Impact on travel after positive PCR - how long before you test negative?
Jan 2, 2022, 9:51 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: GIG - YYC - SVO
Programs: Lost it all and don't care
Posts: 945
Rapid Antigen Test experience
The two of us have been confirmed positive with PCR tests as having Omicron. FWIW it is nothing more than your average common cold experience.
Having said that......our gubmint has given everyone free rapid antigen tests made by MOSS/BTNX in Germany. These are the ones than come in the lime green boxes.
We've each had 4 negative test results from either nasal or throat swabs at 4-5-6 day intervals using them at home. There is no doubt we're sick as we currently have symptoms. They are not rocket science, so you can't really err when doing the testing process either.
Anyone here having the same result ?
Having said that......our gubmint has given everyone free rapid antigen tests made by MOSS/BTNX in Germany. These are the ones than come in the lime green boxes.
We've each had 4 negative test results from either nasal or throat swabs at 4-5-6 day intervals using them at home. There is no doubt we're sick as we currently have symptoms. They are not rocket science, so you can't really err when doing the testing process either.
Anyone here having the same result ?
Jan 2, 2022, 10:17 am
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2020
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,010
Gold standard is to use the PCR.
Fully vaxxed + Boosted = can still test positive with PCR while testing negative with Antigen.
Either negative PCR test is needed, or certificate letter from medical doctor stating covid recovery before flying.
Fully vaxxed + Boosted = can still test positive with PCR while testing negative with Antigen.
Either negative PCR test is needed, or certificate letter from medical doctor stating covid recovery before flying.
Jan 2, 2022, 10:36 am
#18
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: GIG - YYC - SVO
Programs: Lost it all and don't care
Posts: 945
I'm not flying anywhere in the next month or so.
Just curious how many others have had the same experience with this IMHO questionable product.
FWIW I've had 2 x AZ and 2 Pfizer shots.
Just curious how many others have had the same experience with this IMHO questionable product.
FWIW I've had 2 x AZ and 2 Pfizer shots.
Jan 2, 2022, 10:58 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: CoUniHound 1K 1MM, AA EXP 2MM, DL Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,625
False negatives are a known problem with antigen tests. This is why some governments require PCR tests and don't allow antigen tests for travel.
Jan 2, 2022, 2:49 pm
#20
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 845
here is what I don't understand and hopefully someone can shed some light. Is covid a situation where you get it or you don't, meaning if you are exposed, would you test positive where someone else who was also exposed the exact same way would not?
In a person who is triple jabbed and exposed, do they either contract covid or not?
How about a person who recently had Omicron and again is exposed, could they still test positive? Just trying to figure out if a person exposed either gets covid or doesn't get it.
In a person who is triple jabbed and exposed, do they either contract covid or not?
How about a person who recently had Omicron and again is exposed, could they still test positive? Just trying to figure out if a person exposed either gets covid or doesn't get it.
Jan 2, 2022, 3:27 pm
#21
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: near to SFO and LHR
Programs: BA Gold, B6 Mosiac, VS, AA, DL (and a legacy UA 2MM)
Posts: 2,274
Nice to hear that you recovered quickly and that your travel seems (relatively) assured.
I'm sure these time-to-recovery numbers have a lot of variability, but bearing that in mind, here is the data from a 20 year-old student of mine (double vaccinated with Moderna, but not boosted):
Day 0 - probable exposure date, though PCR negative on that date.
Day 2 - experienced mild symptoms, and antigen test was positive
Day 3-4 - worse but not horrible flu-like symptoms
Day 5-6 - symptoms resolved by the end of Day 6
Day 8 - Antigen test negative on this day and Day 9
I'm sure these time-to-recovery numbers have a lot of variability, but bearing that in mind, here is the data from a 20 year-old student of mine (double vaccinated with Moderna, but not boosted):
Day 0 - probable exposure date, though PCR negative on that date.
Day 2 - experienced mild symptoms, and antigen test was positive
Day 3-4 - worse but not horrible flu-like symptoms
Day 5-6 - symptoms resolved by the end of Day 6
Day 8 - Antigen test negative on this day and Day 9
Last edited by StingWest; Jan 2, 2022 at 8:47 pm
Jan 2, 2022, 5:15 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 643
False negatives with PCR
The FDA has revoked the EUA for the PCR assay yesterday, per this reference:
https://www.fda.gov/media/137089/download
Therefore, you might conceivably have an influenza infection, that falsely shows as Covid by PCR, but correctly negative by lateral flow.
https://www.fda.gov/media/137089/download
Therefore, you might conceivably have an influenza infection, that falsely shows as Covid by PCR, but correctly negative by lateral flow.
