COVID-19 lateral flow tests

A lateral flow test (LFT) is a quick way to test if you have the COVID-19 virus. The test can be done at home, with a swab taken of your nose.

A lateral flow test can be used by anyone who would like to test for COVID-19. Lateral flow tests are usually used for:

• visiting someone who is high risk, such as a family member or friend
• people who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments and have been told to use a lateral flow test
• testing yourself after 5 days to see if you are still infectious if you have already tested positive for COVID-19
• testing yourself before you volunteer, work, or visit somewhere that is high risk, such as a hospital or care home

Multipacks of lateral flow tests are available in quantities of 5, 10, 15, and 25 from ZAVA.

No, lateral flow tests for general use are not currently accepted for international travel. If you need a lateral flow test for travel, you must buy a Fit to Fly test from a registered provider.

Anyone can take a lateral flow test. If you are ordering a test for a child between 12 and 17, they can take the test themselves but this should be under adult supervision. Any child under the age of 12 should be tested by an adult.

Depending on your health circumstance and the nation you live in, you might be able to get a free lateral flow test from the NHS.

Most of the UK now requires individuals to pay for their COVID-19 tests. The quickest way to order these is through our website where you can buy as many as you need.

Some pharmacies have lateral flow tests but you will need a collection code, which you can get online. You should also check with your local council, as some community centres have lateral flow tests. If your employer wants you to take a lateral flow test, they may provide you with one.

When you order your lateral flow test from ZAVA, you can choose between:

• free standard delivery, which should arrive the next day if your order is placed before 6pm
• next day delivery, delivered by 1pm when ordered between Monday and Friday before 6pm

You can choose your delivery option at checkout.

Please note, delivery might take longer during public holidays and busy periods.

Wash your hands with soap and water and clean a flat surface to put your test on. Once you have prepared and checked that all the contents in your pack are correct, you can begin taking the test.

1. Put the test strip on a clean, flat surface. Place your extraction tube in the holder located on or inside the box. If your tube does not have liquid in it, you can then take out the sachet and pour this into the tube.
2. Blow your nose and rewash your hands with soap and water.
3. Take the cotton swab from the packet, making sure not to touch the soft end.
4. Choose a nostril and insert the swab until you feel resistance. This is usually about 2.5cm up your nose. If you have a nose piercing, it is best to take the swab in the other nostril.
5. Gently swab your nose by making 10 complete circles. This can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful.
6. Get the extraction tube from earlier and place the soft end of the swab in the liquid. Rotate the swab in the liquid for about 15 seconds. Make sure to press the swab against the inner edge of the extraction tube, so your nose sample can be passed into the liquid for testing.
7. After 15 seconds, remove all liquid from the swab by pressing it against the side of the tube. Throw away the swab in the waste bag that was provided in your pack.
8. Put the lid on the extraction tube and wash your hands again.
9. Gently squeeze 2 drops of liquid from the extraction tube onto the test strip, into the specimen well which is located with an ‘S’. Throw the extraction tube in the waste bag.
10. Wait for 30 minutes before reading your result. A positive result is where 2 lines appear. A negative result is 1 line in the control region, marked by a ‘C’. A void result is 1 line marked in the test region, marked with a ‘T’.
11. After you have registered your result, you can throw away the test in the waste bag.

The instructions for taking your test can be found within the packet. If you need assistance when taking a lateral flow test, you can message one of our doctors for free on your online account.

When you take a lateral flow test, you can get 3 results.

A positive result is shown when 2 lines appear on your test. One in the control region ‘C’ and one in the test region ‘T’. If you test positive for COVID-19, you must follow government guidelines and reduce your contact with others. You can still get a PCR test at a local testing facility, or order one to your home. You can take another lateral flow test after 5 days to check if you are still positive.

If you are negative, a single line will appear across the control region. There should be no line in the test line region. This means you were likely not infected with COVID-19 at the time of the test.

A void result means that the test did not work properly and you must repeat it. A void result is where a single line appears over the test line region ‘T’, but not on the control line ‘C’.

Lateral flow tests are accurate at testing for COVID-19, when taken correctly. Follow the guidance above or the instructions found in your pack to make sure you take your test properly. If you get a positive test result, it is extremely likely that you have COVID-19 and should follow government guidelines.

If you take a lateral flow test, you should register your results on the government website within 24 hours of taking the test. Making an online NHS account will make it quicker in the future. If you cannot do it online, you can call 119 for free.

You can return your COVID-19 lateral flow test kit to ZAVA for a refund if it has not been used. The tamper seal on the box must not be broken. There is a £10 admin fee for refunds. For more details, visit our delivery and returns page.