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COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests are no longer free for most people. You may still be able to get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from the NHS if you: have a health condition which means you're eligible for COVID-19 treatment. work in healthcare settings or in a hospice.
NHS PCR tests for COVID-19. Find out who can get free NHS tests, how to get tested, and what your test result means.
These instructions for use relate to DHSC COVID-19 Self-Test (Rapid Antigen Test) only. This guide explains how to test yourself or another person for COVID-19, and report the results to...
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- Types of Test
- Sample Collection Kits
- Self-Testing
- Limitations of Covid-19 Tests
- Covid-19 Testing Services
- How Covid-19 Testing Is Regulated
- Reporting Problems with Covid-19 Tests Using The Yellow Card Scheme
Virus test
These tests, sometimes called swab or antigen tests, check to see if you are currently infected with the virus. The swab sample is taken from your nose and throat. Alternatively, a saliva sample might be used. This sample is then tested to see if you have the virus.
Antibody tests
These tests check for antibodies to see if you have had an infection with the virus in the past. This test requires a blood sample. This sample is then tested to see if you have had the virus in the past. Antibody tests are currently only offered to NHS and care staff, as well as some hospital patients and care home residents. They can also be bought privately, but it’s important to be aware of their limitations. These tests are not used for diagnosis but rather to give us a better understand...
A sample collection kit is the name given to the different parts of a COVID-19 test that help obtain a sample. This kit must have a valid CE, CE UKNI or UKCA markto show that the manufacturer has met the minimum safety and performance requirements for the product. The sample you have to provide, and whether or not you can collect that sample yourse...
A self-test kit is one in which you take a sample, test it yourself, and then read and interpret the results yourself as well. This is different from self-sampling. In that case, you take a sample at home and then you send it to a laboratory for testing.
There isn’t a test that is 100% reliable, even those who meet regulatory standards for performance and safety. The results are also only valid for that specific sample at that point in time. If you are unsure what a test result means, or what you should or should not do when you received your test result, you should first contact the test provider ...
Virus tests are available from the NHS Test and Trace programme. Some UK employers, occupational health and other private healthcare providers also may offer tests. More information on private testing and private providers is also available if you click on the links. For private testing, click here. For private providers, click here. Antibody tests...
Sample collection kits and the COVID-19 tests are medical devices. For a medical device to be safe to use, it must have a valid CE, CE UKNI or UKCA mark. These marks are a declaration by the manufacturer that the test meets the required standards of safety and performance. These regulatory requirements aim to ensure that the products do not comprom...
If you have any problems with COVID-19 testing products, you should report them as soon as you can. This can help us to identify any potential issues with the kits. Details on what and how to report are outlined below.
Mar 3, 2021 · Patients who present to general practice settings with COVID-19 symptoms may be offered a swab test (provided to practices by NHS Test and Trace) which can be self-administered by the patient at the practice.
If you have tested positive for Covid-19, wait 28 days (or 12 weeks for under 18s) after testing positive, or after your symptoms started, before getting your Covid-19 vaccine. If unsure, please contact 119 or your local GP.
The test should take no longer than 5 minutes to undertake, with a 30-minute wait for results. Q21. Why is the testing method different from that described in the manufacturer’s original instructions for use?
