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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/testing-for-coronavirus-at-home/covid-19-home-test-step-by-step-guide-adults-and-children
This is a swab test to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) now.
Some test kits have already been registered. A registered kit must only be used by the person it is addressed to. If someone else uses a test registered to you, you will get their results.
If your test kit is not already registered, it is very important that you register it online, so that you get your results.
How you will know if your test kit is already registered
If your test kit has already been registered:
- it will have a label on the purple outer bag next to the address label that says: ‘Registered Kit’
- your order confirmation email will say ‘You no longer need to register your kit, it has already been registered to you.’
- the instruction leaflet inside the test kit will tell you on the front page that the test kit is registered
This means that you do not have to register it online yourself.
If your test kit has not been registered:
- your order confirmation email will say: ‘Register your kit online, using your order ID, at https://gov.uk/register-home-test’
- the instruction leaflet will include the step: ‘Register the test kit online’
Before you start
Read these instructions before you open the test kit.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds before you handle the test kit.
If more than one person in your home is taking a COVID-19 test:
- if your test kits are already registered, make sure each person takes the test kit individually assigned to them
- If your test kit is not already registered make sure you register each person’s kit online
Checklist: what you need to do
Read through the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order. The preparation and test will take about 30 minutes.
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Check collection times at a priority postbox
(Video) How to use the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test -
Register the test kit online if not already registered
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Doing the test on yourself or someone else
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Set up your test
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Check test kit contents
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Take your swab sample
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Package the test kit
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Post the completed test kit
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Help and contact details
Who can take the test?
The test is suitable for the following people:
- adults aged 16 and over – self-test (unless unable to do so)
- teenagers aged 12 to 15 – self-test with adult supervision
- children 11 and under – adult to test (see instructions on how to test a child)
Advice about taking the test
It is very important that you read the instructions and follow the steps in the right order.
Failure to follow the instructions may affect the performance of the test and invalidate the results.
General guidance and warnings
This includes:
- do not use if package arrives damaged or missing components
- this device is for single use only
- keep out of the reach of children
- these kits are only designed for human use
- do not use excessive force, pressure or bending when collecting swab samples, as this may result in accidental breakage of the swab
- clean spills from the plastic tube using household cleaner or disinfectant wipes
- get medical advice if the solution is accidentally swallowed or comes into contact with the skin, mouth or eyes
- if you have a nose piercing swab the other nostril. If pierced on both sides, remove the piercing on one side before swabbing
- if you have had a nosebleed within the last 24 hours, swab the other nostril or wait 24 hours
- if there is a reason you cannot take a throat swab, swab both nostrils instead
- if you have problems with your hands or vision, you may need someone to assist you with the swabbing and testing process
1. Check collection times at a priority postbox
Before you take your sample, check the collection times at your nearest Royal Mail priority postbox.
You need to post your completed test kit on the same day you take the test and no later than 1 hour before the last collection.
Find a priority postbox
Download and use the Royal Mail app or find a priority postbox near you:
- Click ‘Show my nearest priority postboxes’.
- Enter the postcode of where you are staying and select the address.
- View priority postboxes near you.
If you cannot get to a priority postbox
Call the contact centre on 119 for guidance on when to take your test and how to book a courier collection if you are:
- unable to get to a priority postbox without using public transport
- symptomatic and unable to go to a priority postbox without contact with other people
- shielding, classed as vulnerable or too unwell to leave your home
- a resident of the NHS Highland area and do not have access to a priority postbox
2. Register the test kit online if not already registered
If your test kit is not already registered you need to register it before you take your test, or you will not get your result.
If your test kit has not been registered:
- your order confirmation email will say: ‘Register your kit online, using your order ID, at https://gov.uk/register-home-test’
- the instruction leaflet will include the step: ‘Register the test kit online’
If you are not sure if your test kit is registered, try to register it. If your test kit is already registered, you will see the message ‘Test kit barcode already added’.
If you are testing more than one person in your household, you need to register each person’s kit.
Register your test kit online
You’ll need your:
- 10-digit order ID from your Home test order confirmation email
- 13-character Royal Mail barcode from the prepaid return label. Enter numbers and letters only and not the # hashtag symbol
- 11-character test kit barcode. This is on the front page of the instruction booklet, plastic tube, leakproof bag and return box.
3. Doing a test on yourself or someone else
Follow the guidelines on how to prepare and test yourself, a child or a person who requires assistance.
Watch a video about how to do a PCR home test.
Children under 12 should be tested by an adult.
