PCR home testing for people eligible for COVID-19 treatments
If you're eligible for a coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment, follow this guide on how to do a PCR test at home and register your test kit.
Applies to England
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The NHS is offering antibody and antiviral treatments to people with coronavirus (COVID-19) who are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill.
Find out more about who can have a COVID-19 treatment on NHS.UK
Only use this guide if both the following apply:
- you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments
- you’ve been sent a priority PCR test kit
From 1 April you should check COVID-19 symptoms using rapid lateral flow tests, not a PCR test.
You should only take a PCR test if you’ve been:
- prescribed treatment
- asked to take a PCR test so the NHS can monitor the impact of COVID-19 treatments
The NHS team arranging your treatment will explain how to get a PCR test if you do not have one already.
A PCR test is a test for COVID-19 that is sent to a lab.
This guide tells you how to:
- do your PCR home test
- register your test kit so you can get your result
- return your completed test kit
There’s separate information on how to do a PCR home test if you’re not eligible for COVID-19 treatments.
If you need help to register or do the test
Watch a video about how to do a PCR home test.
Watch a video on how to test yourself at home using a PCR test kit.
You can call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines) if you need extra support to register and do the test. Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm; 119 provides support in 200 languages.
SignVideo is a free online British Sign Language interpreter service for 119.
You can use 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 & Trace’ in the ‘Personal Health’ category.
Give feedback about your test kit or report harm
If anything in your test kit is damaged or missing, do not use it. Call 119 to get a new test kit.
If you’ve been harmed or had a reaction using the test kit, report it as soon as possible.
Find out how to give feedback about your test kit or report harm.
Last updated 5 May 2022 + show all updates
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Updated PCR home test instructions in Welsh.
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Updated information to reflect changes in testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England.
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Added a link to the RNIB website for additional formats, including audio, braille, large print and giant print.
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Added 'COVID-19 Priority PCR test instructions (easy read)'.
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Added information on giving feedback about a test kit, or reporting harm.
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Added video showing how to do a PCR home test.
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Added PCR home test instructions in Welsh.
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First published.