Original document : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-self-test-help

Change description : 2021-01-29 13:49:00: Added link to the self-test instructions for use and translated versions of it. [Coronavirus (COVID-19)]

Showing diff : ..2021-02-01 21:03:12 +00:00

Guidance

COVID-19 self-test help

Find out how to test yourself for coronavirus (COVID-19) if you are asked to, and learn what help is available.

Published 23 December 2020
Last updated 29 January 2021 — see all updates

From:: Department of Health and Social Care

Some people are being asked to self-test for COVID-19 to help them stay safe and stop the spread of the virus. This is a new service and you will be contacted if you are being offered a rapid self-test kit.

Self-test instructions

You must follow the instructions in your self-test booklet. The instructions for COVID-19 self-testing are available online in English and the following languages:

You can also watch a video demonstration of how to take the test.

Report your result

You will be told how to report your result when you are given your test kit.

Reporting your result helps the NHS monitor the spread of the virus, reduces transmission, supports communities and helps to save lives.

If you have COVID-19

Find out what to do if you test positive including government guidance for self-isolation.

If you have a medical emergency or you think there is something seriously wrong, call 999. Do not delay getting help if you are worried. Trust your instincts.

Published 23 December 2020
Last updated 29 January 2021 + show all updates

29 January 2021
Added link to the self-test instructions for use and translated versions of it.
23 December 2020
First published.

Contents

Update history

2024-04-30 14:00
Updated to remove information about ACON flowflex, Orient Gene and SureScreen tests, as all test kits issued will have expired by now. We have also removed their concomitant test instruction translations.

2024-03-28 09:30
Removed the reference to the 119 service.

2024-03-14 10:47
Added video on how to do a nose-only test: Getein Biotech.

2024-01-24 08:30
Updated 119 contact hours.

2023-12-19 16:16
Added information on Getein Biotech rapid nose-only tests.

2022-10-03 11:21
Updated Innova and Surescreen videos to include British Sign Language (BSL).

2022-05-30 00:15
Updated 119 phone line opening hours.

2022-04-29 12:03
Added information about checking expiry dates on rapid lateral flow tests.

2022-04-11 15:53
Added links to Ukrainian versions of ‘Throat and nose test: COVID-19 rapid test kit instructions’ and ‘Nose-only test (SureScreen): COVID-19 rapid test kit instructions’.

2022-04-01 11:25
Updated information to reflect changes in testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England.

2022-02-24 09:30
Updated ‘Blue and white pack: throat and nose test’ video to reflect changes to self-isolation guidance.

2022-02-10 09:00
Updated wording to reflect that rapid lateral flow tests are usually for people without symptoms of COVID-19.

2022-01-27 09:56

2022-01-19 17:15

2022-01-05 17:35
Updated video links to reflect changes to confirmatory PCR rules.

2021-12-24 09:30
Added guidance on how to do a SureScreen rapid nose-only test and information on how to give test kit feedback or report harm.

2021-12-06 16:24
Updated wording to clarify that this guidance is for how to do a rapid test at home or at a test site.

2021-11-17 13:21
Removed information about MP Biomedicals rapid nose-only test.

2021-11-09 17:10
Added links to translated guides.

2021-10-28 11:12
Added Throat and nose test (Innova 25) for care home staff: COVID-19 rapid test kit instructions.

2021-10-22 16:02
Added information about ordering a rapid lateral flow test and how to do an MP Biomedicals rapid nose-only test. Added Dari and Pashto translated guides.

2021-01-29 13:49
Added link to the self-test instructions for use and translated versions of it.