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Stonehedge
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The key thing is suspected vs. confirmed omicron.
When the initial PCR test goes to the lab it will be tested for an S-gene dropout. If there is an S-gene dropout, it's probably omicron, but as Chris Witty explained on the TV the other day not all S-gene dropouts are omicron - the test has to be sequenced to know for sure.
Therefore if your PCR test picks up an S-gene dropout, you'll be told that you are a suspected test. If your test is then sequenced (I think all suspected cases will be, at least for the moment, although not sure how sustainable this is given sequencing capacity) and if omicron is found you'll be a confirmed case.
The gov. guidance says:
So suspected cases are treated like confirmed ones until confirmed otherwise.
Sorry to hear you've got it anyway. Not that surprised that your LFTs missed it - it took a week for me to test positive with a LFT and like you I'd been merrily going about my business presuming I was alright.
However, if you're anything like me, prepare for positive LFTs for a LONG time. I'm still producing positive LFTs and I first tested positive with one on 24 September!