[POLL] Have you ordered your free Covid tests yet?

Ultegra134

hero member

Activity: 1582

Merit: 758

Quote from: OgNasty on January 21, 2022, 06:45:14 PM

Quote from: Ultegra134 on January 21, 2022, 11:27:24 AM

Worked perfectly fine for me and my girlfriend. We both conducted these kinds of tests and were accurate enough to show us we were positive, after developing symptoms of fever. I don't know what kind of tests you've been distributed, but they worked just fine in my case.

Yes, they worked as intended. You got a positive reading.

Isn't that what they're intended for? I was sick and tested positive after developing mild symptoms, their sole purpose is to detect if you've been infected or not. I'm yet to understand your view towards the Covid-19 pandemic, do you not believe it's a serious matter, or that it does not exist/just another flu?

Definitely, it's not as serious as the first variants used to be, 2 whole years have passed after all, it's logical.

TwitchySeal

legendary

Activity: 2590

Merit: 2047

Join the world-leading crypto sportsbook NOW!

Quote from: ?? on ??

Quote from: Ultegra134 on January 20, 2022, 04:22:25 PM

Antigen tests are prone to false negative tests

Makes sense to distribute these to everyone then, right?

They aren't distributing them to everyone. They're making them available to anyone that needs them. And really, there's no reason for anyone with health insurance to order one (unless they are just very hard to find in the area) from the government, since your insurance covers up to 8 covid tests per month.

OgNasty

donator

Activity: 4760

Merit: 4323

Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform

Quote from: Ultegra134 on January 21, 2022, 11:27:24 AM

Worked perfectly fine for me and my girlfriend. We both conducted these kinds of tests and were accurate enough to show us we were positive, after developing symptoms of fever. I don't know what kind of tests you've been distributed, but they worked just fine in my case.

Yes, they worked as intended. You got a positive reading.

Ultegra134

hero member

Activity: 1582

Merit: 758

Quote from: ?? on ??

Quote from: Ultegra134 on January 20, 2022, 04:22:25 PM

Antigen tests are prone to false negative tests

Makes sense to distribute these to everyone then, right?

My friend who works for a union in California had everyone at their job site be asked to take a rapid test. Nearly all of them came out positive. Some decided to retest (using an antigen test, same as the first as recommended) and tested negative. My buddy decided to work from home for a week instead along with most others. Nobody was showing symptoms of any kind. However, the one person who was triple vaxxed and wears a mask all the time did test positive and went to the hospital for confirmation where he was tested to be positive again. Again, no symptoms of any kind. Do with that information what you want... Two things are certain, these tests are not accurate and our government is wasting a ton of money fearmongering their population into socialized medicine by any means necessary.

Worked perfectly fine for me and my girlfriend. We both conducted these kinds of tests and were accurate enough to show us we were positive, after developing symptoms of fever. I don't know what kind of tests you've been distributed, but they worked just fine in my case.

o_e_l_e_o

legendary

Activity: 2268

Merit: 18588

Quote from: ?? on ??

fearmongering their population into socialized medicine by any means necessary.

Imagine wanting a healthcare system which delivers better outcomes with shorter waiting times and at a lower cost! How ridiculous!

Far better that we keep paying more of our taxes towards healthcare and have to take out private insurance and still pay out of pockets and still be at risk of bankruptcy and still get worse care, as long as we don't get *shudder* socialized medicine!

LTU_btc

legendary

Activity: 3080

Merit: 1338

Slava Ukraini!

Quote from: suchmoon on January 19, 2022, 08:49:55 PM

In the US the PCR test is ~$100 if you're paying out of pocket and in some places there are backlogs. Antigen test was like $5 even before the "free" thing.

I think PCR test costs about $80 in my country if you do it in private clinic. But offcourse you can get tested for free if you feel symptoms and sign up on hot line.

Quote from: OgNasty on January 20, 2022, 03:56:43 PM

As I understand, even if you test positive using one of these tests (if you are asymptomatic) there's a 97% chance that it is a false positive.

I heard that rapid antigen test isn't very accurate, but definitely not 97%. I got tested at work with antigen test and it was positive. Then I went to make PCR test and it was positive too, despite that my case was asymptomatic.
But in general I think that giving these free testest for everyone is waste of money and there is many ways to spent it better.

ibminer

legendary

Activity: 1789

Merit: 2535

Goonies never say die.

