When you do a coronavirus (COVID-19) test at home or at a test site, you might be asked to register it so you can get the test result.
This is how the NHS matches your contact details to the test kit you used.
Registering a test kit is different to reporting a test result.
If you did a rapid lateral flow test at home or work, you should report your result to the NHS, even if it's negative or void.
How to register a test
There are different ways to register a test.
At some test sites, staff will register the test for you.
If you're taking part in surge testing
If you're taking part in surge testing, you'll be asked by your local council to do a PCR test at a test site, or to use a PCR test kit at home. Find out if your area is taking part in surge testing on GOV.UK
If you've travelled to the UK
When you enter the UK you'll need to do 1 or more COVID-19 tests. If you do a PCR test, your travel test provider might ask you to register the test on GOV.UK so you can get the result.
If you're not sure how to register the test, check with your travel test provider.
If you ordered a PCR home test kit
If you ordered a PCR home test kit online or by calling 119, check if you need to register the kit before you send it to the lab.
Test kits that are already registered will have a ‘Registered Kit’ label on the outer bag. If you have an order confirmation email, this will also tell you if the test kit is already registered.
Only use the test kit registered to you or you will not be sent a result.
If you're doing a test at a test site
If you're doing a PCR or rapid lateral flow test at a test site, you might be asked to register during your visit or after you've left. Some tests sites will give you a test registration card with your test barcode on it.
Get help to register a test
If you need help to register a test, call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines). Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm. 119 provides support in 200 languages.
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.