If you are testing a child, show them the test kit and talk to them about what you are going to do.
Try to explain the test to the child in words they can understand:
- if possible, sit them on someone’s lap or have someone hold their hand
- ask the child to blow their nose into a tissue – place the tissue in a bin
- taking the test may feel a little uncomfortable and unusual – remain calm and confident as you go through the process
Watch a video about how to test a child.
Do not do this test if you do not feel confident or if the child has any pain or asks to stop.
If you cannot do the test, everyone in the household needs to follow the current government self-isolation guidance.
4. Set up your test
Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and water or hand sanitiser before handling the test kit to avoid contaminating it.
You will need: tissues, surface cleaner, hand sanitiser or soap and access to warm water.
- Read this instruction guide carefully.
- Clear, clean and dry a surface and place the home test kit content on it.
- Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, using soap and warm water or hand sanitiser. If more than one test is being done, clean the surface and rewash your hands between each test.
5. Check test kit contents
Check the use-by date [YYYY-MMM-DD]. Do not use the test device after its use-by date.
Your test kit should have these items:
- leak-proof bag
- plastic tube, containing a small amount of liquid
- return box with pre-paid Royal Mail return label
- white absorbent pad
- swab, inside a sealed wrapper
- security seal, for the return box
The leakproof bag, plastic tube and return box have an 11-character barcode. Make sure they are the same on all the items.
Note that some components may differ from the picture.
If anything is broken or missing, or if any barcodes do not match, or if the test kit use-by date on the package has expired, do not use the kit. Call the contact centre on: 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm. We offer support in 200 languages as well as British Sign Language.
6. Take your swab sample
Try not to touch your tongue, teeth, cheeks, gums or any other surfaces with the swab’s fabric tip, as this may spoil your sample. If this does happen, complete and return the test anyway.
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Look inside the mouth and find the tonsils at the back of the throat (or the area they would be if you do not have them).
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Gently blow the nose into a tissue so excess mucus does not spoil the test. Throw the tissue away in a bin.
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Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and warm water or hand sanitiser before handling the test kit to avoid contaminating it.
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Open the package and gently take out the swab. Be careful not to touch the fabric tip with your fingers.
You will use this for both tonsils and nose. -
Hold the swab in your hand, open your mouth wide and tilt your head back. Gently rub the fabric tip of the swab over both tonsils (or where they would have been).
Do this with good contact 4 times on each side. Carefully remove the swab. -
Put the same end of the same swab gently into the nostril about 2.5cm or until you feel some resistance.
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Roll the swab firmly around making 10 complete circles – no force is needed. Carefully remove the swab. If you have a piercing, use the other nostril.
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Unscrew the lid from the plastic tube, while keeping it upright so the liquid stays inside. Put the swab into it with the fabric tip facing down.
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Snap off the stick end of the swab, so that it fits inside the tube without bending.
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Securely screw the lid on so no liquid can leak.
The liquid must stay in the tube.
7. Package the test kit
You need to post your completed test kit no later than 1 hour before the last collection.
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and warm water or hand sanitiser.
Step 2
Place the absorbent pad into the leak-proof bag.
Put the tube next to the absorbent pad in the same bag.
Step 3
Let some air out of the leak-proof bag and then seal it using its adhesive seal. Make sure that it is sealed properly.
How to assemble the return box
- Follow the assembly instructions on the return box.
- Fold both the sides upwards and inwards towards the centre.
- Fold the bottom part of the lid towards the centre on top of the sides.
- Put the sealed leak-proof bag containing the plastic tube and absorbent pad into the box.
- Close the box.
- Apply the security seal to close the box securely.
- Take a picture or note of the barcode so you can track the delivery.
- You are now ready to post your test kit.
- Dispose of any remaining test kit parts in your household waste.
8. Post the completed test kit
Post the completed test kit on the same day you take the test and no later than 1 hour before the last collection time (weekend and bank holiday times may differ from weekdays).
Only use a Royal Mail priority postbox with the label and one of the NHS regional logos.
If symptomatic, avoid contact with others, wear a face covering and do not take public transport.
You can walk, cycle or drive to your nearest priority postbox to post your test kit or someone can post it for you.
Do not enter any Post Office with your test kit.
Some priority postboxes have a Sunday collection. This will be clearly labelled on the postbox
Getting your results
You should get the results by email and text within 2 days of returning the kit. However, due to the volume of tests, it may take longer.
If you have not received the results after 5 days call the contact centre on 119.