Quote from: OgNasty on January 20, 2022, 04:36:59 PM

(Funny thing is, the rapid tests say to go get an antigen test for confirmation if you have a positive. We'll have to wait for these tests to get out in the wild for real testing before we can show independent statistics on them, but it's nice the cheaper 15 minutes tests are being pushed as more accurate than the more expensive lab tests.)

^ Just so everyone is aware, an antigen test is a rapid test.

The rapid test says to confirm with a PCR test, obviously because the PCR is more accurate, so it's not that funny... and I've never seen anyone say the antigen/rapid tests are more accurate than PCR, misreading an article, I presume. *shrug*

OgNasty

donator

Activity: 4760

Merit: 4323

Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform

Quote

Remember that positive predictive value (PPV) varies with disease prevalence when interpreting results from diagnostic tests. PPV is the percent of positive test results that are true positives. As disease prevalence decreases, the percent of test results that are false positives increase.
...
At 0.1% prevalence, the PPV would only be 4%, meaning that 96 out of 100 positive results would be false positives.

Source: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/potential-false-positive-results-antigen-tests-rapid-detection-sars-cov-2-letter-clinical-laboratory

I'm not one to think the FDA has our best interests in mind, but I'd trust them before some lab that requires masks to enter and sells the testing supplies and services...

It's clear the tests are WAY TOO SENSITIVE to be accurate, by a factor of 100 by some estimates.

What we're seeing is a last ditch effort to pump up the positives to justify the insane spending being done by our politicians. Nothing more.

Ultegra134

hero member

Activity: 1582

Merit: 758

Quote from: OgNasty on January 20, 2022, 03:56:43 PM

Quote from: LTU_btc on January 19, 2022, 07:27:01 PM

As I understand, it's rapid antigen tests. Even if you test positive with it, you still will have to make PCR test that your disease would be confirmed offcially. I think antigen tests isn't accepted for traveling, school or work and it's not very accurate.

As I understand, even if you test positive using one of these tests (if you are asymptomatic) there's a 97% chance that it is a false positive.

This to me isn't about health and safety. It's just more propaganda. As soon as these tests start hitting doorsteps every social media influencer in the country is going to be taking them day after day hoping for a false positive so they can make a twitter post for sympathy. It's actually not a bad plan if your goal is fearmongering. I'm not sure it will have the desired effect though, as it will show how many people test positive with no symptoms and begin desensitizing us to this flu.

Buckle up, the social media campaign is starting... So thankful to be in a position to not give a fuck...

Most likely the opposite. Antigen tests are prone to false negative tests, due to incorrect sample. Yes, PCR tests are more accurate, because the said operation is similar to a blood test result, it's conducted by a laboratory. If you get a positive results, then it is very likely that you're infected with Covid-19.

Source example: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/home-covid-tests

OgNasty

donator

Activity: 4760

Merit: 4323

Leading Crypto Sports Betting & Casino Platform

Quote from: LTU_btc on January 19, 2022, 07:27:01 PM

As I understand, it's rapid antigen tests. Even if you test positive with it, you still will have to make PCR test that your disease would be confirmed offcially. I think antigen tests isn't accepted for traveling, school or work and it's not very accurate.

As I understand, even if you test positive using one of these tests (if you are asymptomatic) there's a 97% chance that it is a false positive.

This to me isn't about health and safety. It's just more propaganda. As soon as these tests start hitting doorsteps every social media influencer in the country is going to be taking them day after day hoping for a false positive so they can make a twitter post for sympathy. It's actually not a bad plan if your goal is fearmongering. I'm not sure it will have the desired effect though, as it will show how many people test positive with no symptoms and begin desensitizing us to this flu.

Buckle up, the social media campaign is starting... So thankful to be in a position to not give a fuck...

ibminer

legendary

Activity: 1789

Merit: 2535

Goonies never say die.

Quote from: suchmoon on January 20, 2022, 01:59:25 PM

Quote from: Cnut237 on January 20, 2022, 11:54:15 AM

We've had free* rapid antigen tests here in the UK for nearly a year now. Not sure what the process is in the US, but we don't have to send the actual test back anywhere, we just notify the NHS of the result, whether positive or negative. So no DNA-gathering.

