Guidance

Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests

Guidance on the different types of coronavirus test available.

From:
Department of Health and Social Care
Published
14 July 2020
Last updated
11 February 2021 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on

This page has been replaced by a newer version on NHS.UK: Get tested for coronavirus

Applies to England

Documents

Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests

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Details

Information on:

  • the different types of coronavirus test
  • which type of test to use and when
  • what you should do when you receive a test result
  • testing in the future

Updates to this page

Published 14 July 2020
Last updated 11 February 2021 + show all updates

  1. Updated the time taken for LFD test results to arrive (from 2 hours to 30 minutes) and added a link to find out if your area offers rapid asymptomatic LFD testing.

  2. Updated guidance on types and use of coronavirus tests including asymptomatic testing.

  3. Updated guidance to reflect current advice to self-isolate for 10 days from when symptoms start.

  4. First published.

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