Lateral flow tests in Scotland: What are they, when are they available and how can I order them?

Lateral flow tests will be available for every Scot, Nicola Sturgeon has vowed.

Scots can order a lateral flow test for free from Monday, April 26.

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the news earlier this week, among a number of new measures and lockdown easing planned for that date.

The First Minister said: “I can confirm that lateral flow testing will be available to anyone in Scotland from April 26.

"I would encourage everyone to take advantage of this offer.”

But she particularly encouraged anyone travelling to a Scottish island to take two.

What is a lateral flow test?

Rapid lateral flow tests are for people who do not have symptoms of coronavirus but may be infected with it.

Lateral flow tests will soon be widely available for free in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced

According to the NHS, one in three people with Covid-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others.

The tests can be taken at home and they tell you whether you have Covid or not in around 30 minutes.

The devices are similar in appearance to a pregnancy test and the process usually involves taking a sample from your tonsils and nose with a long cotton bud.

Scots asked to take two Covid tests before travelling to the islands

How can I order a lateral flow test?

From Monday (April 26), these tests will be available to every person over 18 in Scotland for free.

On that day, you will be able to order free packs on the Scottish Government website.

Alternatively, you can pick a test up from a testing centre in Scotland.

Remember, if you test positive for coronavirus, you and anyone you live with must self-isolate for 10 days.

And if you have Covid-19 symptoms, you should take a PCR test.

How to report your lateral flow test result

The UK Government urges users of the test to report results of every test undertaken, no matter whether it is positive or negative, as soon as possible. It must be done within 24 hours of taking the test.

You can submit a your test result here.

You can also report your test result by calling the phone number in your test kit’s instructions.

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