Types of pcr test
How long does a PCR home test for people eligible for new COVID-19 treatments take?
Read through the instructions and follow the steps in the correct order. The preparation and test will take about 30 minutes.
When should I swab both nostrils when doing a COVID-19 PCR test?
If there is a reason you cannot take a throat swab, swab both nostrils instead.
What are ‘nudgeboxes’ and what are they used for?
Do I need a negative COVID-19 test to travel?
Pre-departure travel tests (‘fit to fly’) You may need proof of a negative COVID-19 test before travelling abroad. Providers often call these fit to fly tests. The testing requirements are set by the country you want to travel to, and sometimes the airline you’re flying with.
Private providers offering these tests must meet the government’s minimum standards for general population testing services in order to legally provide the services. We do not currently host a separate list for ‘fit to fly’.
How is the COVID-19 test performed?
These tests (sometimes called ‘swab’ or ‘antigen’ tests) check to see if you are currently infected with the virus.
The swab sample is taken from your nose and throat.
Alternatively, a saliva sample might be used.
This sample is then tested to see if you have the virus.
Is temperature check a reliable way to detect coronavirus disease?
There is little scientific evidence to support temperature screening as a reliable method for detection of COVID-19 or other febrile illness, especially if used as the main method of testing.
Temperature readings from temperature screening systems will measure skin temperature rather than core body temperature. In either case, natural fluctuations in temperature can occur among healthy individuals. These readings are therefore an unreliable measure for detection of COVID-19 or other diseases which may cause fever. Furthermore, infected people who do not develop a fever or who do not show any symptoms would not be detected by a temperature reading and could be more likely to unknowingly spread the virus.
Can you take ibuprofen if you have the coronavirus disease?
Is it safe to live in the same house as someone with COVID-19?
People who live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 are at the highest risk of becoming infected because they are most likely to have prolonged close contact. People who stayed overnight in the household of someone with COVID-19 while they were infectious are also at high risk.
How long does it take for COVID-19 booster to become effective?
Are COVID-19 tests 100% reliable?
How long does the virus that causes COVID-19 last on surfaces?
How should you maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at home with possible infection?
Should I open windows if I have COVID-19?
If someone in the household is unwell with a respiratory infection, keeping a window slightly open in their room and the door closed will help to reduce the spread of contaminated air to other parts of the household.
How do I disinfect surfaces during the coronavirus disease pandemic?
In non-health care settings, sodium hypochlorite (bleach / chlorine) may be used at a recommended concentration of 0.1% or 1,000ppm (1 part of 5% strength household bleach to 49 parts of water). Alcohol at 70-90% can also be used for surface disinfection. Surfaces must be cleaned with water and soap or a detergent first to remove dirt, followed by disinfection.
Cleaning should always start from the least soiled (cleanest) area to the most soiled (dirtiest) area in order to not spread the dirty to areas that are less soiled.
What surfaces should be cleaned during the COVID-19 pandemic?
What are the cleaning and disinfection recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Regular cleaning plays a vital role in limiting the transmission of COVID-19.
Reducing clutter and removing difficult to clean items can make cleaning easier. Increase the frequency of cleaning, using standard cleaning products such as detergents and bleach, paying attention to all surfaces but especially ones that are touched frequently, such as door handles, light switches, work surfaces, remote controls and electronic devices.
As a minimum, frequently touched surfaces should be wiped down twice a day, and one of these should be at the beginning or the end of the working day. Cleaning should be more frequent depending on the number of people using the space, whether they are entering and exiting the setting and access to handwashing and hand-sanitising facilities. Cleaning of frequently touched surfaces is particularly important in bathrooms and communal kitchens.