Have you been harmed or had a reaction while using this kit?
If you are harmed by a device, reporting it could help others.
Use the Coronavirus Yellow Card reporting site to report injuries and reactions.
Advice
If you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have contracted coronavirus (COVID-19), follow NHS guidance online.
Get more advice about coronavirus in children.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) and your condition gets worse, or you do not get better after 7 days, visit the NHS 111 online service.
If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111.
For a medical emergency dial 999.
Do not delay getting help if you are worried. Trust your instincts.
Get help to take your test
You can use the free Be My Eyes app to get help from trained NHS Test and Trace staff. Download the app, go to ‘Specialized Help’ and select NHS Test & Trace in the ‘Personal Health’ category.
If you need help call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines).
Lines are open 7am to 11pm every day.
FAQs
How do you do a Covid swab step by step? ›
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. Put the same swab inside your nose (about 2.5cm up or until you feel some resistance) and wipe the inside of your nose.
What does faint line on Covid test mean? ›Two lines – even faint lines – indicate the test is positive. The test has failed and should be retaken. Negative result.
What should you not do before PCR? ›This is particularly important for children. Do not eat, drink (even water), chew gum, brush teeth, vape or smoke for at least one hour before the mouth rinse and gargle test. This could affect your test results.
What is C and T in Covid kit? ›One coloured line should be in the control line region (C), and another coloured line should be in the test line region (T). Two lines, one next to C and one next to T, even faint lines, show the test is positive. If you test positive, you and your. household should self-isolate following.
How do you do a nasal swab sample? ›Do not touch the soft end with your hands or anything else. inch (1.5 cm) into your nose. swab, gently pressing against the inside of your nostril at least 4 times for a total of 15 seconds. Get as much nasal discharge as possible on the soft end of the swab.
How long does a PCR test take? ›You should get the result by email and text 2 days after you have sent the kit back to us. The result will also be sent to your GP or a hospital doctor. If you do not get your result within 2 days, call us on 119. Tell us that you sent back a priority test and you have not had the result yet.
When is Covid no longer contagious? ›People with moderate or severe COVID-19 should isolate through at least day 10. Those with severe COVID-19 may remain infectious beyond 10 days and may need to extend isolation for up to 20 days. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should isolate through at least day 20.
How long after having Covid Will you test positive? ›After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time after. You may continue to test positive on antigen tests for a few weeks after your initial positive. You may continue to test positive on NAATs for up to 90 days.
Can you get Covid twice? ›Reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 means a person was infected, recovered, and then later became infected again. After recovering from COVID-19, most individuals will have some protection from repeat infections. However, reinfections do occur after COVID-19.
Should I eat before PCR test? ›Do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes before doing your test to reduce the risk of spoiling the test. Wash your hands for 20 seconds before you handle the test.
Can you drink water before a PCR test? ›
Avoid eating or drinking half an hour before the test. A small amount of water is acceptable. There is unlikely to be an adverse impact of brushing teeth prior to testing but it might be prudent to wait a while before testing. Are the swabs latex free?
What do you drink with Covid? ›Up your fluid intake.
If you have diarrhea or if you're sweating from a fever or chills, make sure you have salt or a little sugar in your fluids—think broths, fresh juices or electrolyte solutions like Gatorade—because salt and sugar can help you retain water.
The presence of any test line (T), no matter how faint, indicates a positive result. Invalid – if the control line (C) is not visible within the result window after performing the test, the result is considered invalid.
What does 1 line mean on a Covid test? ›If you have 1 line by C, and 1 line by T this is called a positive result. The lines can be bright or faint. You have COVID-19. Negative result. If you have 1 line by C, and no line by T this is called a negative result.
What a positive Covid test looks like? ›A POSITIVE result must show BOTH a BLUE line and a PINK line near the BLUE line. Look closely! Even a very faint, pink Test Line and a blue Control Line is a POSITIVE result. The intensity of the lines may vary.
Should you clean your nose before Covid test? ›IMPORTANT: Swabbing the nostrils is critical for obtaining an accurate result. If you do not swab your nose, the device will produce a false negative result. TO TIME THE TEST. soap and water for 20 seconds before starting the test.
How do you swab for Covid at home? ›Gently insert the entire soft tip of the swab into one nostril until you feel a bit of resistance and rub it in a circle around your nostril 4 times. Next, gently insert the same swab into the other nostril and rub it around the same way.
Can you eat before a nasal Covid test? ›1. Do NOT eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, or vape for at least 30 minutes before collecting the sample. 2. If you have access to a facial tissue, blow your nose before the test.
