Paging med peeps, (Jolly, George, Bach)

[mark]

Just a simple question.

It's been almost two weeks since our PCR tests that came back positive.

It's been 4+ weeks since we first had symptoms and tested positive using a home test and a quick test at Walgreens.

When should we test again to make sure we are clear and do not present a danger to others?

Thanks!

[xenon]

I'm no medical expert - but I had the same question recently.

A PCR test is more sensitive than a rapid antigen one, but what was told to me is that a rapid antigen test is more indicative of a potentially contagious viral load.

If you test negative on a rapid test, you're likely not contagious at all.

PCR test can be positive for several weeks after infection (doesn't mean you're contagious anymore).

[mark]

@xenon Thanks! I thought as much about being contagious. I just need to prove it to my daughter. The more voices I have to back me up the better.

[George K]

I think Jolly and Bach are more knowledgeable about this than I.

[Jolly]

LFT's are for screening. If it's positive, you're positive (with a couple of caveats, etc, but pretty much).

PCR is a confirmatory test...Maybe the doc ain't buying the results of a LFT and he thinks it's giving him a false negative. PCR pings back positive and symptoms match, Voila!, you have COVID. So, it's more sensitive. One of the problems early in the pandemic was some labs were doing more replication runs than others and getting too sensitive a test and introducing clutter.

Infectious? Do a LFT and if it comes back negative...

I'd have no problem hugging you up and licking your ears.

[mark]

@Jolly Thank you. And , um, I will pass on the ear lick. lol

[bachophile]

@Jolly

[Jolly]

Yikes, it's like Grand Rounds. I desperately need to find a place at the back of the group.