Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing
Different testing services are available in Northern Ireland to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you have symptoms of coronavirus, or have been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you should get tested immediately. Find out how to get a test.
Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
OR
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
OR
- a loss of or change in sense of smell or taste
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, you should book a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test immediately and isolate until the results are known.
If your test is positive you will have to isolate for a total of 10 days.
How to get a PCR test in Northern Ireland
There are a number of ways you can arrange to get a PCR test in Northern Ireland.
Everyone in Northern Ireland with symptoms of COVID-19, or who is identified as a close contact of a positive case of COVID-19, is eligible for a free test.
The test procedure is a ‘self-test’ process. If a child needs tested, a parent/ guardian will need to arrive at the site prepared to swab the child.
If you have symptoms, or are a contact of someone who has tested positive, you can be tested at one of the drive or walk through test centres, or at a mobile testing unit.
If you are unable to attend a test site you can order a postal self-test kit online.
On day eight of having symptoms, you need to go to a test site, it’s too late to order a home test kit.
If you need help booking a test, or have any questions, telephone the free phone number 119.
Help with understanding the test process
For help on how to take a test, see:
Instructions for the test kit with translations are available at:
A video on how to use a Coronavirus (COVID-19) test kit on a child is available at:
Getting your PCR test results
PCR tests have to be processed in a laboratory. You should get your test results within 48 hours of taking the test by email or text to your mobile phone.
Results through the home delivery service may take up to 72 hours.
Further information on regular testing in HSC settings is available at:
Rapid lateral flow testing if you have no symptoms
Anyone in Northern Ireland can access free rapid COVID-19 tests to keep friends, family and colleagues safe.
Rapid tests, also known as lateral flow device (LFD) tests, provide a result within 30 minutes at home.
Remember:
- if you have COVID symptoms, self-isolate and book a PCR test instead
- it’s important to report every result, positive, negative or void
- take a test before meetings friends and family, or attending an event or social gathering - you can also test twice a week for peace of mind
Who should take rapid COVID tests
Anyone who does not have symptoms can use rapid tests. Regular rapid testing is strongly recommended for anyone over the age of 12, if you:
- have a large number of close contacts
- spend time in a crowd or a busy public place
- socialise in a group
- will have contact with someone who is clinically vulnerable
- can’t get the vaccine due to your age or a health condition
Find out more at this link:
How you can get rapid tests
If you’re over the age of 18 and need rapid COVID-19 tests you can:
- order rapid COVID tests online for free delivery to your home
- find where to collect free rapid COVID tests
Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in your test kit to complete the test. Video demonstrations and guides are also available at this link:
How to report a rapid test result
It’s important to report every result, positive, negative or void. You need to report your result within 24 hours of getting it.
Reporting your result, even if it's negative or void, helps scientists track the spread of COVID-19 and spot new outbreaks faster.
If you cannot use the online service, phone 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day, 7.00 am to 11.00pm and 119 provides support in 200 languages.
InterpreterNow is a free online British Sign Language interpreter service for 119.
If you have been given a unique organisation number (UON) when accessing rapid tests, you should enter it when reporting your result. Using the UON helps to identify the number of cases related to a workplace or event.
Your test result
If your rapid test result is positive you need to self-isolate and book a PCR test.
If it’s negative, it is likely you were not infectious at the time the test was taken. A negative test result, however, is not a guarantee that you do not have COVID-19. You should continue to follow the latest regulations and guidance.
If the test result is void, this means that the test has not run correctly. You need to take another rapid test. Do not reuse anything from the first test.
Testing for schools, colleges and universities
You can find out about rapid testing in schools at this link:
Ask your university if it provides access to rapid tests.
Workforce testing
Businesses in Northern Ireland can access free rapid tests for their employees. Find out more at this link:
Testing for volunteers
Volunteers are encouraged to use Rapid COVID-19 Tests to help protect others.
Testing for events
It is strongly recommended that anyone taking part in, or attending, an event should take a Rapid COVID Test before attending the event, and on days two and eight after the event.
Domestic COVID vaccination certificates were introduced on 29 November 2021 and will be enforceable from 13 December 2021. This means that some hospitality venues will ask for evidence of your vaccination status.
Find out more about the domestic certificate at this link:
Anyone over the age of 18 who requires rapid COVID-19 tests can:
- order rapid COVID tests online for free delivery to your home
- find where to collect free rapid COVID tests
Rapid COVID-19 tests should only be used by those who have no symptoms. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and book a PCR test immediately.
Event organiser's responsibilities
Although testing is not mandatory, event organisers are strongly advised to recommend that anyone attending an event should take a rapid test no more than 24 hours in advance, and on days two and eight following the event.
Event organisers should also advise attendees to report their test result. The NHS email or text message confirming their COVID-19 status may be used as proof of a negative test if required as a condition of entry.
Event organisers should submit an expression of interest to take part in the workforce testing programme to provide access to free tests for employees, contractors and volunteers working for them.
They can also provide tests to those attending the events.
Travel testing
You can find the latest guidance on travel, including any requirements for testing, at this link:
Self-isolating
You may be advised to self-isolate while waiting to be tested or for your test results, or is you test positive. Further information is available at: