Change description : 2022-02-10 09:00:00: Updated wording to reflect that rapid lateral flow tests are usually for people without symptoms of COVID-19. [Coronavirus (COVID-19)]
How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are onlyusually for people whowithout donothavesymptoms of COVID-19.
There’s separate information on how to do a PCR home test. This is the type of test you usually do if you have COVID-19 symptoms and is sent to a lab to be checked.
Videos: how to do a rapid test
There are separate videos for the throat and nose test, and nose-only tests.
Blue and white pack (ACON Flowflex): nose-only test
You can call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines) if you need extra support.
Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm. 119 provides support in 200 languages.
SignVideo is a free online British Sign Language interpreter service for 119.
You can use the free Be My Eyes app to get help from trained NHS Test and Trace staff. Download the app, go to ‘Specialized Help’ and select ‘NHS Test & Trace’ in the ‘Personal Health’ category.
If you have severe sight loss, you might find it easier to get help to do the test from a friend or family member, or by visiting a test site.
Give feedback about your test kit or report harm
If any part of your test kit is damaged or missing, do not use that test kit. You can still use the other tests in the pack.
If you’ve been harmed or had a reaction using the test kit, report it as soon as possible.
Published 23 December 2020
Last updated 2710 JanuaryFebruary 2022
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27 January 2022
Added Be My Eyes app information: live video call with NHS Test and Trace staff to help people to take a COVID-19 test and report the result.
19 January 2022
Updated information about the video for SureScreen tests.
5 January 2022
Updated video links to reflect changes to confirmatory PCR rules.
24 December 2021
Added guidance on how to do a SureScreen rapid nose-only test and information on how to give test kit feedback or report harm.
6 December 2021
Updated wording to clarify that this guidance is for how to do a rapid test at home or at a test site.
17 November 2021
Removed information about MP Biomedicals rapid nose-only test.
9 November 2021
Added links to translated guides.
28 October 2021
Added Throat and nose test (Innova 25) for care home staff: COVID-19 rapid test kit instructions.
22 October 2021
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.
10 August 2021
Added information about the InterpreterNow service and that 119 provides support in 200 languages.
2 August 2021
Added information about how to do an ACON Flowflex rapid nose-only test. Updated information about the different types of rapid tests, checking which test you have and reporting your result.
8 July 2021
Updated to add information about checking with test you have, the different types of test and how to do a nose-only rapid lateral flow test, including videos and instructions.
9 June 2021
Changed page title, summary and body content to make it clear that the instructions are for a rapid later flow tests. Updated information on what to do when you get your result and reporting your results
29 January 2021
Added link to the self-test instructions for use and translated versions of it.