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Covid testing process (lateral flow tests)

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Vivienne14

Vivienne14

Kentish Brummie Moderator
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This thread is in no way intended to offer ADVICE about testing. It is to record members’ experience of the process for lateral flow tests. This test is for those who have NO Covid symptoms. It will only tell you if you have Coronavirus now. It will not tell you if you’ve had the virus in the past.

Please note, the availability of testing and the process may vary across the country.

Viv
 
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Yesterday, I registered for a test. This was for a lateral flow swab test. I have no symptoms.

I registered online (via the council) and was allocated a slot for today (Sunday). On arrival at the test centre there was quite a long, socially-distanced queue outside. The army were advising people in the queue about registering your personal test identification barcode. Help was available from army personnel to do this.

Once inside the building, after sanitising hands, we waited in another queue going through the building. The queue moved slowly but regularly until reaching the cubicles for testing.

Army personnel managed the whole process and offered advice or help at every stage. In the cubicle you’re advised to blow your nose first. The test - performed by yourself - involved swabbing around the tonsils, and with the same swab, swabbing inside the nose. The swab was handed to army personnel behind a protective screen. I think they were testing samples on the spot.

After leaving, I awaited the result. It came through within one hour via mobile phone text.

Thankfully negative.

The process is straightforward. The army managed it admirably and were very, very helpful. A little waiting around beforehand. So be prepared, despite having an allocated time slot.

Viv.
 
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Seeing adverts and government advice I ordered some lateral flow tests using the NHS app and noticed the app now has a page entitled 'Your Covid-19 Vaccine Record' showing dates and vaccine batch numbers. Previously I had to search my NHS accute short-term medicine records for this information.
 
Thanks OM. Shall look into that as my daughter’s expecting a baby and won’t be having the vaccination until after she gives birth. So this will be useful on a personal level, as well as for general public safety. Viv.
 
oldMohawk said:
Seeing adverts and government advice I ordered some lateral flow tests using the NHS app and noticed the app now has a page entitled 'Your Covid-19 Vaccine Record' showing dates and vaccine batch numbers. Previously I had to search my NHS accute short-term medicine records for this information.
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Vivienne14 said:
Thanks OM. Shall look into that as my daughter’s expecting a baby and won’t be having the vaccination until after she gives birth. So this will be useful on a personal level, as well as for general public safety. Viv.
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just like the buses viv...we get none for ages then all of a sudden two come together...congrats to the family...x
 
Didn’t realise they were (relatively) easy to get hold of. Did the queue in Canterbury in the snow earlier in Jan and haven’t been tested since. So shall pop to chemist and go from there. Thanks for the info OM. Viv.
 
Last night, on one of the TV programmes, it informed that the variants are only found when random samples of positive tests the tests are sent to the Lab.
 
Vivienne14 said:
Didn’t realise they were (relatively) easy to get hold of. Did the queue in Canterbury in the snow earlier in Jan and haven’t been tested since. So shall pop to chemist and go from there. Thanks for the info OM. Viv.
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yes viv just ask at your chemist not sure if all chemists are doing this but its worth asking...they asked did i want tests for the family
 
I went shopping to my local ASDA last Saturday week and there were two trailers in the car park and I was approached by a man and asked if I would like a Covid test and agreed, the first trailer took all my details, the 2nd gave me a test and rang me an hour later to inform me I was Negative. I noticed next day they were in our local park approaching people to take a test. Eric
 
The test kit I ordered yesterday (Sunday 11am) has just been delivered by Royal Mail (Monday 11.30am) ... almost as quick as going to a Pharmacy for one ... :)

I notice the kit was made in China ...:rolleyes:
 
It’s quite interesting how quickly you get used to doing these tests. We’re regularly doing these and find we’ve become quite adept at doing them. I’m regularly picking up packs of tests for us from our local chemist who seems overjoyed to offload as many kits as I choose from them.

Took us a while to realise there’s a little hole in the cardboard insert which is for resting your tester tube ! Makes testing much easier. You have to pull the whole cardboard insert out of the box to find it. Viv.
 
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Having had my 3 jabs and lateral flow testing fairly often, I wondered about a Covid Vaccination Pass I might need.

So installed the NHS Covid app in my iPhone, ran it and a QR code image appeared. I then installed the NHS Covid Pass Verifier app in my iPad, pointed it at the phone image and a Covid Vaccination Pass appeared. I also printed a pdf paper copy ... just in case ... :)
 
I’ve recently returned from travel from USA so shall also share some experience of testing with others. If you’re travelling you must be prepared beforehand and do check the latest requirements on the Gov.UK site

Covid Pass (essential)
As OM has done I downloaded a Covid Pass, but chose the one for travel. All a straightforward process using the App ( have your NHS number handy). You will definitely need your Covid Pass for clearing airline checkout (where you can show a hard copy) or for online check in where you scan the QR code (the square box with all the black & white pattern)

Testing (essential)
Get a lateral flow test 72 hours before travel out of UK. Keep a hard copy of the test certificate (or it can be scanned for online check in). At the time of my travel this was acceptable, but check the Gov Uk site for any changes.

As I was about to return to the UK, the arrangements for testing changed for a lateral flow tests to return here. These are no longer acceptable for the required test within 2 days of arriving back in the UK so you have to get a PCR test. You have to book this before returning to the UK. You can order online for the home test kit to be delivered to your home for when you arrive back in the UK.

Passenger Locator Form - essential
When you book your PCR test you’ll be given a booking code which you need for your Passenger Locator Form (from the Gov.Uk site - form to be completed no earlier than 48 hours before your return) You must have this to be allowed to return to the UK.

When I was doing this I found it very confusing. But believe me you will need each of these things and you’ll need proof of having done them. Don’t rely on digital copies either, also take hard copies. And take a change of masks for the flight.

Viv.
 
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OM on your covid passport does it say that you have had all 3 jabs...i got my passport after the first 2 jabs and was wondering if i need to apply for another updated passport which also includes the booster jab as my existing passport only says ive been double jabbed...i asked for my passport to be posted to me

lyn
 
Astoness said:
OM on your covid passport does it say that you have had all 3 jabs...i got my passport after the first 2 jabs and was wondering if i need to apply for another updated passport which also includes the booster jab as my existing passport only says ive been double jabbed...i asked for my passport to be posted to me

lyn
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Hi Lyn,
In my phone I can see the dates and details of my 3 jabs but the pass I saw yesterday just says I have a valid pass see pic
Phil
20211210_091726101_iOS.jpg
 
thanks viv and OM just in case i ever need it i shall apply for an updated passport to be sent through the post

lyn
 
just applied for my updated passport...hopefully i will not need it but its nice to have just in case

lyn
 
I got a letter from the DHSS and Imperial College London asking me to "Take a test in January. to help the NHS over winter" There's a lot more about the interaction between the Flu and Covid that they're studying apparently.
I've signed up for it, just another 'up your nose swab job. ;)
 
i try'd to get a pass on line. but give it up as a bad job,what with taking pics of myself and driving licence etc.i apply'd to get one via snail mail.it was a lot easier. do you have to do that in England?
 
Paper covid passport ordered online (gov.uk site) and arrived In less than a week. All I needed was NHS number and surgery address.
 
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