Where can I get rapid lateral flow test kits in Liverpool? Location of Covid test and collection sites near me

It is thought that one in three people with Covid don’t have symptoms - but can still infect others.

The NHS recommends taking a rapid test twice a week to check if you have coronavirus but not displaying symptoms to maintain the country’s grip on infection rates.

If the test returns positive then you are advised to self isolate - even if you have received one or both Covid vaccination jabs - to help limit the spread of the virus across the UK.

Here’s how you can get a rapid lateral flow test in Liverpool and locations of test and collection sites in the city to play your part in stopping the spread of Covid amid the pandemic.

What is a rapid lateral flow test?

A rapid lateral flow test is designed to detect Covid in people who are not showing symptoms of the virus to help limit the spread of the disease as the vaccination programme continues.

In order for the test to provide an accurate result, you must take a swab of your tonsils and of the inside of your nose, with quick results similar to a pregnancy test.

If you have symptoms of Covid, such as a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss of sense of smell or taste, then you are advised to take a different test called a PCR test.

Where can I get rapid lateral flow test kits in Liverpool?

There are two sites in Liverpool where rapid lateral flow tests are available.

• Liverpool Tennis Centre, Wavertree Sports Park, L15 4LE - tests can be picked up and taken at home. Less than 15 minutes’ wait. Open daily from 7am to 2.30pm.
• Convention Centre Liverpool, King’s Dock, L3 4FP - test site for people with no Covid symptoms. Booking not required. Less than 15 minutes’ wait. Open daily from 7am to 7pm.

How else can I get a rapid lateral flow test kit?

As well as picking up a rapid lateral flow test kit from a site in the city and completing the test at home, or taking a test at an allocated centre, you can order tests online.

If you order a rapid lateral flow test online then a kit will be sent directly to your home. Once you complete a test at home you’ll need to report your test results online or by phone.

This will help local authorities to decide how best to proceed during the Covid pandemic.

Schools, colleges, nurseries as well as universities and employers may also provide rapid lateral flow test kits.

What should I do if the test returns positive?

Rapid lateral flow tests are 99.9% accurate.

This means the chance of getting a false positive result is extremely low and if you test positive for Covid then you will need to self isolate.

If you get a positive test result then anyone you live with should also self isolate immediately and you will need to take a PCR test.

You will need to continue to self isolate while you wait for the result of the PCR test before following NHS advice when receiving your PCR test result.