Coronavirus (COVID-19) Rapid community testing

Lateral flow antigen tests are a new kind of technology that can be used to test people who are asymptomatic [without coronavirus symptoms], better enabling us to identify and isolate more people who may be spreading the virus. This will break the chains of transmission.

A Lateral Flow Test (LFT) detects the presence or absence of coronavirus from a swab or saliva sample. The sample is mixed with a buffer solution, which releases and breaks up virus fragments. Some of the solution is then dropped on to the lateral flow device. The sample runs along the surface of the devices’ absorbent strip, showing at the end a visual positive or negative result dependent on the presence of the virus.

Lateral flow tests detect active infections, with results in minutes. The evidence about their performance is still developing. A key point is the need for a better understanding of their potential to detect the virus at different points in an infection.

Lateral flow tests can be a useful tool to detect people at the most infectious point in an infection, which is an advantage when mass testing, over highly sensitive PCR tests that can give positive results even when people are less infectious.

Yes, lateral flow tests can detect active infections within people that are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19.

Tests are available for anyone aged 18 or older who does not have any symptoms of COVID-19.

The recommendation is for 2 tests a week. If doing the test in the workplace the guidance may be different and you will need to check with your employer.

There are trained staff to help guide you through the process and clear step by step pictures to help you with the process.

If you get a positive result, it is likely that you were infectious at the time the test was taken.

The antigen test cannot detect very low levels of coronavirus in a sample, so if you have only recently been infected, are in the incubation period, or if you have mostly recovered, the test may not give a positive result.

If you test positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days along with other members of your household. NHS Test and Trace will support you to identify close contacts. We will get in touch to give you more information about practical and financial support available to help you to self-isolate. There is lots of support for anyone who needs it.

If you are at work when you receive the result inform your employer, going to the self-isolating room within your workplace if one is allocated and make arrangements to go home. You can drive or have a family member pick you up to return home, who will need to self-isolate with you, but do not use public transport.

You must still take extra care and follow national guidance. Don’t invite anyone into your home who doesn’t live with you, work from home if you can, wash your hands often and well, keep your distance from people you don’t live with, wear a mask in shops or on public transport. You need to continue to take these measures even if you test negative as the test might not have picked up the virus or you could be incubating it.

Find out more about public advice.

PHE has taken the decision to reintroduce the requirement for routine confirmatory PCR test for all positive LFT results, irrespective of the situation under which the test is taken (under supervised conditions or self-reported at home).

Find out more about a confirmation test on the NHS website.

For LFTs undertaken under supervised conditions, a positive LFT result will trigger the legal duty to self-isolate and initiate contact tracing. If a negative confirmatory PCR is obtained within 2 days of the positive LFT test result, the individual will be released from self-isolation and tracing. If the confirmatory PCR test is taken too late, the individual who got a positive LFT, and their household) will need to self-isolate for the full 10 days.

For LFTs undertaken at home, the legal obligation will only commence once a positive PCR test is confirmed but anyone who has received a positive LFT result should still self-isolate (along with members of their household) as soon as they get the positive LFT.

If you will struggle financially or need help with everyday tasks, there is help available, or call the support hub 01733 747474. Phone lines are open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

A negative test does not mean that you do not have the virus, You should continue to follow the preventative measures currently recommended for stopping the spread of the virus.

To protect yourself and others, you must remember: Hands. Face. Space.

Hands – wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water often, and as soon as you get home - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

Face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Space – stay at least 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble.

Depending on the length of queues, you can expect to spend 15-30 minutes on-site. By having our booking system this will help manage time.

If you are going to work or the test is being done in the workplace, continue to work, following all COVID-19 safety in the workplace.

If you then receive notification of a positive test, inform your employer, go to the self-isolating room within your workplace if one is allocated and make arrangements to go home. You can drive home without passengers. Or you can have a family member pick you up and drive you home. They will need to self-isolate with you. Do not use taxis or public transport.

You will receive your test results by email and/or text message from NHS Test and Trace. A copy of your result will be sent to your GP. Positive results are sent to Public Health England.

No. The results are processed using a barcode which relates to the individual tested and the person processing the results does not have any access to personal details.

Free symptomatic testing continues to be available to everyone

Please book a test on the NHS website if you have symptoms of coronavirus – high temperature, continuous cough or loss of / change in taste or smell or by calling 119.

People that have tested positive by PCR for COVID-19 are exempt from routine re-testing by PCR or LFD tests within a period of 90 days from their initial illness onset or test (if asymptomatic) unless they develop new COVID-19 symptoms.

No, you cannot take a rapid test within 90 days of receiving a positive PCR test for COVID-19.

Any recyclables eg. cardboard, can be disposed of in household recycling bins however test cartridges, swabs etc need to be disposed of in general waste and go to landfill.

You will need to register your details online and give consent for NHS Test and Trace to process your data and contact you with your results. Find out how NHS Test and Trace will use your data on the GOV.UK website.