PCR or Antigen ?

[Spurs]

So with all the changes made Weds night to red amber green list one of the little gems thrown in quietly was “ travelling from Spain we now recommend a pcr test”

Anyone going to stop the €40 antigen and go for the €100 pcr ? I for one am not , I’m sick of the govt changing and then changing again the rules . Antigen or lateral flow tests are what millions of school kids , are having 3 times a week , and are in general use in UK .

Perhaps someone can explain the change in advice for Spain because it appears Grant Shapps cannot and has dodged the answer


Boris says he wants us to have all the facts and make up our own minds I plan to do that

[Derek]

see here

The guy is on a different planet I think.

 https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-people-can-go-abroad-without-looking-over-their-shoulders-the-whole-time-following-travel-changes-says-grant-shapps-12373075

[Blue and white stripes]

As the PCR test is only a recommendation I'm sticking with an antigen test as it's cheaper and quicker.

[Derek]

Yes that is why I said he was on a different planet as who is going to spend an extra 60 Euros when they do not have to.

Derek

[BeachLife]

Let's hope it doesn't change.

Just to enquire I went into the clinic at the base of the new hotel. Its a bit tight to get the (PCR) test done and results back with you in time to fly home and still be within the three-day rule. It makes flying home on a Tuesday tricky as they are not open at weekends and the results take 48 hours to get to you (plus its €100)

[kevinb]

The government are advising the PCR test but it's advisory not law, so the Antigen is OK, might change in three weeks though.

[Aficionado]

Hi, does anyone know if an antigen test remains ok or have the rules changed again? - looking at the Gov website it appears to suggest that it is ok simply by not specifying the type of test needed - but then that might not be right up to date!

All info welcome,

TIA,

Michael.

[SueB]

This is what I have just read on the Government Coronovirus website.  It appears that a lateral flow test can be used but only those that meet certain specifications.

TYPE OF TEST

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

a PCR test
a LAMP test
an antigen test, such as an LFD (lateral flow device) test
You must check with your test provider that the test meets the standards. You may not be able to travel if it does not.

Travel from Spain and its islands
If you are travelling to England from Spain, including the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands (Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca), you are advised to take a PCR type test before travel.

If you have recently had COVID
If you have recently recovered from COVID but are no longer infectious, you should use a lateral flow device (LFD) test. LFD tests have a lower sensitivity than PCR or LAMP tests, so they are less likely to return a positive result from a historic infection. The LFD test must meet the minimum performance standards as set out above.

Sue

[Alicante Holiday Villas]

Antigen tests are still accepted for travel back to the UK. 

The list of clinics, prices etc in GA can be found here https://www.alicanteholidayvillas.com/corona-virus-information

[Aficionado]

Thanks both.

[Paublo]

Came thru Belfast City airport last week and antigen test accepted. I got antigen test done in doctors at mása square beside were Rodgers bar used to be. 45 euros and had results in 1 hour. You have to leave your passport with them for them to copy your information for cert.

[SueB]

I contacted the Salvum Clinic at the Santara Life Resort to check that their Lateral Flow tests meet the required UK Government standards and they have replied that theirs does. 40 Euros and the result in 30 minutes.

Sue

[wilson]

As always a simple test is mired in lack of clarity and confusion reigns. The . Gov site does state the minimum requirements, which would suggest LFT tests exist that don’t meet these. I’ve researched loads and took several outside the Uk and haven’t yet found one that’s not suitable.

[Aficionado]

Thanks all.

[Alicante Holiday Villas]

I contacted the Salvum Clinic at the Santara Life Resort to check that their Lateral Flow tests meet the required UK Government standards and they have replied that theirs does. 40 Euros and the result in 30 minutes.

Sue

For family groups of min 3 people, Salvum are now charging €35 per person