INstructions for use relate to COVID-19 lateral flow tests on the browser.

This short guide explains how to test yourself or another person for COVID-19 using the lateral flow tests

Your step-by-step guide for lateral flow tests. Read through the instructions you are given with the test and below.

Each lateral flow test takes about 15 minutes to set up and results will be ready after a further 30 minutes.

Advice about taking the lateral flow test By following these instructions carefully step-by-step, you will have a much better chance of getting a reliable result. General guidance and warnings

• Use a separate lateral flow test kit for each person. There is one per person per test.
• Do not re-use the lateral flow tests.
• You'll need to report each person’s result.
• If you have problems with your hands or your eyes, you may need someone to assist you with the swabbing and testing process. The lateral flow tests results can be often some small to see.
• If you have a nose piercing swap the other nostril.
• If you have a nose piecing on both sides, remove the piercing on one side before starting the lateral flow test.
• If you've had a recent nosebleed, swab the other nostril or wait a day
• Do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes before doing the test to reduce the risk of spoiling the test.

Store the lateral flow tests at room temperature or in a cool dry place (2°C to 30°C). Do not leave the lateral flow tests in direct sunlight and do not store in a fridge or freezer.

The kit should be used at room temperature (15°C to 30°C). If the lateral flow tests kit has been stored in a cool area (less than 15°C), leave it at normal room temperature for around 30 minutes before using. Keep the lateral flow test kits away from children.

Why you should self-test using the lateral flow tests?

The self test kits for lateral flow tests is for those who are asymptomatic. I.E. Who do not present any symptons.

The lateral flow tests uses a a swab test for the nose and throat to check if you are infected.

What happens if you test positive:

• help limit the spread of Covid 19. You should self-isolate following government guidelines: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/

• Advise people close to you to get a test.

If you test negative for COVID-19 using the lateral flow tests: The tests are not 100 percent accurate. However, they give a pretty high percentage of accuracy. Ranging up to 90 %.

It is quite likely that you were not infectious at the time the test was taken. A negative lateral flow test result, is not a guarantee that you do not have coronavirus. (See above)

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) and your condition gets worse, or you do not get better after 7 days, visit the NHS 111 online service: 111.nhs.uk. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

Do not delay getting help if you are worried. Trust your instincts.

For the Lateral Flow Tests you will need:

• a timer such as a watch or clock • tissues • a mirror • surface cleaner • hand sanitiser or soap and access to warm water.

Immediately before starting the lateral flow test: clear, clean and dry a flat surface to place the test kit on.

Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds. Using either soap and warm water, or hand sanitiser. If doing more than one lateral flow test, clean the surface and rewash your hands between each lateral flow test.

Take the lateral flow test strip out of the sealed bag and place it onto a clean flat surface. Once opened, start the lateral flow test within 30 minutes.

If there is a holder, Place the tube in the extraction tube holder attached inside the box.

Depending on the Lateral Flow Test brand, Carefully twist or snap open the sachet or pull open the top of the sachet.

Remember, Open the Sachest away from your face and be careful not to spill any of the liquid.

Open the extraction tube and squeeze the liquid from the sachet into the tube.

Place the sachet in the waste bag.

Gently blow your nose into a tissue and throw the tissue away in a closed bin. If you are testing a child help them to blow their nose. This is so that you get rid of excess mucus.

Wash your hands thoroughly again for 20 seconds using soap and warm water or hand sanitiser.

If you're doing this test on another person, you should both wash or sanitise your hands again.

Find the swab in the sealed wrapper in front of you. Identify the soft, fabric tip.

Warning: Do not touch the soft, fabric tip of the swab.

Peel open the swab packaging only

__Take your swab sample __when you are ready to use and gently take out the swab.

Do not touch the tongue, teeth, cheeks, gums or any other surfaces with the fabric tip of the swab. If it touches anything else, it may spoil your sample.
Never touch the soft, fabric tip of the swab with your hands.

Put 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 (use a torch or a mirror to help you do this). Carefully remove the swab from the back of your throat.

Put the same swab gently into 1 nostril until you feel a slight resistance (about 2.5cm up your nose).

Gently wipe the swab around the inside of the nostril, making 10 complete circles. No force is needed. This may feel uncomfortable.
Do not insert the swab any deeper if you feel strong resistance or pain.

Process the swab sample For best performance, test the swab as soon as possible after wiping your nostril. Pick up the extraction tube and place the fabric tip of the swab into the extraction tube, so its in the liquid. Press the tip against the inner edge of the extraction tube with force, while rotating the swab for 15 seconds. This is to transfer your sample into the liquid.

Pinch the extraction tube against the swab as you remove it. Make sure you remove all liquid from the soft tip of the swab. Place the swab in the waste bag provided.

Press the cap tightly onto the extraction tube to avoid any leaks.

Wash your hands again after completing this step.

Ensure the test kit is on a clean and flat surface. Do not move the strip during the test.

Gently squeeze the extraction tube to place 2 drops of the liquid into the specimen well (S) on the test strip.

Make sure that you are dropping liquid and not an air bubble. Put the sample collection vial in the waste bag along with the swab.

21 Set a timer and wait 30 minutes before you read your result. A positive result can appear at any time after 20 minutes, however you should wait for the full 30 minutes to record a negative result as the test line (T) may take this long to appear.

Read your result: Do not leave the lateral flow test to develop for longer than 30 minutes as this will make the result void Positive result Two lines appear. One coloured line should be
in the control line region (C), and another coloured line should be in the test line region (T). Two lines, one next to C and one next to T, even faint lines, show the test is positive.

If you test positive, you and your household should self-isolate following government guidelines:
nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/

Negative result One coloured line appears in the control line region (C). No line appears in the test line region (T).

You should report your positive, negative and void results to the NHS.

Recording all lateral flow test results helps scientists spot new virus outbreaks and advise how to respond.

If people only report a positive result, case levels look higher than they really are. So even if your result is negative or void, you’ll make sure NHS information stays accurate.

What your results mean: Positive result:

If you get a positive result, it indicates you are currently infected with COVID-19 and risk infecting others. When you report your result, you will be provided with further information on the next steps to take.

You, anyone who lives with you, and anyone in your support bubble, should self-isolate in accordance with current national and local guidance, which can be found at: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-COVID-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/

Negative result If you get a negative result, it is likely you were not infectious at the time the test was taken. A negative test result, however, is not a guarantee that you do not have COVID-19. If you test negative, you should continue to follow national and local rules and guidelines, including regular handwashing, social distancing and wearing face coverings, where required. If you develop symptoms of a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, you and your household should self-isolate and the guidelines are to get another test at: gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling the customer contact centre on 119. Lines open every day, 7am to 11pm.

Void result If you get a void result from your lateral flow test, this means that the test has not run correctly. You need to use another lateral flow test from the pack provided.

Do not reuse anything from the first lateral flow test, and start the test procedure from the beginning.

If the problem persists, discontinue using the test kits immediately. If you do not have another test available, you may take a different type of test

The lateral flow test is more likely to give a positive result if someone has high levels of coronavirus (COVID-19).

This means that it is most likely to detect the people who are currently infectious and need to immediately self-isolate. Safely dispose of your test kit Once your test is complete, put all of the used test kit contents in the waste bag provided and put this in your general household waste. Wash your hands thoroughly after disposal.