PCR tests are mainly for people with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). It involves capturing a swab which is sent to a lab to get the results.
All students and staff who return a positive lateral flow test result or who’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and book a PCR test immediately. You should continue to isolate until your PCR test result comes back with a negative result. If your result is positive, you should self-isolate in line with government guidelines.
Main steps for doing a PCR test
You’ll be given detailed instructions with your test kit. If you’re doing the test at a test site and need support, a trained helper can guide you.
These are the main steps for doing a PCR test:
- Wash your hands with soap or use a hand sanitiser.
- Lay out all the items in the test kit on the clean surface.
- Blow your nose and wash your hands again.
- Open your mouth wide and rub the swab over your tonsils (or where they would have been). Avoid the end of the swab touching your teeth, tongue and gums.
- Put the same swab inside your nose (about 2.5cm up or until you feel some resistance).
- Put the swab facing down into the tube and screw the lid tight.
- Put the tube in the bag provided.
Timing of the test
You should get tested in the first 3 days of coronavirus symptoms appearing, although testing is considered effective up until day 5.
Get a PCR test
There are different ways to request a PCR test.
You can:
- book a PCR test online to check if you have coronavirus on gov.uk
- if you live in Highland, Orkney, Shetland, or the Western Isles, you can book a test via your health board website
- call 119
You can choose whether to attend one of the testing sites in Scotland or to have a home testing kit delivered to you.
PCR test results
Results are sent by text and should be with you within 48 hours. Results are issued to whoever booked the test.
If you do not receive your test results, you can contact the helpline on 119.
Testing positive
If you test positive, you must follow the advice on self isolation.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): self-isolation factsheet
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test and Protect information
Negative tests and returning to study or work
Even if you have had a negative PCR test result, it’s important to still apply caution. If everyone with symptoms who was tested in their household receive a negative result, you can return to study or work if you feel well enough and have not had a fever for 48 hours.
If, after returning to study or work, they develop symptoms you should follow the NHS Inform guidance and self-isolate.
It is vital those who test negative continue to follow guidance including precautions related to social distancing and handwashing. A negative result is only for a point in time – if after a negative result you or your household member continues to feel unwell please refer to NHS Inform guidance.