Scottish patient Covid treatments and just in case PCR test kits

[vivdunstan]

I’ve got a letter today from the Scottish Chief Medical Officer about the new Covid treatments that I should be eligible for. It gives me local contact details for the right part of my health board if I test positive. And importantly it invites me to apply for a home PCR test kit to have ready at home in case I get symptoms and need testing fast - this is vital, because the new treatments can only be given to patients in the early days of the illness. These just in case PCR test kits will _not_ be sent out automatically to this patient group in Scotland. You can get the kit via the online NHS PCR test kit order site or by phoning 119. I ordered mine online just now. The letter tells you to say you are an essential worker when ordering, so it is prioritised (including for speed of processing results). I selected online that I had no symptoms, was an essential worker, and had been asked to get a PCR kit by a healthcare team. It will come to me in the post. You do have to tick the standard ordering disclaimer including that you will aim to return the kit in 48 hours, even though that isn’t applicable in our very specific case! But otherwise ordering was straightforward. Hopefully I won’t need it! Sharing this info for fellow immunosuppressed Scots.

[Hidden]

Thanks as ever for explaining. I’m in Scotland and got my letter today.

Re home PCR - I used one home test kit a month ago via the Zoe Covid App having reported symptoms which I guess were probably just a cold or flare up or allergy. It was quite quick -Friday morning to result on Sunday pm.

I have read through my letter more thoroughly now you’ve said we can get another home test kit just in case. Thanks - I hadn’t realised this is what was meant. Did you order yours online or using 119?

Having just spent a week in hospital getting infusions and coughing cleaners standing chatting to me a bit close - I’m thinking it would be a good idea to have one. But wasn’t sure that, without new symptoms, this would be okay. Given how erratic the post is where I am - first post today since 31st - was thinking better to go to drop-in if I have new symptoms.

Also, with MCTD and the Zoe app experience, not sure how I’d know if symptoms were Covid or flare tbh. Thinking might be better to use lateral flow, then book PCR - but would this be a longer, less efficient way do you think?

[vivdunstan Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

I ordered my just in case at home kit online yesterday. See my post above for all the details of what I selected when ordering. Eg you can order without symptoms. It arrived at lunchtime today, so the next day, so I'm ready. Just in case

Yes though, if you have symptoms now and you are concerned about the post you should go to a drop in PCR test centre ASAP. Book an appointment online. LFT isn't intended to be used if you have symptoms, because about half the time if someone has Covid the LFT can say they are negative ... Good luck!

[Mabel8]

Mine was sent automatically but I’m in England so guess it makes a difference

[vivdunstan Volunteer in reply to Mabel8]

Yes, different NHS system, and NHS Scotland is doing it differently. I don’t know either what the arrangements are in NHS Wales and NHS Northern Ireland.

[Hidden in reply to vivdunstan]

Thanks - I’ll go online for a PCR home test just-in-case kit tomorrow

[BooBoo39 Volunteer]

Thank you Viv ... for the above information i had received the same letter about 10 days ago but had not acted on it as my local health care authority had advised that i would get a PCR test in the post automatically. As this had not arrived i have taken your useful advice and tips to overcome Government website jargon and successfully applied for a (just in case ) PCR test kit today. Thanks again ....Joanne ( in Moray)