Anyone looked at getting tested weekly who can’t work from home?

I touched on this the other week, I saw that Matt Hancock was urging local authorities to introduce testing for people who can’t work from home, I’d fall into that category whilst entering people’s homes on a almost daily basis, I’m thinking is it wise to have a weekly check to protect my family but also people I engage with each week.

I’ve not seen much about it anywhere so wondered if anyone had thought on the same lines or there employers are actually enforcing this

 

Would I be right in saying you need a referral from a medical professional to receive a test or can you just phone up and book one ? Personally I've been for one with my daughter but the doctor sent her which came back negative .

 

I can get tested at work (it's a Uni). I go in one day a week, haven't done so. I can get tested frequently if needed.

 

We're being offered them at school on a weekly basis now. My colleague said that she didn't think she was bothered so probably wouldn't have it done. I pointed out that it's not for her benefit, not being tested won't impact on whether she has it or not nor how unwell or not she will feel, it will just stop her spreading it about unknowingly if she does have it.

 

Thats my thinking tbh

 

Yeah I’ve got tests from my work currently advised not to go in due to an outbreak but still testing every 5 days to reduce the impact on the community.

 

They’re doing rapid testing at the Metrodome which I’m lead to believe can be booked via the Barnsley.gov website

 

Thanks for that, do you know if you have to isolate from the point of testing to result?

 

No you don't. You only have to isolate after a positive result or if you display symptoms

 

How accurate are the tests these days? I seem to remember seeing something posted on here that said 1 in 4 positive tests wasn't actually positive at all (and similar for negative tests). If that's the case wouldn't you end up isolating for no reason a lot of times if you had weekly tests?

 

Just to add, if you’ve been around/close by anyone who’s tested positive for around 15 minutes (I think) you are advised to get a test and self- isolate until at least you know the result

 

Not sure, but in mine and my family’s case they were accurate. Some at work tested positive without having shown any symptoms

 

For me the problem with it is the number of DIY tests, my lad said when he went after being concerned that he was coming down with it ( he was) he was sent to a walk in centre given the kit and pointed to a booth, given its pretty 'intrusive' how many people don't go at it properly and just have a tickle round not giving the labs enough to go on

 

We've been told that if we test positive we have to either isolate for the whole time or have it confirmed by one of the standard tests (not sure what to refer to them as but you know what I mean) and so possibly only have to isolate until that comes back negative.

 

If that's the case it comes back as 'inconclusive' or something like that so you know the test failed. Therefore, in theory, if it comes back as negative it's because you don't have it, not because you didn't do it right.

 

I know a couple of people from work that have had ‘inconclusive’ results and have had to return for another. I believe they eventually tested negative

 

Anyone who lives or works in Barnsley, has no symptoms and is still working in the current lockdown is eligible for a test at the Metrodome. Book here:

https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/service...he testing site is at,within the last 90 days

Results are returned after just over 30 mins (which is how long you have to leave a lateral flow test to confirm the result). You're likely to be in and out within less than 15 mins.

Can't comment on the issues of accuracy, but I'd recommend this to anyone who is regularly in contact with vulnerable people, lots of people, or who just want some peace of mind that they're not spreading. If not for you, fair enough.

 

I'm lateral flow testing every Mon and Thurs for work. If it ever comes back positive I have also got to book to have a proper test at work too.

 

The rapid ones (lateral flow) are not very accurate, very few false positives, but ~75% of positive tests reported.