PCR home testing instructions for people eligible for new COVID-19 treatments

You have received this PCR home test kit because your medical records indicate that you may be eligible 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 symptoms of COVID-19.

Don’t let anyone else take this test.

Do not use this test before going to the hospital for a scheduled procedure – the hospital will arrange a test for you.

To reduce the risk of spoiling the test, do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes before taking your test.

What you have to do

Your step-by-step guide

Read through the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order. The preparation and test takes about 30 minutes.

Contents of this booklet

1. Choose how you want to return your test kit
2. Register the test kit online
3. Test yourself or someone else
4. Set up your test
5. Check test kit contents
6. Take your smear
7. Pack the test kit
8. Return the completed test kit
9. Your test result

This test is suitable for the following persons

Adults 18 years and older. Self-test (with help if needed).

Advice on taking the test

It is very important that you read the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order.

General Guidelines and Warnings

Do not use the package if it arrives damaged or if any parts are missing.

This device is for single use only.

Keep out of reach of children.

These kits are designed for human use only.

Do not use excessive force, pressure or bending when collecting swabs as this may break the swab.

Remove any spills from the plastic tube with household cleaner or disinfectant 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, wipe out the other nostril. If both sides were pierced, remove the piercing on one side before swabbing.

If you have had a nosebleed in the past 24 hours, wipe the other nostril or wait 24 hours.

If there’s a reason you can’t get a throat swab, take out both nostrils instead.

If you have problems with your hands or eyesight, you may need someone to assist you with the sampling and testing.

1. Choose how you want to return your test kit

To return your test kit you can:

Use a Royal Mail Priority mailbox (fastest way)

Place the test one hour before the last collection.

Check pick-up times: royalmail.com/services-near-you

Find a priority mailbox: 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 before 7pm to guarantee next day pickup.

Call the contact center on 119 for advice on when to take your test. You must request a courier service if you:

• take your exam on a Sunday and there is no pick-up service on Sunday in the nearest priority mailbox
• unable to post your test at least an hour before the last priority mailbox collection
• unable to reach a priority mailbox without using public transport
• symptomatic and unable to go to a priority mailbox without contact with other people
• too sick to leave your house
• a resident of the NHS Highland area and do not have access to a priority mailbox

2. Register the test kit online

You need you:

• mobile phone number where we can send your result to
• NHS number – you will find this at the top of your NHS letter about this test kit, or find your NHS number
• your zip code
• Royal Mail 13 character barcode from the prepaid return label – please enter numbers and letters only and not the # hashtag symbol
• 11 character test kit barcode – it can be found on the front page of the instruction booklet, plastic tube, leak proof bag and return box

Help with registering your test

If you cannot use the online service, call 119 (free from mobile and landline).

The lines are open every day from 7am to 11pm; 119 offers support in 200 languages.

3. Test yourself or someone else

Follow the guidelines for preparing and testing yourself or a person in need of assistance.

4. Set up your test

You will need:

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

1. Read this manual carefully.
2. Clean, clean and dry a surface and place the contents of the home test kit on it.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and warm water or hand sanitizer. If more than one test is done, clean the surface and wash your hands again between each test.

5. Check test kit contents

Your test kit should have these items:

• an 11 character barcode on the package insert, plastic tube, leak proof bag and return box – make sure the barcode is the same on all these items
• leak proof bag
• plastic tube, with a small amount of liquid
• return box
• white absorbent pad
• cotton swab, in a sealed package
• security seal for the return box

What to do if something is damaged, broken or missing?

If anything is broken or missing, or if barcodes do not match, or if the test kit has passed its expiration date, do not use the kit.

Call the contact center at: 119 (free from mobile and landline). The lines are open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. We provide support in 200 languages ​​and British Sign Language.

6. Take your smear

1. Look inside the mouth and find the tonsils in the back of the throat (or the area where they would be if you didn’t have them).
2. Gently blow the nose into a tissue so that excess mucus does not spoil the test. Discard the tissue in a trash can.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or hand sanitizer for 20 seconds before handling the test kit to avoid contamination.
4. Open the package and carefully remove the swab. Be careful not to touch the end of the fabric with your fingers. You use this for both the tonsils and the nose.
5. Hold the swab in your hand, open your mouth wide and tilt your head back. Gently rub the cloth tip of the cotton swab over both almonds (or wherever they would have been). Do this with good contact 4 times on each side. Carefully remove the cotton swab.
6. Gently insert the same end of the same swab into the nostril about an inch or so or until you feel some resistance.
   Roll the swab around tightly and make 10 full circles, no force is needed. Carefully remove the cotton swab. If you have a piercing, use the other nostril.
7. Twist the lid off the plastic tube while holding it upright to keep the liquid inside. Insert the cotton swab with the fabric tip facing down.
8. Break off the stick end of the swab so that it fits into the tube without bending.
9. Tighten the lid tightly so that no liquid can leak.

The liquid should remain in the tube.

7. Pack the test kit

1. Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and warm water or hand sanitizer.
2. Place the absorbent pad in the leak-proof bag. Place the tube next to the absorbent pad in the same bag.
3. Release some air from the leak-proof bag and then seal it with the self-adhesive seal. Make sure it is closed properly.

How to assemble the return box

1. Follow the assembly instructions on the return box.
2. Fold both sides up and in to the center.
3. Fold the bottom part of the lid to the center on top of the sides.
4. Place the sealed leak-proof bag with the plastic tube and absorbent pad in the box.
5. Close the box. Apply the security seal as shown to secure the box.
6. Take a photo or note the barcode so you can track the delivery. You are now ready to post your test kit.

Dispose of all remaining parts of the test kit in the household waste.

8. Return the completed test kit

Use a Royal Mail Priority mailbox (fastest way)

Please place the completed test kit on the same day you take the test and at least 1 hour before the last collection time (weekends and public holidays may differ from weekdays).

Only use a Royal Mail Priority letterbox with the label and one of the NHS logos shown.

Avoid contact with others in case of symptoms, wear face coverings and do not take public transport. You can walk, cycle or drive to the nearest priority mailbox to mail your test kit or have someone else mail it for you.

You are not allowed to enter the post office with your test kit.

Some priority mailboxes have a Sunday collection, which is clearly marked on the mailbox.

Track your delivery with your Royal Mail return label barcode on: royalmail.com/track-and-trace

Pick up courier

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

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

9. Your test result

You and your local healthcare provider should receive the results via email and text message within 2 days of returning the kit.

If you don’t get your results within 48 hours

Call 119 if you don’t get your results within 48 hours. Tell the operator that you have taken a priority test and that if your result is positive, you may be given new treatments.

If your PCR test shows you have COVID-19, the NHS will contact you to set up a telephone appointment with a medical professional, who will discuss which treatments are right 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, please contact your GP or call 111 (evenings and weekends). They can make an urgent referral.

If you have been injured or had a reaction while using this kit

If you experience damage from a device, it can help others to report it. Please go to: coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

Only use this website to report injuries and reactions.

Get help creating your test

You can download the free Be My Eyes App to get help from trained NHS Test and Trace staff. Download the app, go to Specialized Help and select NHS Test and Trace in the Personal Health category.

If you need help, call 119 (free from mobile and landlines). The lines are open every day from 7am to 11pm.