It remains the case that for most people free NHS tests are only available for those taking part in pilot schemes, who have been asked to have one by health professionals, or in people or families showing symptoms of the virus.
This means that some people are now looking to private providers to get tested before seeing loved ones and although many such providers are offering tests for a fee now, how do you know which are high quality and which should be avoided?
For a start, always look for a home test kit that is CE-marked as this shows it meets the European standards for medical testing and is also approved for sale in the UK – do not use any test without this approval mark.
Time your test
Always look for a home test kit that is CE-marked
Remember that, because the virus has an incubation period of up to 14 days, it’s possible to receive a negative test result today (and be infectious) and a positive one tomorrow.
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