Guidance

[Withdrawn] COVID-19 home PCR test instructions

Updated 9 April 2024

This guidance was withdrawn on 8 April 2024

The NHS no longer provides at-home PCR home tests. The guidance on this page is therefore out-of-date.

The test must be registered to get a result. You need to register the test online, swab the throat and nose, pack up the test kit and return your test kit the same day.

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.

It is important to:

• register the test kit online just before taking your test
• wash your hands for 20 seconds before you handle the test
• do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes before doing your test to reduce the risk of spoiling the test
• return your test the same day you take it

Failure to follow the instructions may affect the performance of the test and may give an inaccurate or void result.

Who can take the test?

The test is suitable for the following people:

• adults aged 18 and over – self-test (with assistance if needed)
• Young people aged 12 to 15 – self-test with adult supervision (and assistance if needed)
• children 11 and under – adult to test

General guidance and warnings

This includes:

• do not use the package if it arrives damaged, is missing components or is within 7 days of its use-by date
• this device is for single use only
• store out of the reach of children
• these kits are designed for human use only
• do not use excessive force, pressure or bend the swab when collecting swab samples, as this may break the swab
• clean spills from the plastic tube using paper towels and household cleaner
• 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 that nostril
• 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 nasal swab, swab the throat only
• 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

Choose how to return your test kit

Use a Royal Mail postbox

Download and use the Royal Mail app or find a priority postbox near you postbox near you.

Find a Royal Mail post box and check the collection times. Post the test an hour before the last collection.

If you are unable to post your completed test kit yourself, you can ask someone else to post it for you.

Booking a courier

Call the contact centre on 119 to book a next day courier collection.

You should only request a courier collection if you are:

• taking your test on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday
• not able to post your test at least an hour before the last postbox collection
• too unwell to leave your home
• a resident of the NHS Highland area and are not able to use the postal system

If you book a courier for a morning collection slot, you need to take your test by 7am.

Register your test kit

It is important to register the kit just before you take the test. You must register the test kit online to get the test results.

Register your test kit online

You will need:

• a mobile phone number we can send your result to
• your postcode
• the 11-character test kit barcode – this is on the front page of the plastic tube, leakproof bag and return box
• the 13-character Royal Mail barcode from the prepaid return label – enter numbers and letters only and not the hashtag symbol
• NHS number - if you are registered with a doctor in the UK. If you do not know it, you can still register your test without it – you can find this at the top of your NHS letter about this test kit, or find your NHS number online

Answer all questions and click on continue after each question. When you have entered all the details, check your answers then confirm your registration.

Get help to register your test

If you cannot use the online service, call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). 119 provides support in 200 languages.

Doing a test on yourself or someone else

If you have COVID-19, everyone in the household should follow the current government guidance.

Watch a video on how to test yourself or a person who requires assistance.

Do not delay getting help if you feel very unwell and are worried.

For help and advice, call 119.

For a medical emergency, dial 999.

Set up your test

You will need:

• tissues
• surface cleaner
• hand sanitiser or soap and warm water

Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and water or hand sanitiser before handling the test kit to avoid contaminating it.

Step 1

Read this instruction guide carefully.

Step 2

Clear, clean and dry a surface ready for setting up the test kit.

Step 3

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.

Check test kit contents

Check the use-by date [YYYY-MM-DD] on the label on the test kit package. Do not use the test device after, or within 7 days of its use-by date.

Step 4

Your test kit should have these items:

• an 11-character barcode number on the instruction leaflet, plastic tube, leakproof bag and return box – make sure the barcode is the same on all these items
• leakproof bag
• plastic tube, containing a small amount of liquid
• return box
• white absorbent pad
• swab, inside a sealed wrapper
• security seal for the return box

What to do if something is damaged, broken or missing

If anything is broken or missing, or if any barcodes do not match, or if the test kit’s use-by date has expired, or expires within 7 days, do not use the kit.

Call the contact centre on 119 to order a new test kit.

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.

Step 5

Gently blow nose into a tissue so excess mucus does not spoil the test. Throw the tissue away in a bin.

Step 6

Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and warm water or hand sanitiser before handling the test kit to avoid contaminating it.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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 the area they would have been if your tonsils have been removed).

Step 9

Do this with good contact 4 times on each side. Carefully remove the swab.

Step 10

Put the same end of the same swab gently into the nostril about 2.5cm or until you feel some resistance. 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.

Step 11

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. Snap off the stick end of the swab, so that it fits inside the tube without bending.

Step 12

Securely screw the lid on so no liquid can leak. It is important the liquid must stay in the tube.

Package the test kit

Step 13

Place the absorbent pad into the leakproof bag. Put the tube next to the absorbent pad in the same bag.

Step 14

Let some air out of the leakproof bag and then seal it using its adhesive seal. Make sure that it is sealed properly.

Step 15

Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and warm water or hand sanitiser.

How to assemble the return box

Step 16

Follow the assembly instructions on the return box. Fold both the sides upwards and inwards towards the centre.

Step 17

Fold the bottom part of the lid towards the centre on top of the sides. Put the sealed leakproof bag containing the plastic tube and absorbent pad into the box.

Step 18

Close the box. Apply the security seal to close the box securely. Take a picture or note of the barcode number 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.

Return the completed test kit

Use a Royal Mail post box

Post the completed test kit or ask someone to post it for you, on the same day you take the test and no later than 1 hour before the last collection time.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and you leave your home to post your test kit, you should wear a face covering and try to avoid contact with others.

Track your delivery using your Royal Mail return label barcode number.

Courier collection

If you have booked a courier collection, your completed test kit will be collected in the arranged morning or afternoon time slot.

If the courier does not arrive, call 119 for advice.

Your test result

You should get the results by email and text within 2 days of returning the kit.

If you have not received the results after 5 days, call the contact centre on 119.

Give feedback about your test or report harm

If you are harmed by a device or have feedback about your test kit, reporting it could help others.

Give feedback or report harm online or call 119.

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 ‘Specialised Help’ and select NHS Test and Trace in the ‘Personal Health’ category.

If you need help, call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines).

Intended Use for PCR kits

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sample collection kit is a specimen receptacle kit used to collect and preserve a nasal-oral swab sample during the transit to the laboratory. The specimen sample taken with the swab from the human upper respiratory system over both tonsils and inside of the nostril detects the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 virus and aids the diagnosis specifically for the COVID-19 disease. The PCR sample collection kit is intended as a self-sampling device conducted by a lay person.