Lateral flow tests are the quick way to find out if you have COVID-19 if you have not shown any symptoms.
The Government has strongly recommended that everyone takes regular rapid lateral flow tests - advising a twice weekly test - particularly if you’re planning to mix with other people or you haven't been able to have any vaccination jabs.
Lateral flow tests are free and provide a result within 30 minutes at home.
READ MORE: How to book a PCR test in Northern Ireland
Thanks to the new rise of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, lateral flow tests have been unavailable in England for the past two days, and there are supply issues in other parts of the country.
Here is how to get a lateral flow test.
Who should have a lateral flow test?
Under the latest guidance, anyone over the age of 11, who does not have symptoms, should take a rapid COVID-19 test before:
- meeting friends and family
- attending an event or social gathering
- spending time in a crowd or a busy public place
- visiting someone who is elderly or more vulnerable
- travelling into Northern Ireland from England, Scotland, Wales or the Republic of Ireland (the Common Travel Area )
If you have COVID symptoms, you must self-isolate and book a PCR test.
When should I get a PCR test instead?
If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, if you are fully vaccinated, you should book a PCR test on day two and day eight of the 10-day period following last contact with the positive person.
You should also take a daily lateral flow test for the 10-day period apart from day two and day eight when you take a PCR test .
It’s important to report every result, positive, negative or void. More details are available at our how to book a PCR test in Northern Ireland piece.
How you can get rapid tests
If you’re over the age of 18 and need rapid COVID-19 tests you can:
- order rapid COVID tests online for free delivery to your home
- find where to collect free rapid COVID tests
However, as of Tuesday (December 14), there are no lateral flow tests available on the UK Government website here.
If this remains the case while you are in need, you can find a pharmacy to pick them up in person using this site (these results are for Belfast).
How to report a rapid test result
It’s important to report every result, positive, negative or void. You need to report your result within 24 hours of getting it.
Reporting your result, even if it's negative or void, helps scientists track the spread of COVID-19 and spot new outbreaks faster.
If you cannot use the online service, phone 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day, 7.00 am to 11.00pm and 119 provides support in 200 languages.
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