Has anyone heard anything relating to covid-19 swab tests not being allowed for people on anticoagulants?

[Geoff12345]

What other ways are used to asses if you have it or not?

[BobD Volunteer]

No. Please see pinned posts Covid Vaccine etc .

[bantam12]

Not true, I've had 5 tests at different hospitals and they don't even ask if you are taking anything let alone anticoagulants!

[Geoff12345 in reply to bantam12]

Thanks for that.

[JaneFinn]

Hi Geoff, yes- I was asked to be part of one of the random covid swab tests they do (where they get a snapshot of how many in the community might have covid without knowing it). Then after I had agreed, there was a checklist online they took me through, and they rejected me on the basis of being on anticoagulants. There was no explanation, and no court of appeal 😆 But I assume if I had had symptoms and actually needed the test it wouldn’t have been an issue at all :)J x

[Staffsgirl in reply to JaneFinn]

I came across one where those taking anticoagulants were rejected on the basis that the finger-prick blood test might be too risky!

[Rog65 in reply to JaneFinn]

I had exactly the same experience. Filled in an excessively long form, only to be summarily rejected at the very end when I said I was on anti- coagulants! They might have checked that first!

[Staffsgirl in reply to Rog65]

I agree! However, I have done another antibody test this week where I wasn’t asked about anticoagulants. They clearly vary.

[Ducky2003 in reply to Rog65]

Same here. Very irritating to get through to the end, only to be rejected. I have the tests every 2 months anyway as I treat feet of patients in a nursing home. I have to be negative to be allowed in.

[Mama48 in reply to JaneFinn]

Both my husband and I are on anticoagulants, both of us have been rejected for random tests for that reason. However prior to having an ablation last summer it was quite ok for me to do a drive through test !

[Grayjay]

I take Edoxaban and had a Covid swab test yesterday at A&E, which turned out Negative luckily enough. There should be no problems.

[Geoff12345 in reply to Grayjay]

That’s what I thought but thanks for your input.

[mrgwair567]

No , they don’t ask you anything.!Had test done 5 days ago

[Geoff12345 in reply to mrgwair567]

Thanks mrgwair567.

[mrgwair567 in reply to Geoff12345]

No problem!

[PlanetaryKim]

I have not heard that, although i can see possible risk of nosebleed from nasal swab if person on anticoagulant. Here in British Columbia we now also have the gargle test as an alternative - and most adults prefer that (unless gag reflex too strong). You gargle and spit with salt water 3x in row, 10 seconds each time. Supposed to be as accurate as nasal swab.

[Geoff12345 in reply to PlanetaryKim]

Interesting not heard of that type of test?

[PlanetaryKim in reply to Geoff12345]

Gargle test available in British Columbia, Canada. We can get it in my town (Nanaimo) at a drive through testing station. It is supposed to be as accurate as nasal swab - with no pain or risk of bleeding.

From a news story: "researchers believe the new [gargle] test is approximately as effective as the nasopharyngeal swab, because 'it really samples the entire mouth and back of your mouth.'" bc.ctvnews.ca/gargle-test-f...

Some instructions and video here: bccdc.ca/health-info/diseas...

I plan to request the gargle test if I need to be tested. I don't really want the nasal swab if I can avoid it.

[Jalia]

Has one when in A&E last week .No problem.

[Froggy73]

Hi, I'm tested weekly due to my job and on apixaban and have not being told not to test, the only test I haven't being able to do was the home test for antibodies as this required a certain amount of blood into a small test bottle and I have had both my vaccines hope this helps

[Geoff12345 in reply to Froggy73]

Thanks for your input.

[Easternmost]

I have had 3 tests (one in hospital) and 4 rapid tests at work, however I was refused by the Imperial College for a research test because I take Rivaroxaban. I would love to know why?!

[Geoff12345 in reply to Easternmost]

Yes I was also rejected on grounds of being on anticoagulant. Must be an insurance thing?

[Staffsgirl in reply to Easternmost]

Might have been because of finger-prick test, (see my earlier reply).

[Singwell]

No problems. Had it done.

[Rubymurray25]

I had my vaccine on Monday at hospital and when I told the nurse when asked, I was on Rivaroxiban she had to clear it with the main doctor, but all was fine. She was pleased with jab as not one single spot of blood came out👍

[Geoff12345 in reply to Rubymurray25]

I had similar reaction when I had my jab but no problem and I didn’t bleed to death thank goodness lol

[kkatz]

Yes I was asked if I would do the random testing and then told I couldn't as on anticoagulant.

[etheral]

I am taking apixaban and had a nasal swab that causesd minor bleeding. Don't know if that can affect the results, but I repeated the test ( this time a pcr test which is supposedly more accurate. Also a swab, but no bleeding this time. Fortunately both were negative.

[Geoff12345 in reply to etheral]

Glad to hear your tests negative.

[Byke]

I have been in hospital due to AF and they have taken swabs with no problems

[dexter8479]

I’ve been part of the Oxford/ONS national testing study for months, involving throat/nasal swabs on a regular basis. I wasn’t asked any medication questions when I was selected as a participant, and the questions they ask when they come to do the tests don’t ask anything about medications either.

[JaneChapple in reply to dexter8479]

Very surprised they didnt ask any questions about what meds you were on - surely this is important health and safety question that should be asked before anyone starts a trial like this, plus medical history Id have thought. Doesnt sound very well organised to me?😎

[dexter8479 in reply to JaneChapple]

It’s not a trial. It’s a study. Nasal and throat swab only, voluntary. Not random testing. No purpose in gathering medication history. Year long. I’ve had 11 tests so far, another 8 months in the study. Delighted to get negative results regularly. Treated like a grown-up, you wouldn’t do it if you had concerns about swabbing, or indeed anything, just like they don’t ask you any medication questions if you get swabbed in a hospital. Other studies may include, or eventually include, finger prick testing (blood), and potential volunteers may get rejected if they’re on anti coagulation, due to potential bleeding risk. This is no such risk in the context of this study, and I comment only for this particular study - neither are there health and safety issues of any kind that are not fully addressed.

[Mrwoo]

No. I am on Apixapam b.d. and received my swab tests whilst in hospital. The first one however gave me quite a nose bleed.

[Georgeedgar]

I was hospitalized September with A/FIB episode and was swob tested.

[Slidingdoors99]

Hi! I’ve had three so far and wasn’t even asked what tablets I was taking!

[Elfiejean]

I have been tested in the US. No one asked any questions.

[juneb75]

I am warfrum and I have had my vaccine jab as long as you're in range have it done you will be fine

[Desanthony]

I had to have a swab test before my cancelled ablation in October so obviously the EP didn't think there would be a problem. I had to have one at least 4 days before the procedure and one early on the morning of the procedure. The cardio department were all tested weekly but still they had an outbreak of Covid in the centre so my ablation could not go ahead.