urine pregnancy test strip

A COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test shows you the result on a device that comes with the test.

How to do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test

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

Rapid lateral flow tests require either a:

The test you have might be different to one you've done before so it's important to read the instructions carefully before you do the test.

Rapid lateral flow tests have expiry dates so you know when to use them by.

Do not use out-of-date tests. Use a test from a box which is still in date.

wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser
clear, clean and dry a flat surface then lay out all the items in the test kit
if your test does not come with a pre-filled tube, fill the tube with the liquid provided
place the tube in the tube holder
blow your nose
wash your hands again or use a hand sanitiser

If your test requires a throat swab:

open your mouth wide and rub the swab over both your tonsils (or where they would have been) at the back of your throat. Do this 4 times on each side
using the same swab, wipe the inside of your nose as set out in the test kit instructions

If your test requires a nose swab only:

use the swab to wipe the inside of your nose as set out in the test kit instructions

put the end of the swab into the tube so it's in the liquid and swirl the swab around as directed in the test kit instructions, then close the lid
squeeze the liquid from the tube onto the test strip
check the waiting time in the instructions that came with your test kit
wait for the time shown in your test kit instructions
read your result

Do not leave it longer than the waiting time specified in the test kit instructions as this may affect the result.