Tested positive, PCR test will be more likley again positive, it's a dilema.

salimnina

Hi,

My quarantine ended, and I was advised not to test for PCR as it is more likely that I will test positive again, the question is that if I am returning to the UK, I need a PCR test, and if this will be positive regardless, what are my options, thanks

smashinglynaive

salimnina said:

Hi,

My quarantine ended, and I was advised not to test for PCR as it is more likely that I will test positive again, the question is that if I am returning to the UK, I need a PCR test, and if this will be positive regardless, what are my options, thanks

Brush your teeth.

Although it might sound a bit crazy those who brushed their teeth and had good oral hygiene were, on average, testing negative after 10 days vs 30 for those who did not do so.

There's also this

If you have recently had COVID

If you have recently recovered from COVID but are no longer infectious, you should use a lateral flow device (LFD) test. LFD tests have a lower sensitivity than PCR or LAMP tests, so they are less likely to return a positive result from a historic infection. The LFD test must meet the minimum performance standards as set out above.

CKhalvashi

As above.

You will not definitely test positive, whatever the possibility of doing so.

You will need only a LFD device for the flight back, and a pre-booked day 2 test on your return with isolation until you receive a negative result, so at least will be isolating in your home rather than abroad in any event.

onashoestring

The Government website says 
“ If you have previously received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result, you are not usually advised to be re-tested within 90 days of this result.

However, you should have a PCR test within 90 days of a previous positive PCR test if you develop any new symptoms of COVID-19 or you are required to take a PCR test upon entry into the UK.

If you are tested within 90 days of a positive PCR test result for either of these reasons, and the PCR test result is positive, you must self-isolate and follow the stay at home guidance.”

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

In summary , for someone who has recently recovered from Covid like yourself there is no exemption from the  PCR test on return to U.K. and if the result is positive you will need to quarantine for the full 10days required after the test.You can stop self-isolating after 7 days if you do a rapid lateral flow test on days 6 and 7 of your self-isolation period and:

• both tests are negative
• you did both tests at least 24 hours apart.

So plan to quarantine for 10 days at home ( with the possibility that you will be able to end it after 7 days with negative LFTs on day 6 and 7) arrange online grocery delivery or ask family or friends to do your shopping, school runs etc.

However it’s also quite possible that the PCR test result will be negative and you will be able to end your quarantine earlier - as soon as you get the negative PCR result.

katejo

onashoestring said:

The Government website says 
“ If you have previously received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result, you are not usually advised to be re-tested within 90 days of this result.

However, you should have a PCR test within 90 days of a previous positive PCR test if you develop any new symptoms of COVID-19 or you are required to take a PCR test upon entry into the UK.

If you are tested within 90 days of a positive PCR test result for either of these reasons, and the PCR test result is positive, you must self-isolate and follow the stay at home guidance.”

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

In summary , for someone who has recently recovered from Covid like yourself there is no exemption from the  PCR test on return to U.K. and if the result is positive you will need to quarantine for the full 10days required after the test.You can stop self-isolating after 7 days if you do a rapid lateral flow test on days 6 and 7 of your self-isolation period and:

• both tests are negative
• you did both tests at least 24 hours apart.

So plan to quarantine for 10 days at home ( with the possibility that you will be able to end it after 7 days with negative LFTs on day 6 and 7) arrange online grocery delivery or ask family or friends to do your shopping, school runs etc.

However it’s also quite possible that the PCR test result will be negative and you will be able to end your quarantine earlier - as soon as you get the negative PCR result.

Personally I do find it crazy that someone with no symptoms and with a Covid recovery record on their NHS phone app is still required to provide a negative PCR (even though the advice is not to be tested for 90 days). A negative LFD should be sufficient. I have just had Covid and my LFT's are now negative but I dare not do a PCR for travel purposes just in case it might be positive still. So no point in booking a mini break for 3 months....    Others have told me that a PCR would probably be negative well before the  90 days are up but I am not going to risk it.

salimnina

This was all done after and booked my flight, I never thought I would catch it being vaccinated, anyway  I had to chance to change the flight on two occasions free of chrge, and I don't think I will be able to do it again, I will goahead and hopefully things will be negative.

LFD test? are they acceptable ? do I have to order it and take it with me?

onashoestring

salimnina said:

LFD test? are they acceptable ? do I have to order it and take it with me?

The LFD test is not at present accepted as a day 2 test by UK Gov - it has to be a PCR ( see my previous answer with everything that you need for entry to UK as it stands today)

However you haven’t said when you are travelling but the rules change frequently to adapt to the changing situation so may change by the time you are travelling, you can keep up to date with the latest UK Gov entry requirements here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19

CKhalvashi

salimnina said:

This was all done after and booked my flight, I never thought I would catch it being vaccinated, anyway  I had to chance to change the flight on two occasions free of chrge, and I don't think I will be able to do it again, I will goahead and hopefully things will be negative.

LFD test? are they acceptable ? do I have to order it and take it with me?

For the dat 2 test no.

It will often be cheaper to have the pre-return to UK test completed at a local pharmacy.

salimnina

Can I take an LFD test before coming to England.? And what's the difference with PCR? 
I bought my day 2 test from Randox. 

salimnina

I'm going this month, for a week

onashoestring

A PCR test is sent off to a lab to be processed. You will need to wait to get the results back  before you can end your isolation.