Who do you think you are, going around telling people facts... stop immediately.

Come on now, how do we know they aren't just putting COVID on the swab itself, ya know, to push towards the eventual PCR requirement after you test positive, which is when they take your sample for GoF research! .. you'll probably be negative the first time though. Tongue

Anyone tested those swabs yet?? OK, I'm kinda kidding... but now I need a free test for the swabs. Cheesy

Seriously though, I'm taking the free tests... my employer forces us to take them at home, for any symptom, to be eligible to come back to work.. and they aren't paying us for them, although they do seem to cover the PCR after you test positive Lips sealed

... so, I'm taking the free tests. Some of us [peasants] still have a job to go to! Grin

Ultegra134

hero member

Activity: 1582

Merit: 758

Quote from: Cnut237 on January 20, 2022, 11:54:15 AM

Quote from: tvbcof on January 20, 2022, 01:00:51 AM

I'd send the tests back with a sample of something known by WHO tests to be positive for the covaids (papaya fruit juice for instance) and a name of special friends who might benefit from a little knock no the door by the ever-so-highly trained contact tracer minions. Maybe the names of some of the local 'helth' office bureaucrats.

They are probably trying to collect more DNA with these things, so some saliva from a pet lizard would also be a lot of fun.

We've had free* rapid antigen tests here in the UK for nearly a year now. Not sure what the process is in the US, but we don't have to send the actual test back anywhere, we just notify the NHS of the result, whether positive or negative. So no DNA-gathering.

* let's not get into this debate

We used to have free tests too, before vaccines were rolled out for all age groups, their conduction was mandatory in order to attend your workplace. After getting vaccinated, tests were no longer needed but I still collected them occasionally.

Unfortunately, our government has stopped distributing free self tests, however, free testing is being provided at specific hotspots.

Despite the other replies, I find their distribution useful, especially when I had symptoms and wanted to get tested without going outside.

Gyfts

legendary

Activity: 2772

Merit: 1514

Quote from: suchmoon on January 20, 2022, 01:59:25 PM

Even before the pandemic sane people used precautions - e.g. if you get the flu you don't go visiting small babies or elderly people, and don't go to work. Seems to be a bad thing now in the conspiratardiverse?

Omicron is not like the flu, it is like a normal cold for the vast majority of people with an extremely low death rate relative to any previous strains. No good comes out of testing anyone that is asymptomatic. And before you might mention that it's so they can isolate themselves from the vulnerable, the vulnerable can get vaccinated and use respirator masks if they choose. Having the young and healthy test themselves when they are asymptomatic, and at no risk, prolongs the pandemic when it need not go on any longer. Now, a COVID test would only be useful to someone that is symptomatic, because the symptomatic transmit the disease at a high rate and it would be best to isolate them. Universal free COVID tests means people that do not need to be tested will get tested, and surely enough a portion will come back positive. Then, government officials will pretend to act surprised when the COVID case load increases.

suchmoon

legendary

Activity: 3654

Merit: 8909

https://bpip.org

Quote from: Cnut237 on January 20, 2022, 11:54:15 AM

We've had free* rapid antigen tests here in the UK for nearly a year now. Not sure what the process is in the US, but we don't have to send the actual test back anywhere, we just notify the NHS of the result, whether positive or negative. So no DNA-gathering.

Who do you think you are, going around telling people facts... stop immediately.

Quote from: Gyfts on January 20, 2022, 01:37:13 PM

useless COVID tests that aren't needed

I can sort of understand whinging about masks and vaccines (because mandates etc) but what exactly is your problem with voluntary testing at home?

Even before the pandemic sane people used precautions - e.g. if you get the flu you don't go visiting small babies or elderly people, and don't go to work. Seems to be a bad thing now in the conspiratardiverse?

Gyfts

legendary

Activity: 2772

Merit: 1514

Quote from: cmg777 on January 18, 2022, 07:51:11 PM

Also there are many people getting their bilk of the fed stamps on these tests:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/wedding-photographer-failed-donut-shop-235623361.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

Looks like the guy that got a lot of "COVD money" was just a con man hopping from failed business to failed business until he found a way to make millions off COVID tests. It's just ripping off the government because they want to spend money frivolously, but realistically the tax payer is the person that always gets the short end of the stick. Whether his business gets shut down or not, some other testing facility will siphon away millions from tax payers over useless COVID tests that aren't needed. It's only a question about how much money people are willing to throw away over a pandemic that will never go away. At some point there has to be some self awareness.

