Where can I get a lateral flow test? How to order free rapid Covid tests online and report results to NHS
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Covid-19 cases are reaching record high levels across the UK, with people urged to continue to get tested on a regular basis to control the spread.
Free lateral flow tests are available to order across the country, even if you do not have any Covid-19 symptoms, to help keep track of infections.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWe want to hear from you: let us know what you think about this story and be part of the debate in our comments section below
But how do lateral flow tests work? Here’s what you need to know and how to order one.
What are lateral flow tests?
Lateral flow testing is a rapid way of testing people who do not have any symptoms of Covid-19, but could still unknowingly be spreading the virus.
Around one in three people with coronavirus do not display any symptoms, so rolling out this method of testing will help to identify positive cases earlier and break hidden chains of transmission.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe tests provide quick results in around 30 minutes and can be used in a wide range of settings, making them ideal for widespread rollout across the country.
Where can I get a test?
Lateral flow tests were initially only offered to people considered most at-risk from Covid-19, along with those who are unable to work from home, including frontline NHS workers.
However, everyone in England can now request a free test via a home ordering service, workplace, or school testing programme, or by collecting one at a local test site.
A “pharmacy collect” service has also been launched to provide additional access to regular testing.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThose aged 18 and over without coronavirus symptoms can use the service by visiting a participating local pharmacy and collect a box of seven rapid tests to use twice a week at home.
To find a rapid lateral flow test site in your area, or a local pharmacy to collect a test to do at home, or order a test to be taken at home, simply visit the government website.
Scotlandis running a similar scheme with free lateral flow tests available to order online from the government website, and the tests are also available free of charge to everyone in Wales.
You can get a lateral flow test from a pharmacy or a local collection point, or by ordering online for home delivery.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTests are also available for anyone over the age of 18 to order in Northern Ireland. This can be done online for free delivery to your home, by you can collect from your local pharmacy or collection point.
How does the test work?
Lateral flow is an established technology which is adapted to detect proteins (antigens) that are present when a person has Covid-19.
The best known example of a lateral flow test is the home pregnancy test kit.
The test is a hand-held device which has an absorbent pad at one end and a reading window at the other, with a strip of test paper inside that changes colour in the presence of Covid-19 proteins.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIf the test shows one line next to the letter ‘C’, this means that the test is negative.
If the test displays two lines, one next to the letter ‘C’ and the letter ‘T’, this is a positive result, even if the lines are faint.
A void test will show no lines, or one line next to the letter ‘T’. In this case, you will need to retake the test with a fresh kit.
If you get a positive result, you must self-isolate immediately to prevent any further transmission.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdA negative result means that an active coronavirus infection was not detected at the time the test was taken, although this does not necessarily guarantee you do not have Covid-19.
People who receive a negative test should continue to follow lockdown rules, including social distancing, regular hand washing, and wearing face coverings where required.
How to take the test
Taking a lateral flow test involves taking a sample from the back of the throat near the tonsils and from the nose, using a swab.
This swab is then dipped into an extraction solution and dripped on to the device’s paper pad which produces a reaction to provide a result.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThis result will be visible on the device in 30 minutes after the sample is applied. Unlike a PCR test, the swab does not need to be sent to a lab to get the results.
How to report the results
Results of a lateral flow test will be shown on the handheld device that comes with the test.
You should report the result every time you use a test kit and as soon as possible after you get the result. Results cannot be reported after more than 24 hours and must only be submitted one result at a time.
You can report your results online via the government website, and will need the barcode on the test strip or the ID number printed under it to do so. You will also need to submit a mobile phone number to receive a text confirming your result has been reported successfully.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlternatively, you can report your results by phone by calling the number in your test kit’s instructions.
A message from the editor:
Thank you for reading. NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going. You can also sign up to our newsletters and get a curated selection of our best reads to your inbox every day.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.