Related Articles
You have received this home PCR test kit because your medical records show you may be suitable for new treatments if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) using a PCR test.
Before you start
Important
Register the test kit online just before taking your test.
Only use this test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
Do not let anyone else take this test.
Do not use this test before going to hospital for a scheduled procedure – the hospital will arrange a test for you.
Do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes before doing your test to reduce the risk of spoiling the test.
What you need to do
Your step-by-step guide
Read through the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order. The preparation and test will take about 30 minutes.
Contents of this booklet
- Choose how to return your test kit
- Register the test kit online
- Testing yourself or someone else
- Set up your test
- Check test kit contents
- Take your swab sample
- Package the test kit
- Return the completed test kit
- Your test result
This test is suitable for the following people
Adults aged 18 and over. Self-test (with assistance if needed).
Failure to follow the instructions in this booklet may affect the performance of the test and may give an inaccurate or void result.
Advice about taking the test
It is very important that you read the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order.
General guidance and warnings
Do not use the package if it arrives damaged or with 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 break the swab.
Clean spills from the plastic tube using household cleaner or disinfecting 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. Choose how to return your test kit
You should return your test the same day that you take it.
To return your test kit, you can either:
Use a Royal Mail priority postbox (fastest way)
Post the test an hour before the last collection.
Check collection times: royalmail.com/services-near-you
Find a priority postbox: download and use the Royal Mail app or visit royalmail.com/services-near-you
If you are unable to post your completed test kit yourself, you can ask someone else to post it for you.
Book a courier
Call 119 by 7pm to guarantee collection the next day.
Call the contact centre on 119 for guidance on when to take your test. You should request a courier collection if you are:
- taking your test on a Sunday and there is no Sunday collection from your nearest priority postbox
- not able to post your test at least an hour before the last priority postbox collection
- 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
- too unwell to leave your home
- a resident of the NHS Highland area and do not have access to a priority postbox
If you book a courier for a morning collection slot, you need to take your test by 7am.
2. Register the test kit online
Register the kit just before you take the test. You must register the test kit online to get the test results.
You’ll need your:
- mobile phone number we can send your result to
- NHS number – you can find this at the top of your NHS letter about this test kit, or find your NHS number
- your postcode
- 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
Get help to register your test
If you cannot use the online service, call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines).
Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm; 119 provides support in 200 languages.
3. Testing yourself or someone else
If you cannot do the test, everyone in the household needs to follow the current government self-isolation guidance.
Follow the guidelines on how to prepare and test yourself or a person who requires assistance.
Do not delay getting help if you feel very unwell and are worried. Dial 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for help and advice. For a medical emergency dial 999.
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 warm water
- Read this instruction guide carefully.
- Clear, clean and dry a surface and place the home test kit contents 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-MM-DD] on the label on the inner test kit package. Do not use the test device after its use-by date.
Your test kit should have these items:
- an 11-character barcode 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, 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.
- 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).
- 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. 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.
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. - 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.
- Securely screw the lid on so no liquid can leak.
The liquid must stay in the tube.
7. Package the test kit
- Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and warm water or hand sanitiser.
- Place the absorbent pad into the leakproof bag. Put the tube next to the absorbent pad in the same bag.
- Let some air out of the leakproof 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 leakproof bag containing the plastic tube and absorbent pad into the box.
- Close the box. Apply the security seal as shown 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. Return the completed test kit
Use a Royal Mail priority postbox (fastest way)
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 logos shown.
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.
You must not enter any post office with your test kit.
Some priority postboxes have a Sunday collection, which will be clearly labelled on the postbox.
Track your delivery using your Royal Mail return label barcode at royalmail.com/track-and-trace
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.
9. Your test result
You and your local health care provider should get the results by email and text within 2 days of returning the kit.
If you do not get your results within 48 hours
Call 119 if you do not get your results within 48 hours. Tell the operator that you took a priority test and if your result is positive, you may get new treatments.
If your PCR test shows that you have COVID-19, the NHS will contact you to arrange a telephone appointment with a medical professional, who will discuss what treatments are suitable for you.
If you are not contacted within 24 hours
If you are not contacted about treatment within 24 hours of receiving your positive PCR test result, contact your GP surgery or call 111 (during evenings and at weekends). They can make an urgent referral.
If you’ve been harmed or had a reaction while using this kit
If you are harmed by a device, reporting it could help others. Please go to: coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
Only use this website to report injuries and reactions.
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). Lines are open 7am to 11pm every day.
Source link
