What type of COVID-19 test do I need?
There are two types of test.
- PCR Lab Tests (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Lateral Flow (Results in 30 minutes)
Lateral Flow Testing (Rapid testing)
Lateral flow tests are used by people who don’t have symptoms (asymptomatic). These tests are trying to find people who may have no symptoms but are infectious.
This type of test is very good at identifying people who have the virus and are infectious on the day.
You should do rapid tests on days when you’re more likely to catch or spread COVID-19. For example, do a test:
- Before and after you mix with people in crowded indoor places
- Before you visit someone who is at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
PCR (Swab tests which go to the lab)
The PCR tests are better at finding very small amounts of the virus, especially early in infection.
They are used in people who have symptoms of COVID-19
PCR tests will need to be sent off to a lab in order to get your results. You receive your results in 2 to 5 working days.
You can book or order your test online or phone 119.
