We were able to get the negative results of the PCR/COVID test from Longs/CVS. We took that test about 26 hours after our exposure to the bank employee who had tested positive after attending a large wedding.
We took an antigen test at the Honolulu Airport 7 days after exposure. However on the 6th day after exposure, it suddenly occurred to Art that he had to deliver Meals on Wheels to 9 of his clients and he wouldn't have had that 2nd result from the antigen testing.
It's the first time that it was necessary for us to use it.
We'll have our daughter and family use them after they fly over from Illinois in June.
Art read over the directions carefully, used the swab to collect a sample from each nostril, put the sample in the solution and dropped the solution onto the test strip.
It showed one line on C. At first I thought it meant COVID.
But no... It actually meant he was Negative.
Why don't they use P for positive and N for negative?
I got the answer from the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) website.
A positive result: Two lines on control (C) and test (T).
Negative: One line on control (C).
Invalid: No lines or only a test line mean the results are invalid and it needs to be taken again.
I still think P and N would have been better but the main thing is he is negative. And we took the antigen test the following day.
When it was occurring in our family, they seemed to find that the test was more accurate when using the throat instead of the nose or in addition to it. Danica had it but wasn't testing positive until she switched methods.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve used our government issue ones a couple times on our youngest who keeps bringing home common colds from school but thankfully has remained Covid negative.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay, I am not med-tech, but have been around them enough to realize that the C means CONTROL sample to verify that the test is working (it will show a positive in this case). If the CONTROL fails, then the kit is not valid.
ReplyDeleteThe T is for the actual 'Test' sample that Art applied to the home test kit.
Its likely they are using standard terminology that applies across a number of kits used at home and in professional settings.
Confusing to the layman but easily understood by someone familiar with the basic design and functionality of the kit.
Read instructions , highlighters are handy for this, and always verify the steps involved.. There are probably other kits with different instructions and may have different Letters/points on the chart to define a Positive result. Kits may vary, so always READ the instructions.
M in NC
not a med-tech!
I use to donate control samples when I worked at/in a lab for various testing setups. These require a stick and multiple tube draws. You did get paid and it would put some gas in the tank. Some folks were regulars (you had to space out the draws just like donating blood to the red cross).
Meant to add, glad to hear that everyone is doing well.
DeleteM in NC
Glad to hear no Covid. Both Dan and I took the home tests when we developed colds. Both negative. I waas surprised I wasn't tested at the hospital when I went last week for out patient cataract removal. I had a cold then too but told them self test was negative.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got negative results. I have used the home kit twice and so far all Negatives.
ReplyDeleteWe have the home tests, but have had no reason to use them yet. So glad the test was negative.
ReplyDeleteAll good!
ReplyDeleteI swear Don had COVID at some point. He definitely had the COVID toes and other flu-like symptoms! But we have tested negative twice. We just keep doing what we can to stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteso frustrating...just like trying not to be anonymous on anybody's blog this day...Lin Floyd
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I keep coming up Anonymous when I use my iPhone or iPad too. Arrgghhh… I don’t know what it is about my settings that don’t allow me to come up with my Google account.
DeleteKay (Musings)
I haven't used any of my 4 antigen ones and am intimidated by the steps to them. It might be easier to find a local place that does the PCR which are supposedly(?) more accurate anyway. Glad to hear the negative results!
ReplyDeleteI used one once but screwed it up
ReplyDeleteI found it to be rather complicated to use that home test the first time. But it is convenient and glad that they were free!
ReplyDeleteI never received any home tests from the government.
ReplyDeleteI take rapid tests for work, so I'm used to it. When I broke my nose in the fall, it was a challenge.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't used a test kit yet, but we'll be sure to read the directions when we do. P and N would be easier for us non-med tech folks.
ReplyDeleteYou have to jump through a lot of hoops once you've had some suspected contact with covid. I'm glad that you're OK.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was not intuitive!
ReplyDeleteGlad Mr. Art thought about his status before doing the deliveries. I have several tests and find them pretty easy to follow, but I did have to keep re-reading the part about the lines. Be sure and check your expiration date and pitch them if they've expired. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWe have our tests to use if necessary, but so far not even a sniffle. I'm still wearing my mask at the coffee shop except when sipping the coffee.
ReplyDeleteJamie here (this commenting thing happening with Blogger has been making me crazy!):
ReplyDeleteWe got some at our house, but have not even opened them.
And if I turn off Anonymous, I can’t comment at all. Aggravation!
DeleteWe do have more test kits available that we’ll have my daughter and her family use when they fly over to visit us.
Kay (Musings Anonymously)
Yes, I used one of those at home tests last week when I was under the weather. Fortunately came back negative and I'm much improved. Thank you for sharing with us. Kay
ReplyDeleteI've not had to use a test kit ... yet!
ReplyDeletePleased your result was negative.
All the best Jan
I've taken three or four home tests -- the last one just yesterday when we got home from a few days away in New York. The ones we use don't have C and T. They have a blue line, negative, and a blue-plus-pink line positive. So far we've been all blue. Isn't this fun?!?
ReplyDeleteI've taken a couple home tests of the type you describe. Clearly they don't want to make deciphering the results simple.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see you, and equally glad to know how to use the tests. Thaanks so xmuch for the notes.
ReplyDeleteThat sad thing is that the RATs are not as good for testing Omicron as it is a variant. Plus, I just don't know why some of us cannot get the more effective testing. sigh.
ReplyDelete