SA Covid testing in Stafford?

The Hawk

Well-Known Forumite
There was an interesting aspect to the research I read that talked about the reliability of the test and who administered it, against self administered tests.

So trained professional is preferable to self administered.
Indeed there was and, yes the reliability is very variable from self administered, through trained volunteers, to professional medical staff.

The lateral flow tests are not particular reliable from an individual perspective as, in some cases (e.g. self administered) they pick up less than 50% of positives and, even in a best case scenario that only goes up to something short of 80%. However, they are a valuable tool when lots of results are taken together, as it helps establish the likely percentage who are positive in a given area.

The bottom line though is that no one should rely on a single individual lateral flow test, even when administered professionally.
 

EasMid

Well-Known Forumite
The bottom line though is that no one should rely on a single individual lateral flow test, even when administered professionally.
That’s why it’s recommended to have regular tests. It’s more for the benefit of the whole community.
It’s a shame more effort isn’t put into publicising this aspect of “community testing”
 
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staffordjas

Well-Known Forumite
There was an interesting aspect to the research I read that talked about the reliability of the test and who administered it, against self administered tests.

So trained professional is preferable to self administered.
That's why I let them do it when offered the choice.

There was a difference in last times test and the time before. Latest tester did it like I did my Imperial College London home test myself, as part of their trial last April time. She made my eyes water like I did.
The time before that , I'm sure the tester didn't do it quite so thoroughly as I couldn't even tell she was doing it and she was so quick.
 

SketchyMagpie

Well-Known Forumite
I was intending to let them do it for that precise reason but, honestly, I gag so easily (just a physiological fact, not TMI about my personal life XD) I'm nervous about chucking up on the desk so I think I'm going to administer my own.
 

littleme

250,000th poster!
I was intending to let them do it for that precise reason but, honestly, I gag so easily (just a physiological fact, not TMI about my personal life XD) I'm nervous about chucking up on the desk so I think I'm going to administer my own.
I'm the same, I was so worried about throwing up, but I did my own & although I had to ask to pause between doing my throat & nose I got through it fine. I think you are much better doing it yourself, they do watch to make sure you have the swab in the right place, but that's it... Poor girl had to tell me to stop pushing the swab up my nose, as I couldn't feel it & thought I should have to! Don't worry, it's not as bad as you think.
 

RobUSA

Well-Known Forumite
well they seem to be adopting an interesting technique.


Book into Walton Village Hall. (Walking distance). Get rescheduled to Stone. (Not walking distance).

So they offer the suggestion well just show up at the Kingston centre and see if you can get tested on the off chance.
 

EasMid

Well-Known Forumite
You're probably better booking a slot at the Kingston Centre. It's the main Centre for Stafford, the others are occasional pop up centres & probably more likely to cancellations.
Book a slot at Kingston & you'll definitely get tested.
 

Entropy

Well-Known Forumite
there is always booking a home test?

Sends you the kit, you log the details on line, do the swabbing and pop it in a nominated post box for collection. Results are usually 24 hours later.


On a separate note, I had notification from the NHS that my eligibility for the first stage of the vaccine is this Sunday. Not sure why I have been given this as I've only just turned 40?
 

Lucy

Well-Known Forumite
I've heard of quite a few younger people getting theirs, although not round here.
 

Carole

Well-Known Forumite
I had a text from the NHS saying that I was eiligible and to call my GP, so I did, and low and behold....it was real!

County Show Ground this Sunday

They are currently doing Group 6 at the moment, my husband is younger than me but he had his this week.
Also I know someone who is 30 and having his today, but he’s got asthma so he’s included in that group.

So if you’re included in the list below that will explain it. If not, then you’re just lucky!

https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...id-19-vaccination-first-phase-priority-groups
 

Entropy

Well-Known Forumite
They are currently doing Group 6 at the moment, my husband is younger than me but he had his this week.
Also I know someone who is 30 and having his today, but he’s got asthma so he’s included in that group.

So if you’re included in the list below that will explain it. If not, then you’re just lucky!

https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...id-19-vaccination-first-phase-priority-groups

I must be very lucky as I have non of the under lying conditions set out there?

Not complaining though :)
 

gon2seed

(and me! - Ed)
Am 57, but as a Support Worker at a care home my employers organised a vaccination for all staff. Two of us went up to the County Show Ground for our jab on Jan 28th. A massively impressive set up, car park full, lots of people, but loads of staff, plenty of sign posting and minimal queuing! We were in and out in half an hour, and that included a mandatory ten minute sit down. It was also fantastic to share a room with over 100 people and reckon I was one of the youngest! Marvelous atmosphere, very upbeat with loads of smiley faces. Was back at work by 14.00 and finished at 15.00, Result!

Drove home and was in the car getting ready to go up to my mum's with my son for a meal at 16.00 Before we left my phone rang. It was work, I had had a PCR test at work on the evening of 26th, and it had been collected and gone to a lab for testing. "Your result is back, you tested Positive two days ago Neal! you and all close contacts have to isolate till 6/2/2021!" Phoned mum, said we won't be coming for the meal, my wife was at home, My son was with me, the only people apart from them, had been in close contact with were at work! ARGH!!!

To cut to the chase:- I felt a bit squify in the late evening and next morning, but when I had the vaccine we were told to expect some reaction. I felt fine by Friday evening. I had NO symptoms for the whole week, my wife tested negative at home with a lateral flow test. Neither she, my son or anyone at work developed symptoms or Covid, so at the end of our isolation we have re-entered the world! Isolation was not easy, but we had plenty in, and the world and his wife offered to shop for us, was heart warming. I can absolutely see how some people find the deprivation of liberty difficult and I am proud we obeyed the rules. My Wife and I had shared a bed and bodily contact for two days and my son had been in the same house. No one had contracted it in the two days I had it at work. I'm beginning to think it might have had a 'false positive'.fp Track & Trace rang me three times as I had been told they would. I raised the query about an fp, they said it is very unlikely and reported that some people have a similar experience to myself! A-symptomatic and not a spreader, I will never know. I've had the Vaccine, and the Virus, and lived to tell the tale, I consider myself doubly blessed!
Hang on, hang on! when is my second vaccine dose! :monkeydance:;)
 
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Gramaisc

Forum O. G.

Mudgie

Well-Known Forumite
I remember a case a few years ago of a chap getting a letter about a dental appointment, which contained the requirement that he bring a parent with him.

The fact that the system only used to last two digits for the year made it 'think' he was rather younger than his actual age - which was 108.
There was also a case a few years ago of a twelve inch pianist but I can't remember the details.
 
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