Don't think @NakedScientists on @BBCBreakfast today were right to tell someone with 3 (!) +ve LFTs and 1 -ve PCR that they should consider themselves covid free.
Even if PCR is the "gold standard", getting 1 false -ve PCR result is FAR more likely than 3 false +ve LFTs in a row!
Even if PCR is the "gold standard", getting 1 false -ve PCR result is FAR more likely than 3 false +ve LFTs in a row!
The fact is, there have been several similar anecdotal reports recently. We don't know if it's coincidence, an issue with the LFTs, or an issue with PCR testing.
Until we do, the precautionary principle would suggest treat yourself as positive, especially if you have symptoms.
Until we do, the precautionary principle would suggest treat yourself as positive, especially if you have symptoms.
There's a good explanation of the maths behind this here:
https://twitter.com/Kit_Yates_Maths/status/1446536659210842119?t=IDqIV--cfXuRYTY04P56NQ&s=19
Caveat: Dr Chris Smith of Naked Scientists is a virologist, and I'm not!
But purely based on the maths, until we have a better idea of what (if anything) is going wrong, personally I'd suggest going by the LFT result to be safe.
Especially if you have multiple positive tests!
But purely based on the maths, until we have a better idea of what (if anything) is going wrong, personally I'd suggest going by the LFT result to be safe.
Especially if you have multiple positive tests!
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