Test results for COVID-19 (2024)

COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests show the result on the testing device.

What your COVID-19 test results means

Positive test result

If you get a positive result, it means it’s very likely you have COVID-19.

Try to stay home and avoid contact with other people for:

• 3 days if you are under 18 years
• 5 days if you are 18 or over

Get advice about how to look after yourself at home if you have COVID-19 or symptoms

If you're eligible for COVID-19 treatments and you get a positive result, call your GP surgery, NHS 111 or hospital specialist as soon as possible.

Find out more about treatments for COVID-19

Negative test result

If you get a negative result, it means it's unlikely you have COVID-19.

There's still a chance you could have the virus, so you should follow the advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19.

If you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments and you get a negative result, you need to do a total of 3 rapid lateral flow tests over 3 days (1 test a day) if you continue to have COVID-19 symptoms.

Find out more about treatments for COVID-19

Test result could not be read

If your test result could not be read (some tests may call this a void result), it’s not possible to say if you had COVID-19 when the test was done.

Do another test as soon as possible.

If you're going into hospital for a procedure

If you did the test because you're going into hospital for a procedure, contact the hospital as soon as you get your result to find out what to do.

You should contact the hospital whatever the result is.