Free hone tests.

[excoriator]

Mrs E. and I both got packs of seven lateral flow tests in the post. We both tested negative and I threw my bits and pieces away. Mrs E. read the instructions, however, and found you have to report the result even if it is negative!

This was news to me as I thought it was only of interest if the test was positive, but I can't really see why they need to be told of a negative test at all. Mrs E. thought it wa because they wanted to know how many negative tests had taken place but surely that can be deduced by subtracting the number of positives from the number of test kits sent out.

But it may be that they want to know how crappy these tests are. They are very accurate if you are positive. They will almost certainly give a positive result, but it seems from initial data that false positives are embarrassingly common. Only about 10% of these positives have the infection confirmed by a PCR test.

[jonjel]

They may not be 100% Exco, no tests ever will be, but false positives are an awful lot better than false negatives. And I guess asking you which way you test is a pretty good way of getting a percentage of those who test positive, even if that is a bit pessimistic.

[skylark]

l am reporting my tests and it is a right pain: despite having created an account l had to do the whole thing in full for the last two tests and it was a pain
It may be that the results are needed for statistical purposes

sorry but l have lost most of my keyboard functions including all punctuation marks except the colon

coffee on keyboard

[excoriator]

Depending on the type of keyboard you have, skylark, it is possible to take them apart and wash them after a coffee spill. Have alook underneath for screws. It may be worth a try to save buying a new one. I've done it in the past more than once, on one occasion using the dishwasher on the non-electrical bits (Use only clean water on that).

I have to report the dishwasher experiment was initially highly effective. It came up like new. Unfortunately, the detergent affected the paint used on the letters and they all wore off soon after. It worked OK though, unlike my memory of what key was what!

The keyboard I have now is glued/welded and is more or less uncleanable. I got it because it's illuminated and the letters can't wear off the key caps. It is getting very dirty, and I am contemplating removing the batteries and giving it a good dunking. Provided you allow things to dry out slowly, pure water does little harm The only real problem is properly drying it. I suspect my keyboard will take weeks.

[skylark]

A new mouse and keyboard doesn’t cost much, but I will try to clean this one. Thanks.

[excoriator]

I'd buy a cheap new one - I've seen them for as low as a fiver - and use it whilst you wash and dry your old one.

If you remove any batteries, use just clean water and are prepared to wait for it to dry out in its own time, you are quite likely to get a good result. Don't be tempted to use heat. Getting fresh air through it is better. Try vacuuming the keys.

Good luck. You have nothing to lose by trying it.

Years ago at work, My computer suddenly started filling the screen with 'f's. Hundreds of them, scrolling all over the screen. I called IT and one of the tribe came around. "Hmmmm!" he said, sitting at my chair. Then he opened a small tool pack and extracted a pair of tweezers which he used to lift a tiny piece of cheddar cheese from the side of the 'f' key. I apologised saying I'd eaten a cheese and onion butty earlier. Nothing else was said in conversation but I got a hard look, and as he departed I heard him say "Bloody ....." I didn't catch quite what was bloody, but it was almost certainly not flattering.