Rapid Tests
Anyone in Northern Ireland can access free Rapid Lateral Flow Tests to keep our friends, family and colleagues safe.
Rapid Tests are quick, easy and convenient. They provide a result within 30 minutes at home.
You should take a test before meeting friends and family, or attending an event or social gathering. You can also test twice a week for peace of mind.
If you’re over the age of 18 you can:
- order Rapid COVID Tests online for free delivery to your home.
- find where to collect free Rapid COVID Tests.
More information on COVID-19 testing, including PCR tests, can be found at:
There will be changes to test and trace arrangements from 22 April. Further information on these changes is available at:
You can find information on accessibility support to access or take Rapid Tests at COVID-19 Testing Accessibility.
How does regular Rapid Testing keep us safe?
- Rapid Testing helps to reduce pressure on health and social care staff.
- you should test before meeting others in enclosed spaces or visiting someone who is vulnerable.
- if you’ve already had the vaccine, you can still pass COVID to others so keep testing to slow the spread of the virus.
Reporting every result – positive, negative or void – helps scientists to track the virus and spot new outbreaks faster. You can report a Rapid Test result online.
Do you have:
- a high temperature;
- a new, continuous cough; or
- noticed a loss or change in your sense of smell?
Rapid Tests should only be used by people with no symptoms. If you have ANY symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and book a PCR test instead.
Click on the links below to find out more and access free Rapid COVID-19 Tests:
Regular Rapid Lateral Flow Testing for the public.
- anyone over the age of 18 in Northern Ireland, can order Rapid Tests for free home delivery or find your local collection site
- businesses can access free Rapid Tests for their workforce
- information on the COVID certification scheme
- find the latest travel advice, including guidance on testing
FAQs
General questions
- What is a Rapid Test?
Rapid Tests use a Lateral Flow Device (LFD). The test detects the virus that causes COVID-19.
LFD testing uses nasal and/or throat swab samples to detect a protein (antigen) produced by the virus at its most infectious stage.
- What's the difference between a PCR test and a Rapid Test?
A Rapid Test provides a result within 30 minutes. PCR tests are sent to a lab for processing.
Rapid Tests should only be used by people with no symptoms. If you have ANY symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and book a PCR test instead.
- Who should take Rapid Tests?
Anyone who wants or needs to test can access Rapid Tests. Rapid Testing twice a week is strongly recommended for anyone over the age of 11, particuarly if you're planning to mix with other people.
Everyone, who does not have symptoms, should take a rapid lateral flow 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) and on day two and day eight after arrival
- How frequently should I get tested?
It’s recommended to use a Rapid Test twice per week. Regular testing helps to identify if you have COVID before it spreads to the people close to you. You should also take a test before attending any social gatherings.
- Is the test safe?
Yes – Rapid Tests using Lateral Flow Devices are validated technology, they are safe, and the results are trusted. The tests have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation, including at Public Health England’s research laboratories, to ensure they are verified for use.
- Should I use Rapid Tests if I’ve already had the vaccine?
Yes – it is still possible to catch and pass on COVID-19 following vaccination. Some people, including young children and those with health conditions, can’t be vaccinated yet. Regular Rapid Testing helps to keep them safe.
- Is Rapid Testing safe during pregnancy?
Yes, Rapid Tests are safe to use during pregnancy.
Access to tests
- I have Covid-19 symptoms, should I take an LFD test?
No – if you have COVID-19 symptoms you should book a PCR test by:
- booking a test online at a drive or walk through test site, or mobile testing unit.
- ordering a postal self-test kit online.
- calling the free phone number 119
- Where can I get Rapid Tests?
If you’re over the age of 18 and need Rapid COVID-19 Tests, but cannot access them through your employer or place of education, you can:
- Order Rapid COVID Tests online for free delivery to your home
- Find where to get Rapid COVID Tests for collection
- Do I have to pay for Rapid Tests?
No, Rapid tests are free for delivery or collection.
Get help taking a test
- Where can I find instructions on taking the test?
Testing is simple and each kit provides clear step-by-step instructions. If you’re unsure how to follow the steps, you can find video demonstrations and guides on gov.uk.
- Do Rapid Tests require a professional to perform the test?
No. Rapid Tests have been validated for self-swabbing. This means that you can use a mirror to perform the swab at home or at an Assisted Test Site. Or you can get a friend or family member to help.
Your test result
- How long does it take for my results to be ready?
The instructions in your test kit will show how long you need to wait before reading the result. It’s important to read your result at the correct time. If you leave the test for too long, you should take the test again using a new kit.
- What do my results mean?
There are different types of Rapid Tests. You should follow the instructions in your test kit to read the test result. If you’re unsure how to read the result, you can find video demonstrations and guides on gov.uk.
- My result was positive, negative or void, what should I do?
If positive – you should self-isolate. Most people will not need to confirm a positive lateral flow test result with a PCR.
However, you do need to confirm the result with a PCR test if you are eligible for new COVID-19 treatments because you have one of the conditions that put you at the very highest risk of serious illness should you catch COVID.
These conditions include Down’s Syndrome, blood cancer, severe liver and kidney disease, severe immunodeficiency, HIV or you are receiving certain cancer treatments. More information is available at:
If negative – 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. You should continue to follow the latest guidance(external link opens in a new window / tab).
If void – this means that the test has not run correctly. You need to take another Rapid Test. Do not reuse anything from the first test.
Reporting your test result
- Why do I need to report the test result?
Reporting your result, negative, positive or void, helps us understand where COVID-19 cases are increasing so we can take the right action to keep people safe.
- Where do I report my test result?
You can report your test result online here. If you cannot use the online service, call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm. 119 provides support in 200 languages. InterpreterNow is a free online British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service for 119.
- What is a Unique Organisation Number?
If you work for an organisation or business that participates in workforce testing, you may have been given a Unique Organisation Number (UON). The UON can be entered when you report your test result. Using the UON helps organisations and businesses to understand if case numbers are increasing and take actions to prevent COVID-19 spreading.
If you attend an event you may also be given a UON so that the number of cases related to the event can be monitored.
- I work or study in a school, do I still need to report my test result?
Yes, everyone who takes a Rapid Test, using a Lateral Flow Device, should report their result online, even if your result is negative or void.
20. How do I get confirmation of my Rapid Test result?
After reporting your Rapid Test, you should receive a text message to confirm your test result.
Workforce testing
21. Why should businesses introduce workforce testing?
Rapid Testing helps to keep your employees, colleagues and customers safe by identifying people who have the virus but do not have symptoms.
Rapid Testing:
- Ensures business continuity and helps to prevent costly staff absences.
- Detects COVID cases among staff who have no symptoms before they enter the workplace.
- Promotes consumer and customer confidence in your business.
- Helps to build and sustain the economic recovery.
- Protects your staff and their families.
22. How do we express our interest in introducing Rapid Testing for our workforce?
The Workforce Testing Programme will close on 22 April 2022. More information can be found at:
23. How frequently should staff be tested?
It’s recommended that staff should test themselves twice per week.
24. Do I have to participate in Rapid Testing in my workplace if it is introduced – Is it compulsory?
Rapid Testing is recommended but not mandatory.
Testing for events
25. Do I need to get a Rapid COVID Test to attend an event?
It is recommended that anyone attending an event should take a Rapid COVID Test before they attend, and on days two and eight after the event. Some event organisers may also require attendees to provide evidence of a negative Rapid Test result.
26. Where can I get Rapid Tests to attend an event?
Rapid Tests may be provided by the event organiser. You can also:
- Order Rapid COVID Tests. online for free delivery to your home
- Find where to get Rapid COVID Tests for collection