COVID-19 antigen tests: What you need to know
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From: Department of the Taoiseach; Health Service Executive; Department of Health
- Published on: 1 December 2021
- Last updated on: 8 March 2022
- When to use antigen tests
- How to use an antigen test
- Positive antigen test result
- Negative antigen test result
Antigen tests are also known as 'lateral flow tests'. They are the tests you buy in shops and pharmacies and can use at home.
When using an antigen test, you use a swab to take a sample from your nose. Unlike a COVID-19 PCR test, the test sample does not have to go to a lab. You usually get your result in 15 minutes.
The information on this page is about using antigen tests you buy in a retail outlet yourself.
When to use antigen tests
If you are a healthcare worker and you are a household close contact, use antigen tests if you:
- do not have symptoms of COVID-19
- have not had COVID-19 in the past 3 months
If you are a healthcare worker and you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a PCR test.
Current arrangements for schools', early learning and school-aged care facilities antigen testing programme remain in place.
Antigen tests are not recommended for children under the age of 4.
How to use an antigen test
Follow these instructions:
- only buy antigen tests with a CE mark. A CE is a quality standards mark for products sold on the European market. It means the product conforms to European safety standards and performance
- sanitise your hands
- place the test on a flat, clean surface
- carefully read the instructions that came with the antigen test. These are all different so make sure to follow the exact instructions on your own test
- put your test and all the materials in the bin when you have got your result
There are more tips on how to use an antigen test on the HSE website.
Positive antigen test result
If your antigen test gives you a positive result you need to self-isolate (stay in your room) and follow these instructions.
Negative antigen test result
If you have a negative ('not detected') antigen test result, report your negative antigen result online. This helps the HSE to learn more about antigen testing.
A negative test does not mean that you do not have COVID-19. Continue to follow the public health advice on how to protect yourself and others.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, continue to self-isolate until you've had no symptoms for 48 hours.