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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pcr-home-testing-for-people-eligible-for-new-covid-19-treatments/pcr-home-test-instructions-for-people-eligible-for-new-covid-19-treatments
You have received this home PCR test kit because your medical records show you may be suitable for new treatments if a test confirms you have coronavirus (COVID-19).
Register the test kit online just before taking your test.
Only use this test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
Do not use this priority PCR test kit if you are going into hospital for a procedure. Your hospital or health board will arrange a COVID-19 test.
The test must only be used by the person it is addressed to.
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.
Return your test the same day you take it.
Read through the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order. The preparation and test will take about 30 minutes.
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.
Failure to follow the instructions in this booklet may affect the performance of the test and may give an inaccurate or void result.
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 only 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 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.
To return your test kit, you can either use a Royal Mail priority postbox or book a courier (call 119 by 7pm to guarantee collection the next day).
If you are taking your test on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday, call 119 to book a courier by 7pm the day before.
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.
Call the contact centre on 119 to book a next day courier collection and for guidance on when to take your test.
You should request a courier collection if you are:
If you book a courier for a morning collection slot, you need to take your test by 7am.
Register the kit just before you take the test. You must register the test kit online to get the test results.
Register the test kit online
If you cannot use the online service, call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines).
Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and 9am to 1pm on weekends.
If you cannot do the test, everyone in the household needs to follow the current government guidance.
Follow the guidelines on how to prepare and test yourself or a person who requires assistance.
You can watch a video demonstration at: gov.uk/pcr-home-test
Do not delay getting help if you feel very unwell and are worried.
England: dial 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for help and advice.
Scotland: dial 111 or visit nhsinform.scot.
Wales: dial 111 or visit 111.wales.nhs.uk.
Northern Ireland: contact your GP or your GP out of hours service.
For a medical emergency dial 999.
Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds using soap and water or hand sanitiser before handling the test kit to avoid contaminating it.
Check the use-by date [YYYY-MM-DD] on the label on the inner test kit package. Do not use the test device after, or within 7 days before, its use-by date.
Your test kit should have these items:
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 to order a new test kit.
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.
The liquid must stay in the tube.
Dispose of any remaining test kit parts in your household waste.
Post the completed test kit on the same day you take the test and no later than 1 hour before the last collection time.
Only use a Royal Mail priority postbox with the label and one of the NHS logos.
If symptomatic, you should wear a face covering and try to avoid contact with others.
Follow the latest government guidance: gov.uk/coronavirus or call 119.
Track your delivery using your Royal Mail return label barcode at royalmail.com/track-and-trace.
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.
If you are harmed by a device or have feedback about your test kit, reporting it could help others.
Go to: gov.uk/covid-19-test-feedback or call 119.
You should get the results by email and text within 2 days of returning the kit.
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.
The NHS may contact you to arrange a telephone appointment with a medical professional, who will discuss what treatments are suitable for you. What happens next depends on where you live.
After receiving your positive PCR test result if you are not contacted about treatment after 24 hours, contact your GP surgery or call 111 (during evenings and at weekends).
They can make an urgent referral.
After receiving your positive PCR test result if you are not contacted about treatment after 48 hours, contact the hospital team responsible for your care or call 111.
They can make an urgent referral.
After receiving your positive PCR test result if you are not contacted about treatment after 24 hours, contact your GP surgery or their out of hours services during evenings and weekends.
They can make an urgent referral.
For information on how to access COVID-19 treatments in Scotland go to: nhsinform.scot/covid19treatments
If you are unable to access the link, phone the NHS COVID-19 information line: 0800 028 2816
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 Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and 9am to 1pm on weekends.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
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