Follow the instructions found in your test kit to collect your sample.

This video has some useful tips for taking a nose and throat swab to test for coronavirus. Please note that the packaging and labelling are different for your kit but the actual sampling process is the same:

You must write your full name and date of birth on the request form as well as on the sample collection tube. Please make sure to write legibly so the lab staff can read your writing. Without a labelled sample and completed request form, the lab cannot analyse your sample.

You can either drop your sample off directly at the lab or one of the drop-off points or return it by post.

Drop-off in person:

We use The Doctors Laboratory in London to process travel samples and their laboratory is open 24/7 including public holidays to receive samples in person or by courier if you prefer.

Alternatively, samples can also be dropped off at the Manchester lab:

The Manchester lab couriers samples to London daily. Drop off your sample by 14:00 or 21:00 on Mon-Fri and by 21:00 on Sat & Sun

Post back to the lab

Place your sample and the request form in the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 envelope. Keep a note of your tracking number. Post your sample to the lab as soon as possible after taking it. We strongly recommend posting your sample in a Royal Mail Priority postbox. Use the Royal Mail service finder to check the location of your nearest priority postbox.

Please be aware that Royal Mail does not collect or deliver to the lab on Sundays and public holidays. Furthermore, although the vast majority of samples sent Tracked 24 arrive at the lab the day after sending, the service is not guaranteed and samples occassionally take longer.

Your result will be available within 24 hours of our receiving your sample in the laboratory. We will email it to the address you verified with us.