locator form.

Not sure if you're "allowed" to do an NHS test at home instead. Suspect not which is crazy given how many millions of such tests are available for folk to get "free" for any other activities under the sun except travelling.

Robin9

michael1234 said:

Not sure if you're "allowed" to do an NHS test at home instead. Suspect not which is crazy given how many millions of such tests are available for folk to get "free" for any other activities under the sun except travelling.

Yes you can  at a walk in centre. I took a LFT at home then a PCR at a walk in -  result in 18 hours

Recovering from COVID (absolutely floored - still wobbly -despite double jabbed - need to wait 28 days for Booster

onashoestring

michael1234 said:

I've done exactly that as my Randox PCR arrived too late the first time. I never registered the kit with Randox so it still available to be registered. I reused the code given to me when I originally bought it to put in the passenger locator form.

Not sure if you're "allowed" to do an NHS test at home instead. Suspect not which is crazy given how many millions of such tests are available for folk to get "free" for any other activities under the sun except travelling.

You can’t use the usual NHS  home test kit as. Day 2 test, but if you have paid for a private Day 2 test and it hasn’t turned up you  can phone 119 and they will send you a  test to do at home, with the details  of how to register it as your Day 2 test result.

jay1964

Caz3121 said:

jay1964 said:

I flew back last month and did a lateral flow test one I had at home and didn’t use the PCR test from randox . 

which reference did you use on your PLF as your day 2 test booking? (was it a lateral flow test that was booked as a day 2 test?)

No it was the PCR day 2 test that I got from randox 

Caz3121

was the lateral flow test you took instead a paid day 2 test? 

jay1964

Caz3121 said:

was the lateral flow test you took instead a paid day 2 test? 

Yes it was ……I meant to do the PCR and send it off but I didn’t get round to it . I was just wondering can I use the PCR when I go away in 2 weeks …. Would save me buying a lateral flow test . Was wondering has anyone done this 

sheramber

Does the reference number link  to the flight used at that time ,  so it would be linked to the wrong flight if you used it now.