FAQs Asymptomatic testing Lateral Flow Testing
Who can book a lateral flow test?
Tests are available to anyone with a valid reason to leave home during the national lockdown. This includes those leaving home for work, studying, volunteering, or supporting a vulnerable person. Tests can be booked in advance, or walk-in appointments are available at all sites however priority is given to pre-booked appointments.
I’ve been identified as a contact of a positive COVID-19 case by NHS test & trace, can I book a lateral flow test?
If you have been contacted and told you need to self-isolate, then you must immediately self-isolate for 10 days and are not allowed to leave your home for a Lateral Flow (asymptomatic) test, even if you do not currently have symptoms. Find out more about self-isolation.
A member of my household has tested positive for COVID-19 symptoms. can I still attend?
No, if you have symptoms you must cancel your lateral flow test and book a PCR test. You can call 119 to book if you do not have internet access.
I can no longer attend my appointment, how do I cancel it?
You can cancel your appointment by using the link at the bottom of your confirmation email. Alternatively email – covid19@plymouth.gov.uk
Can I book a test for my child?
Primary school aged children are not eligible to be tested at our testing sites.
Secondary school aged children can be tested at our sites under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
Young people aged 16-17 are able to consent to their own medical treatment without a parent or guardian present and therefore can self-swab.
Please be aware that anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How often should I book a lateral flow test?
Twice weekly testing is recommended to all those who are accessing our Lateral Flow test sites, especially those who are frontline workers in direct contact with local residents, volunteers, formal/informal carers and others who are not covered by other testing programmes. This includes those in the health and social care, education and transport sectors. Ideally you should book your tests 3-4 days apart.
I have not received my test result, what should I do?
Test results should be received within 60 minutes of taking your Lateral Flow test. If you have not received your test result, please call 119 and quote the barcode reference number.
Is there parking available at any of your testing sites?
Limited parking is available near all of our sites.
I have not received a confirmation email for my appointment, what should I do?
If you have not received a confirmation email for your appointment, please check your junk folder. If still not received, you can contact covid19@plymouth.gov.uk
Can a lateral flow test show if I have previously had COVID-19?
Lateral flow tests are designed to detect the presence or absence of coronavirus amongst people who are not experiencing symptoms (asymptomatic). The test cannot tell whether you have had the virus in the past, or if you have recently been exposed to the virus but are not yet infectious.
I have been given the COVID-19vaccine, should I still book a lateral flow test?
NHS advice currently states that you should continue to behave in exactly the same way once you have had your vaccine as you did before you had it. This is because there is a chance you might still get or spread coronavirus even if you have the vaccine. You should continue to access testing in the same way you did previously. Find out more about the vaccine.
I am having some flu-like symptoms following my COVID-19 vaccination, can I still have my lateral flow test?
Although a mild fever can occur within a day or two of vaccination, if you have any other COVID-19 symptoms, or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and book a PCR test. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms you should not attend a lateral flow test, even if the likely cause is your COVID-19 vaccination.