Cnut237

legendary

Activity: 1904

Merit: 1277

Quote from: tvbcof on January 20, 2022, 01:00:51 AM

I'd send the tests back with a sample of something known by WHO tests to be positive for the covaids (papaya fruit juice for instance) and a name of special friends who might benefit from a little knock no the door by the ever-so-highly trained contact tracer minions. Maybe the names of some of the local 'helth' office bureaucrats.

They are probably trying to collect more DNA with these things, so some saliva from a pet lizard would also be a lot of fun.

We've had free* rapid antigen tests here in the UK for nearly a year now. Not sure what the process is in the US, but we don't have to send the actual test back anywhere, we just notify the NHS of the result, whether positive or negative. So no DNA-gathering.

* let's not get into this debate

tvbcof

legendary

Activity: 4592

Merit: 1276

Quote from: OgNasty on January 18, 2022, 04:55:27 PM

With the US Government handing out free covid tests like...they hand out free money, who here is going to be getting themselves some of these FREE, yes I'm told they're free, tests? I know I love it when the government hands out free stuff that got created out of thin air without our tax dollars. It's almost too good to be true.

I digress... I ordered mine. I figure if my taxes are paying for them I might as well get mine. I'm planning on framing one and hanging it on my wall as a reminder of the foolishness we are partaking in. Maybe someday these will be collector's items. Now we sit back and watch all the people freak out over false positives. The propaganda is about to hit new highs.

https://www.covidtests.gov/

Come one, come all. Help waste tax dollars and spur government spending. It's the American way!

I'd send the tests back with a sample of something known by WHO tests to be positive for the covaids (papaya fruit juice for instance) and a name of special friends who might benefit from a little knock no the door by the ever-so-highly trained contact tracer minions. Maybe the names of some of the local 'helth' office bureaucrats.

They are probably trying to collect more DNA with these things, so some saliva from a pet lizard would also be a lot of fun.

yhiaali3

legendary

Activity: 1736

Merit: 1890

#SWGT available on MEXC, Bitget, Lbank, Bitmart

I have not taken the vaccine yet, but it seems that I am forced to take it later because the government here in my country started imposing the vaccine on people in indirect ways, you have to obtain the vaccine card to enter the state institutions or to perform any government procedures you need, so most people will be forced They should get the vaccine after a while because they definitely need these ridiculous government things.
I have not been satisfied with the vaccine yet and I am a bit concerned about its side effects, I have some people around me who have taken the vaccine but the real results have not yet appeared.

suchmoon

legendary

Activity: 3654

Merit: 8909

https://bpip.org

Quote from: LTU_btc on January 19, 2022, 07:27:01 PM

I'm not from USA, so, I'm not eligible to get it. In my country only children who go to school get free tests every week which can be done at home.
If I would get chance to get such free tests, I wouldn't order it. If I feel well, why I would need to make test. If I would feel symptoms, I probably simply would sign up to make PCR test.

In the US the PCR test is ~$100 if you're paying out of pocket and in some places there are backlogs. Antigen test was like $5 even before the "free" thing.

LTU_btc

legendary

Activity: 3080

Merit: 1338

Slava Ukraini!

I'm not from USA, so, I'm not eligible to get it. In my country only children who go to school get free tests every week which can be done at home.
If I would get chance to get such free tests, I wouldn't order it. If I feel well, why I would need to make test. If I would feel symptoms, I probably simply would sign up to make PCR test.

Quote from: suchmoon on January 18, 2022, 11:16:39 PM

I don't think home test results are accepted for foreign travel or school/employment purposes where required, etc - for obvious reasons. Home tests are for your own use, e.g. if you had a contact with a person sick with COVID and want to test yourself before visiting your elderly relatives or going to work.

As I understand, it's rapid antigen tests. Even if you test positive with it, you still will have to make PCR test that your disease would be confirmed offcially. I think antigen tests isn't accepted for traveling, school or work and it's not very accurate.

Topic: [POLL] Have you ordered your free Covid tests yet? (Read 244 times)