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[Merlinmog]

Hi all

I was just wondering if anyone else is having problems with the flow tests for covid mine always comes up as a faint positive even thought my lab test comes back clear every week.My boss thinks it's because I have lupus but to be honest it's totally stressing me out every time im tested which is currently 4 times a week. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Ingrid1234]

According to the booklet, a “faint” positive is actually a positive. Have you swabbed enough?

LFTs test for covid virus/viral particles NOT lupus!🧐

The lab PCR test may be giving a false negative?🧐

Labs have been known to get tests wrong.

[Merlinmog in reply to Ingrid1234]

Thanks for your replyWe have had to swab 4 times a week since the start of covid as I work mental health even my boss has done my testing and it still comes up as a faint positive every time.I did read somewhere that lupus has the same b cell markers as covid and some medication can trigger the positive result,fingers crossed that my lab test comes back ok as it's testing day tomorrow.

[Ingrid1234 in reply to Merlinmog]

“did read somewhere that lupus has the same b cell markers as covid and some medication can trigger the positive result…”

====

Have you got a reference or link for this?

Regards

[Merlinmog in reply to Ingrid1234]

Hi IngridSorry it's taken time to get back to you I work nights and don't always pick up my e mail's straight away .I'm a bit rubbish with technology so I don't know how to paste a link ,the information I found was on a website called elemental.medium.com and the paper was called the connection between covid-19 and autoimmuninty.Many thanks sarah.

[Ingrid1234 in reply to Merlinmog]

Thanks.

[Alida_Bennett Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Merlinmog

I have done some research online and I have been unable to find anything which suggests that lupus or medication can cause a false positive lateral flow test.

Have you had Covid in the past? I know that if you have, then you can continue to test positive for around 90 days.

I realise this is a stressful situation for you and wonder whether just doing PCR tests would be a better way to deal with the situation – then you will know you are negative and not have the stress of the false positive beforehand.

The most reliable way to get up to date advice in relation to testing and false positives, I believe, would be to call 119 and explain the situation and then follow their advice.

I’m sorry I couldn’t find an answer for you, but hope the above is helpful. If I can help further, do please let me know.

Kind regards

Alida

[Merlinmog]

Thanks for your replyI've never had covid I managed to escape it when we had it at work and half the staff were off.My boss thinks it could be the triptan drug I take for severe migraine as it's a nasal spray ,I think I will ring 119 and have a chat to them because it's just worrying me constantly.Thank you for taking the time to reply to me .

[Chris21]

Hi merlinmog,What a nightmare this virus is causing! Have you done more than one pcr? I ask because my son in law had the same thing but was advised to take another pcr a few days later which did come back positive. ( he doesn’t have any medical problems) I hope you get an answer soon.

[Merlinmog in reply to Chris21]

Thanks for your replyI have a pcr done every 5 days due to me working in a mental health unit but as of today my boss said I no longer have to do a daily flow test as it's just pointless.we were tested this morning so hopefully I should get my pcr back soon and fingers crossed it's negative.