Types of Covid-19 tests
PCR Covid tests (where you attend a test site or have to send it in the post) are free for those with symptoms, advised by test and trace or a healthcare professional.
Lateral flow tests (home tests with results in 30 minutes) are available to anyone who wishes to test twice weekly to ensure they are not an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19. They should not be used by people with symptoms as they are less effective at detecting the virus.
Antibody tests – These are done to check if you have had COVID-19 by looking for antibodies to the virus in your blood. These are usually done by you GP or hospital doctor using a blood test, or by applying for one via the government website (see below) and doing a finger prick blood test. You may have one of these if you think you have had COVID but had a negative test or not had any symptoms. You can apply for an antibody test for free.
Having the vaccine doesn’t affect the result of this test so you can still get one even if vaccinated. This is because you produce a different type of antibody to the vaccine than the virus itself. See below for how to get one.
These tests are only available to people working in certain sectors such as health and social care however the availability and eligibility change frequently so it’s worth checking. See the link below.
How to arrange your test
If you have symptoms you MUST isolate your self and your household at least until you have the results of your PCR test.
To order a PCR test if you have symptoms – please use the following link – Book your Covid-19 PCR test now and self isolate.
To order lateral flow tests you can visit you local testing site or participating pharmacy, ask your employer or school or order them from the government website – Request your lateral flow tests now – only for people with no symptoms.
To order an antibody test to see if you have had COVID in the past (up to last 6 months at least in most cases) you should register here.