COVID-19 antigen testing
Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus infection can get a free test to check if they currently have the virus. The test involves taking a swab from the back of the throat and the inside of the nose.
You can use the link below to request an appointment at a local Mobile Testing Unit or to request a home test kit.
Essential workers: get a test today to check if you have coronavirus.
More information can be found here.
COVID-19 antibody testing
An antibody test is a blood test to check if you may have had coronavirus and may have developed some level of immunity. However at this time it is unclear if any immunity detected lasts and whether it protects against further COVID-19 infections and could still pass the virus on to others.
Therefore regardless of the result government guidelines on social distancing and protective personal equipment should continue to be followed.
NHS antibody testing is not generally available to the public as there is no strong evidence yet to suggest that those who have had the virus develop long-lasting immunity which would prevent them from getting the virus again.
Clinicians will be able to request tests for patients in both hospital and social care settings if they think there is a clear clinical need for this information.
More information can be found here.
