Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing
Find out who is eligible for COVID-19 tests, how to access tests and what to do if your result is positive.
Testing for COVID-19
If you develop symptoms, you should follow guidance for people with symptoms of respiratory infections including COVID-19.
COVID-19 testing is only recommended for some specific groups to protect those at highest risk and to support clinical care.
Only those groups are eligible for free tests.
You should only get lateral flow tests if you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments.
If you are in a group who may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments and you have symptoms you should follow the guidance at:
How to get lateral flow tests
Free lateral flow tests are not available to order online.
Do not phone for a test. You will not be able to get one this way.
You may be able to get a free test from a pharmacy if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments.
You should not collect tests from a pharmacy if you have symptoms.
You should ask someone who does not have symptoms to collect the lateral flow tests on your behalf.
If you work in health and social care
If you work in health and social care, you may still be able to get free lateral flow tests from your employer if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments.
Reporting your lateral flow test results
If you are in a group who may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments, because you have one of the conditions that puts you at the very highest risk of illness should you catch COVID-19, you need to report the result if it is positive to be assessed for a COVID-19 treatment.
Further information on treatments is available at:
You should report your positive COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result at:
You need to report your positive result and include your postcode and a phone number, to be assessed for a COVID-19 treatment.
If you are not able to report your test result online
If you cannot use the online service to report a test result, contact your GP or GP Out of Hours who can contact your Trust on your behalf.
Void result
If the test result is void, this means that the test has not run correctly. If you are eligible, you should take another lateral flow test. Do not reuse anything from the first test.