Testing for CV-19? Private or NHS.

[Seabag]

How do you go about getting tested for Covid-19 if it?s at all possible? I feel well with none of the symptoms described.

But, I?m in a vulnerable group and so is my partner (it?s hard to actually admit this to yourself I find, but we are), I?m asthmatic and my partner is pregnant, our baby is due in 2 weeks.

We?ve been self-isolating carefully down in our place in Kent, my son has moved into my flat in E.D on his own, as he?s also asthmatic and wants to be cautious not to be at his Mums house where other siblings live too.

I?d pay if that?s what it takes, I don?t want to burden an already under pressure NHS if that was the case. But I do want to know if I?m clear or have had the virus.

Is that possible, has anyone done this ?

[Blah Blah]

I personally would leave available test kits for those who need them most. Work is ongoing to develop a test that looks for antibodies, which is an easier thing to test for and results can be processed more quickly. That will be used to test for those who may have had the virus and now have some level of immunity (although caution on that as any viral mutation brings us back to square one). So unless you develop clear and obvious symptoms, I would wait for that to become available.

[xapis85]

To add to the above, the Dr who spoke on the Nolan Show (Well worth a listen) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0877mb2

was saying that they had people test negative on nose swabs but positive on throat swabs and there are false negatives etc. You wouldn't be likely to get a reliable result I'm afraid.

I'm also keen to be tested as was ill this week and will always be left wondering whether it was that. We have all rigidly self-isolated as if it were but it would be useful to know for sure... hopefully the antibody test will come out soon.

Edit to correct an autocorrect typo I'll for ill

[Sue]

Seabag, all the best to you and your partner and your forthcoming baby.

These are very worrying times anyway, let alone in your situation.

I hope everything goes well for you all.

[first mate]

I think everyone in high risk groups has to follow government advice and simply be scrupulous about avoiding contact. If you can get friends to deliver food etc... that is the way to go.

As already stated, testing is not an exact science but in my view any tests should be reserved for health workers in hospitals. I think it is bordering on immoral that anyone can purchase a test if they have enough money. We are all in the same boat. Some of us, including me, have close family in the very highest risk group and we are not pursuing testing.

[Seabag]

If I was able to sit it out and stay at home, I would. But I?m cautious about going to hospital with my partner and not knowing, I?d hate to have it, showing no symptoms and then finding out i?m a carrier spreading the virus unwittingly. Worse still, give it to our newborn.

Does anyone know if they routinely test people going into hospital?

Sure I want tests to go to front line staff, health workers and such likes. But are we that low on supplies that purchase the test will make a material difference?

I?m open to conversation, but please withhold judgement on morality on this one. I?m not wealthy, but if spending money elsewhere alleviates pressure on the NHS, then I?ll consider it.

[first mate]

I understand your dilemma Seabag. My sense is we are low on testing kits period. So there should not really be a separate batch for private use unless these are surplus to requirements within the NHS. In short, private health resources should all be made available to those with greatest need which has to be frontline NHS staff and suspected serious covid19 cases, where testing best directs treatment. I may be wrong. Those who know more may be able to elaborate.

It is very difficult territory I wish you well.

[Blah Blah]

Hi Seabag. The NHS are not just judging what they need now, but what they will need when the numbers needing treatment shoot up. It is a race to get everything needed in place. Anyone admitted to hospital suspected of having the virus is tested for it though.

Even if you are not a carrier of the virus who is asymptomatic, until we have an effective treatment or vaccine, the advice would be the same. Only making journeys that are necessary and social distancing.

You are not going to be the only person who is thinking about purchasing a test, so encouraging that as a course of action is going to have an impact on kits available for front line workers. The government has already requisitioned private healthcare services for the moment that NHS facilities become filled to capacity.

Try and look at it this way. The more we all do not panic and follow advice, the more likely we are to stay well, and the more likely the treatment we need will be available if we or anyone in our family becomes unwell enough to need hospital treatment.

It sounds to me as though you are doing all the right things already. Try not to worry too much. This is going to be a difficult time for lots of people, so you are not alone.

[Asset]

you can test negative and then go out and catch it a few days later, pointless being tested if you have no symptoms.

[Penguin68]

There has been some evidence of scam private tests,or tests sold at 300% mark-ups. The 'solution' to your problem will be the anti-body test now being developed which will determine whether you have been infected by looking for Corvid-19 anti-bodies in your system.

There is no evidence that the pregnant are at risk, this is just precautionary - and those most likely to be at risk (based on the fact that the virus is so new) are those in early term pregnancy - no one has yet gone through to term having risked early infection! This is merely a worst case scenario.

If you have no symptoms - great - stay as isolated as you can if you are worried and carry on.

[Blah Blah]

If there were a like button, I would be upticking Penguins post :)

[Seabag]

Blah Blah Wrote:

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> If there were a like button, I would be upticking

> Penguins post :)

Me too

Thank you

[hpsaucey]

Something useful on Five Live about assessing relative asthma risks (today 18:45).

