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If you're eligible for a coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment, follow this guide on how to do a PCR test at home and register your test kit.

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

https://www.rnib.org.uk/coronavirus-updates/priority-pcr-home-testing-people-eligible-new-covid-19-treatments

The instructions in your test kit may look different to these guides. However, the steps for doing the test are the same.

The NHS is offering antibody and antiviral treatments to people with coronavirus (COVID-19) who are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill.

Find out more about who can have a COVID-19 treatment on NHS.UK

From 1 April you should check COVID-19 symptoms using rapid lateral flow tests, not a PCR test.

Only take a PCR test and use this guide if you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments and you:

The NHS team arranging your treatment will explain how to get a PCR test if you do not have one already.

A PCR test is a test for COVID-19 that is sent to a lab.

This guide tells you how to:

There’s separate information on how to do a PCR home test if you’re not eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

Watch a video about how to do a PCR home test.

Watch a video on how to test yourself at home using a PCR test kit.

You can call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines) if you need extra support to register and do the test.

SignVideo is a free online British Sign Language interpreter service for 119.

You can use the free Be My Eyes app to get help from trained NHS Test and Trace staff. Download the app, go to ‘Specialized Help’ and select ‘NHS Test & Trace’ in the ‘Personal Health’ category.

If anything in your test kit is damaged or missing, do not use it. Call 119 to get a new test kit.

If you’ve been harmed or had a reaction using the test kit, report it as soon as possible.

Find out how to give feedback about your test kit or report harm.

Updated Details section with information on how to check COVID-19 symptoms. Guidance now covers the UK, not just England.

Updated 'PCR home test instructions... (print version)' and accompanying HTML. Replaced 'COVID-19 Priority PCR test instructions (easy read)'.

Updated 119 phone line opening hours.

Updated PCR home test instructions in Welsh.

Updated information to reflect changes in testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England.

Added a link to the RNIB website for additional formats, including audio, braille, large print and giant print.

Added 'COVID-19 Priority PCR test instructions (easy read)'.

Added information on giving feedback about a test kit, or reporting harm.

Added video showing how to do a PCR home test.

Added PCR home test instructions in Welsh.

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