Somebody doing a lateral flow test.

You can find all guides and information on how to test here.

How you do the test depends on the test kit you’re using.

The throat and nose test kit has a blue and white pack.

Nose-only test kits have a:
  • blue, white and grey (MP Biomedicals)
  • green and white pack (Orient Gene)
  • blue and white pack (ACON Flowflex)
Check which pack you have as it may be different to one you’ve had before.

If you need a test kit, order rapid lateral flow tests.

There’s separate information on how to do a PCR home test. This is the type of test you usually do if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

What to do when you get your results
Report all results (positive, negative or void):
  • every time you use a rapid test kit
  • within 24 hours of getting the result
Reporting your results helps scientists track the spread of COVID-19 and spot new outbreaks faster, which helps protect communities.


If you cannot use the online service, call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines).

Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm. 119 provides support in 200 languages.

SignVideo is a free online British Sign Language interpreter service for 119.

Read more here.