Regular testing is one of the effective ways of reducing Covid-19 transmissions and keeping your loved ones safe.

One of the readily available Covid-19 tests used by the majority of people in the UK is the rapid lateral flow test. This test also referred to as the lateral flow antigen test, is a rapid test that gives easy-to-understand results in less than 30 minutes. Lateral flow testing also processes the sample on-site without the use of any lab equipment, making it suitable for home testing.

According to the UK government’s Covid-19 guidelines, people who use LFTs to test for the coronavirus should register their results with the NHS. Additionally, those who use a PCR test should register a test kit online.

The data obtained by the NHS allows the UK government to perform contact tracing and also know the number of positive Covid-19 cases in the country.

If you are wondering how you can register a coronavirus test result after taking an LFT, we are here to help.

Read on and get to know how to register a home Covid-19 test in the UK.

How Lateral Flow Testing Works

A lateral flow test (LFT) is an easy-to-do test that you do on yourself without the help of a healthcare professional. The handheld test kit that has an absorbent pad on one side and a reading window on the other gives you results in minutes.

When using the rapid lateral flow test to test for Covid-19, you will need to take a sample from your nose or throat using a swab. The sample is then dipped into a tube that contains an extraction solution for a few minutes. After dipping the sample in the tube, squeeze the solution from the tube onto the test strip paper pad. Depending on the kit instructions and waiting time, you’ll get the results in 10 to 30 minutes.

Lateral flow testing uses immunoassay technology to produce results. The test detects antigens or proteins from the sample that are present when one is infected with the coronavirus. A negative test result is shown by a coloured line next to the control line area. A positive Covid-19 test result is shown by two coloured lines on both the control and the test line areas, while a void result is when there is no coloured line on the control line area. A void result means that the test result is invalid, and you’ll need to retake the test.

Notably, every LFT result should be registered. So whether your LFT result is positive, negative or void, you’re required to report it to the NHS.

Steps to Register a Lateral Flow Test

Every time you use a lateral flow test, you’re required to report the results online. Registering the lateral flow test result with the NHS is important as it helps:

– Control Covid-19 transmissions in your community

– Protect vulnerable people who are at a higher risk of getting infected with Covid-19

– Prevent the spread of Covid-19

– Helps the NHS provide treatment to those who test positive and are eligible for Covid-19 treatments

– Helps in contact tracing even amongst asymptomatic people

Notably, to report a test kit result on the NHS online service, you’ll need to have the ID or QR code that is printed on the kit’s test strip. You also need to provide the NHS with a phone number that they can use to send a text confirming that they have received your test result. Ensure you report the result within 24 hours of taking the test.

If you’re unable to use the online service to report your test result, you can call 119 for support. Lines are open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and also on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm. The service is available in 200 languages, and 119 also has an interpreter service – SignVideo for those using sign language.

What Else You Should Keep in Mind About Getting a Lateral Flow Test

Free Rapid lateral flow tests are no longer available for most people in the UK. However, the  NHS does give free Covid-19 LFTs to:

– People who are eligible for Covid-19 treatments because they have a serious health condition

– If you need to get tested because you’re due to have surgery or any other medical procedure

– Healthcare and adult social care workers

If you’re not eligible for a free LFT, you can buy one from pharmacies or an online private test provider such as HandStations.co.uk.

If your result is positive, it means that you are infected with Covid-19. According to NHS guidelines, if you get a positive Covid-19 test result, you should self-isolate at home and avoid contact with people to limit the rate of transmission. Ensure you self-isolate for at least five days after the test result, even if you don’t have Covid-19 symptoms. In case the symptoms persist even after the isolation period, contact your doctor.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you know how to register a home test kit online.  If you need help reporting your lateral flow test result, remember you can always contact 119 for support. 

At HandStations.co.uk, we supply quality and affordable Healgen lateral flow tests to our clients all over the UK. Contact us today, and we will get in touch with you in no time.