Say you even DID test now and were negative that's only now. As much as many of us would like to know if we've been exposed that's not the priority. There should be no private tests available IMO.

Hope you can try to relax at least a bit and enjoy the last weeks of pregnancy/first days and weeks together as a family. Obviously worrying times for you all but with the prospect of joy soon!

HP

[Seabag]

We?re in a calmer position right now, but I admit it has been challenging. We had an appointment at Penbury hospital in Kent a couple of days ago, they asked how we we?re feeling and gave us a chance to chat through the situation.They we?re very reassuring on the measures and the risks being taken. They talked us through their CV19 protocol and procedures and many other things, we left feeling way better and with an enhanced feeling of admiration for the NHS staff.

I wouldn?t on reflection take a private test even if it were available, but I would like to know in the future if we?ve had the infection and we?re showing antibodies, like many others would too. I?ve also had correspondence with a NHS consultant which has been reassuring and helpful with advice on asthma and staying well.

In short I don?t regret asking these questions, it?s been helpful to explore what?s possible and what informed people have to say. It?s all gone a long way to making the best of this situation we find ourselves in.

Lastly a nod to the Forum creators, it?s a wonderful thing and thank you.

[Loutwo]

Seems awful to me that Prince Charles is offered immediate testing for COVID-19, whilst vulnerable individuals and NHS workers are left in limbo. Nice to see this country has its priorities in order.

Louisa.

[RoseJadeH]

This has just popped up ... https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-anitbody-home-test-a4397651.html

[Blah Blah]

Prince Charles was eligible for testing because of his age.

He was treated by the same policy all people over 70 and displaying possible symptoms are currently treated by the NHS.

[Loutwo]

I wonder if the rest of the Royal household has also been tested? Including the younger ones. I bet we will never know.

Louisa.

[Penguin68]

I wonder if the rest of the Royal household has also been tested? Including the younger ones. I bet we will never know.

And your medical details, tests and results of tests are readily available to the inquisitive public, are they Louisa? And I imagine you mean the Royal Family, not the Royal Household - which includes grooms and maids.

[Sue]

Loutwo Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I wonder if the rest of the Royal household has

> also been tested? Including the younger ones. I

> bet we will never know.

>

Why on earth would you or anybody else want to know?

[Loutwo]

Mostly because it?s interesting to know how ordinary at risk NHS workers are struggling to be tested on the frontline, putting themselves at risk every day, whilst the heir to the throne seems to have be able to be tested? Hence why I think it?s in the public interest to know how many others in the royal household manage to be tested at this time.

My medical details are not relevant to the public interest, but the royal households accessibility to testing IS.

Louisa.

[Penguin68]

whilst the heir to the throne seems to have be able to be tested?

Prince Charles is over 70 and was presenting symptoms - he is in a risk group (and the people he might regularly see, including the Head of State definitely are) - so testing isn't abnormal in these circumstances. I would also expect the (much younger) PM to have access to Covid testing as well.

[ED - NAGAIUTB]

Loutwo Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Mostly because it?s interesting to know how

> ordinary at risk NHS workers are struggling to be

> tested on the frontline, putting themselves at

> risk every day, whilst the heir to the throne

> seems to have be able to be tested? Hence why I

> think it?s in the public interest to know how many

> others in the royal household manage to be tested

> at this time.

>

> My medical details are not relevant to the public

> interest, but the royal households accessibility

> to testing IS.

>

> Louisa.

Dear God. You can't even wind your neck in during a global pandemic.

You really are a vile specimen.

[dbboy]

Well, I've learned from this thread that over 70's are apparently "entitled" to be tested. The reality appears to be that testing has ceased from what is broadcast on the news.

The Royal's are likely to have all been tested as Charles has the symptoms, and what else was Andrew tested for? But that's a separate thread in it's own right.

What is apparent, is that it's very much a them and us society, (but always has been that way) a bit like the monty python sketch of three blokes all looking down on each other and the third looking up.

[sillywoman]

"ED - NAGAIUTB Wrote:

----you can't even wind your neck in during

> a global pandemic.

>

> You really are a vile specimen."

Ive reported your post for vile and cowardly bullying.

Penguin: your post is completely wrong.

"There is no evidence that the pregnant are at risk, this is just precautionary - and those most likely to be at risk (based on the fact that the virus is so new) are those in early term pregnancy - no one has yet gone through to term having risked early infection! This is merely a worst case scenario. "

We know pregnant women ARE more at risk of viral infections in pregnancy as their immune system is already suppressed to support the growth of the baby. The evidence is that women in the LAST few months of their pregnancy are MOST at risk of contracting the virus. I don't actually understand the last part of your sentence "no one...early infection" so I can't comment on that, but please only post information that you are sure of, as in the current climate posting incorrect information about the risks the virus poses to pregnant women could be dangerous. For more information please check out the RCOG website.