Jan 2, 2022, 5:41 pm
#24
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 413
The FDA has revoked the EUA for the PCR assay yesterday, per this reference:
https://www.fda.gov/media/137089/download
Therefore, you might conceivably have an influenza infection, that falsely shows as Covid by PCR, but correctly negative by lateral flow.
https://www.fda.gov/media/137089/download
Therefore, you might conceivably have an influenza infection, that falsely shows as Covid by PCR, but correctly negative by lateral flow.
2) it was one specific assay that was revoked, not all pcr tests3) what is your source for false positives from flu? The sources I saw said it was revoked because it was no longer in use and thus didn't need an emergency authorization.
Jan 2, 2022, 5:48 pm
#25
Community Director
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Norwich, UK
Programs: A3*G, BA Gold, BD Gold (in memoriam), IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 8,477
The test methodology is actually very different in terms of the constituents the tests are looking for, but the end result is that antigen tests are between 70% and 90% accurate depending on the competency of the tester, and certainly require a higher viral load, whereas PCRs achieve 99.9% accuracy. They are designed for very different purposes.
Jan 2, 2022, 7:41 pm
#26
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,757
I've come across multiple rapid antigen tests (including the iHealth tests that I currently have) which state on the box "This test is more likely to give you a false negative result when you have COVID-19 than a lab-based molecular test."
In particular this is why serial testing is encouraged to confirm a negative result when using rapid antigen testing.
In particular this is why serial testing is encouraged to confirm a negative result when using rapid antigen testing.
Jan 2, 2022, 8:01 pm
#27
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Fort Worth TX
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 475
It's almost impossible to get any clear data on OP original question.
I will ask again...
HOW LONG AFTER testing positive did you receive a negative RT PCR test or PCR test? CDC advised that a person can test positive for at least 90 days after infection.
How did it impact your travel? Example, EK requires negative RT PCR test or you don't fly. Doctor's letter, recovery, fully vaccinated and boosted are irrelevant.
I will ask again...
HOW LONG AFTER testing positive did you receive a negative RT PCR test or PCR test? CDC advised that a person can test positive for at least 90 days after infection.
How did it impact your travel? Example, EK requires negative RT PCR test or you don't fly. Doctor's letter, recovery, fully vaccinated and boosted are irrelevant.
Last edited by SEA777GUY; Jan 2, 2022 at 10:51 pm
Jan 2, 2022, 8:56 pm
#28
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: near to SFO and LHR
Programs: BA Gold, B6 Mosiac, VS, AA, DL (and a legacy UA 2MM)
Posts: 2,274
Although the OP mentioned a PCR test with regard to his original infection, he also referenced travel to the USA, and the antigen test required to travel there. That why some, including me, have responded with anecdotal experience involving antigen tests.
Jan 3, 2022, 1:30 am
#29
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AS 75K (OW), SK Silver (*A), UR, MR
Posts: 3,347
It’s generally accepted and widely quoted/assumed on this forum that, in terms of detecting Covid-19, PCR tests are more sensitive and accurate than antigen (commonly known as lateral flow in many parts of the world).
The test methodology is actually very different in terms of the constituents the tests are looking for, but the end result is that antigen tests are between 70% and 90% accurate depending on the competency of the tester, and certainly require a higher viral load, whereas PCRs achieve 99.9% accuracy. They are designed for very different purposes.
The test methodology is actually very different in terms of the constituents the tests are looking for, but the end result is that antigen tests are between 70% and 90% accurate depending on the competency of the tester, and certainly require a higher viral load, whereas PCRs achieve 99.9% accuracy. They are designed for very different purposes.
“There has been some concern about why we don’t ask people at that five-day period to get tested. That is something that is now under consideration,” Dr. Fauci said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “I think we’re going to be hearing more about that in the next day or so from the CDC.”
https://apple.news/ATfo2pqfbSEecd7SEBJuRow
The WS article though somewhat blends the terms quarantine and isolation, which the following CNN article clears up.
Quarantine refers to those who were exposed but not diagnosed with an infection, while isolation refers to those who test positive.
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/12/25/h...day/index.html
The dilemma with PCR tests though is that by the time you get your test resultat, you might have become infectious, so I can see some justification for the within one day US entry rule allowing an antigen test.
Jan 3, 2022, 12:50 pm
#30
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413