Is a PCR test a rapid test? ›PCR tests are similar to rapid tests in several ways, as they can be administered to those with or without symptoms and are conducted with a nasopharyngeal swab. But that's where the similarities end. PCR tests are considered the gold standard when it comes to COVID-19 testing.
Is PCR test accurate? ›A PCR test for COVID-19 when taken in ideal conditions, is highly accurate for detecting when someone is infected. A laboratory study reported in 2020 found that different COVID-19 testing kits correctly detected SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in samples more than 95% (and frequently 100%) of the time.
How much is the PCR test? ›
THE Department of Health has lowered the price cap for the conduct of RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests for COVID-19 ef- fective September 6. For public facilities, the DOH said, testing must not cost more than P2,800 for plate-based, and P2,450 for cartridge-based testing.
How long does Omicron symptoms last? ›How long do omicron symptoms last? Most people who test positive with any variant of COVID-19 typically experience some symptoms for a couple weeks.
What is the incubation period for Omicron? ›A study conducted during high levels of Delta variant transmission reported an incubation period of 4.3 days,(2) and studies performed during high levels of Omicron variant transmission reported a median incubation period of 3–4 days.
Are you still contagious after 10 days of Covid? ›People with COVID-19 can spread the virus to other people starting two days before they develop symptoms (or 2 days before the date of their positive test if they do not have symptoms) through 10 days after they develop symptoms (or 10 days after the date of their positive test if they do not have symptoms).
Can you test negative for Covid after 3 days? ›One study from researchers at Johns Hopkins suggested that COVID-19 PCR tests conducted 3 to 5 days after a person is exposed that return a negative result shouldn't be relied on alone to gauge infection status, and that in addition, the clinical and epidemiologic situation should be carefully evaluated by health ...
Can you have Covid and test negative? ›A negative result means it's likely you are not infectious. But a negative test is not a guarantee you do not have COVID-19 and there's still a chance you may be infectious. You should follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading the virus.
What is a PCR test for Covid? ›The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved these types of tests for diagnosing COVID-19 : RT-PCR test. Also called a molecular test, this COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
How do you get over Covid fast? ›- Keep a daily routine, such as taking a shower and getting dressed.
- Take breaks from COVID-19 news and social media.
- Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay physically active.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid use of drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact. Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low.
What are the early signs of detection of the coronavirus? ›- Fever or chills.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headache.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Sore throat.
Does bloody nose affect Covid test? ›
Turn the swab round 5 times. If your nose starts to bleed, you must stop doing the test. Put the swab into the plastic tube.
Can you drink before a Covid test? ›Before you take the test, you should find a clear space. Remember not to eat, drink, smoke or vape 30 minutes before.
What does C mean on Covid test? ›If a control line (C) is visible (regardless of how faint it is) and a test line (T) is not visible, this means that the result is negative. It is unlikely that you have COVID-19. However, even if your test is negative, continue to observe all hygiene and safety measures.
Does nasal spray affect PCR test? ›The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results.
What should you not do before a rapid test? ›NSW Health recommends you do not eat, drink or brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes before doing a saliva rapid antigen test. This will ensure a clean sample is taken. If you still have food, drink or toothpaste residue in your mouth it might coat the swab stick and affect the test result.
Do you have to pay for a PCR test? ›Free testing for coronavirus (Covid-19) from the NHS has now ended for most people in England. If you still want to get tested and you're not eligible for a free NHS test, you must pay for a Covid-19 test yourself. You can buy a Covid-19 test from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.
What foods to avoid when you have COVID? ›Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar. Limit your intake of soft drinks or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups, flavoured milks and yogurt drinks). Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes and chocolate.
What does your throat feel like with COVID? ›Well, it can feel exactly the same as a cold, according to Brian Curtis, MD, vice president of Clinical Specialty Services for OSF HealthCare. That makes it hard to tell the difference between a cold and a mild case of COVID. It's even harder to tell the difference knowing that sore throat is a COVID symptom.
What helps COVID cough? ›If you have a wet cough with lots of mucus, you want to take an expectorant to help get the mucus out. If you have a dry cough, a cough suppressant is what you want. Make sure you choose the right one. For pain, try acetaminophen.
What if T line is darker than C line in Covid test? ›SARS-CoV-2 Antigen in Human Nasal Swab. If both Control line “C” and Test line “T” appear, the result is Positive. Look very closely! Even a faint line indicates a positive results.
