If you are using a virus self-test, for example a lateral flow antigen self-test, you would not send the sample to a laboratory because the test can generate the results for you. For more information, please read the NHS Coronavirus testing page. Swab self-sampling kits are rolled out by the government. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to check for genetic material from the virus. You may collect swab and saliva samples at home yourself (this can also be referred to as ‘self-sampling’), or you can get a healthcare professional to do it. Some virus tests use saliva samples, collected into a small container, to check for the virus, but this type of sampling is not done routinely in the UK. A swab is a small piece of soft, absorbent material on a plastic stick. This type of test usually involves collecting a swab sample from the nose, the mouth, and/or throat. Please note that not all sample types have been proven to be effective in COVID-19 testing. The sample you have to provide, and whether or not you can collect that sample yourself, will depend on what type of test you have. This kit must have a valid CE, CE UKNI or UKCA mark to show that the manufacturer has met the minimum safety and performance requirements for the product. Sample collection kitsĪ sample collection kit is the name given to the different parts of a COVID-19 test that help obtain a sample. These tests are not used for diagnosis but rather to give us a better understanding of the prevalence of the virus in different places. They can also be bought privately, but it’s important to be aware of their limitations. This sample is then tested to see if you have had the virus in the past.Īntibody tests are currently only offered to NHS and care staff, as well as some hospital patients and care home residents. These tests check for antibodies to see if you have had an infection with the virus in the past. For more information, please see the section about self-testing. In the UK, the MHRA has granted NHS Test & Trace an exceptional use authorisation to use certain lateral flow devices as self-tests to show infection in people who don’t have symptoms. Public Health England (PHE) and the University of Oxford have recently carried out extensive clinical evaluation studies on lateral flow tests. Because of this, they can be performed in a laboratory or a point of care setting. Most produces easy-to-understand results in under half an hour. Lateral flow antigen tests are rapid turnaround virus tests that can process COVID-19 samples on site, without the need for laboratory equipment. Lateral flow antigen test or rapid antigen test This sample is then tested to see if you have the virus. The swab sample is taken from your nose and throat.Īlternatively, a saliva sample might be used. These tests, sometimes called swab or antigen tests, check to see if you are currently infected with the virus.
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