What does C and T mean on rapid test? ›
If only the control line (C) is present, the result is negative. • If both control line (C) and test line (T) are present, the result is positive. or • If the control line (C) is not present, result is not valid (i.e., the test is not working).
What does the C and T mean on a lateral flow test? ›This is what the test “window” looks like in the strip after 30 minutes. “C” stands for “control” – this is to make sure the test is working. “T” stands for “test” – this is where your sample result will appear.
How do you read Covid test C or T Home? ›A POSITIVE result must show BOTH a C line and a T line. A positive result means that viral antigens from COVID-19 were detected and the individual is positive for COVID-19. If there is NO LINE, or if there is ONLY a T line, the test is INVALID.
What do you do if your home Covid test is positive? ›...
After your 7 days of self-isolation
- crowded.
- enclosed.
- poorly ventilated.
- hard to avoid close contact with people.
The bottom line can be very faint. Any pink/purple line visible here indicates a positive result. Here are photos of actual positive tests.
How do you take a Covid throat swab? ›- Rub swab over both tonsillar pillars and posterior oropharynx and avoid touching the tongue, teeth, and gums.
- Place swab, tip first, into the transport tube provided.
Tilt your head back and fully insert the soft swab tip straight back (not up) into your nose until you hit resistance (up to 2.5 cm). Make sure the soft swab tip is fully inside the nose. 4. Rotate the swab several times against the wall of the nose and let it sit for a few seconds to absorb nasal secretions.
How do you take Covid swab in Australia? ›- Place your hand on the patient's forehead (non-dominant hand) and the thumb at the tip of the nose.
- Using a pencil grip and while gently rotating the swab, insert the tip 2–3 cm (or until resistance is met), into the left or right nostril, parallel to the palate, to absorb mucoid secretion.
Gently blow the nose into a tissue so excess mucus does not spoil the test. Throw the tissue away in a bin. Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and warm water or hand sanitiser before handling the test kit to avoid contaminating it. Open the package and gently take out the swab.
What does your throat feel like with Covid? ›Well, it can feel exactly the same as a cold, according to Brian Curtis, MD, vice president of Clinical Specialty Services for OSF HealthCare. That makes it hard to tell the difference between a cold and a mild case of COVID. It's even harder to tell the difference knowing that sore throat is a COVID symptom.
What happens if Covid test touches tongue? ›
Do not touch your tongue, teeth, cheeks or gums, or any other surfaces with the fabric tip of the swab. The swab is invalid if it touches these parts, and you will need to get a new swab. If this happens put your hazard lights on to get assistance. Use the same swab for nose and throat.
Can you do a rapid test in your throat? ›Rapid tests can be done at home by using the swab in the kit to collect a sample from your throat, cheeks and nostrils.
Should you clean your nose before Covid test? ›IMPORTANT: Swabbing the nostrils is critical for obtaining an accurate result. If you do not swab your nose, the device will produce a false negative result. TO TIME THE TEST. soap and water for 20 seconds before starting the test.
What is the difference between a PCR test nasal swab and an antigen test for COVID-19? ›RT-PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases. Antigen test. This COVID-19 test detects certain proteins in the virus. Using a long nasal swab to get a fluid sample, some antigen tests can produce results in minutes.
What should you not do before a rapid test? ›NSW Health recommends you do not eat, drink or brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes before doing a saliva rapid antigen test. This will ensure a clean sample is taken. If you still have food, drink or toothpaste residue in your mouth it might coat the swab stick and affect the test result.
When should PCR be tested? ›Key times to get tested: If you have symptoms, test immediately. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result.
Is PCR test accurate? ›A PCR test for COVID-19 when taken in ideal conditions, is highly accurate for detecting when someone is infected. A laboratory study reported in 2020 found that different COVID-19 testing kits correctly detected SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in samples more than 95% (and frequently 100%) of the time.
What a positive test looks like? ›Two lines – even faint lines – indicate the test is positive.
What is C on Covid test? ›If a control line (C) is visible (regardless of how faint it is) and a test line (T) is not visible, this means that the result is negative. It is unlikely that you have COVID-19. However, even if your test is negative, continue to observe all hygiene and safety measures.
How do you do a nasal Covid test? ›IMPORTANT The test should be performed using a nose sample only. Insert the fabric tip of the swab just inside one nostril (about 1.5cm up your nose). Gently wipe the swab around the inside of your nostril in a circular motion 5 times for at least 5 seconds. Slowly remove it.