Silex COVID-19 Self-Test Pack of 1

A COVID test kit you can use at home in 15 minutes

The Silex COVID-19 Self-Test is a nasal swab antigen test for COVID-19, the illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Each pack holds one test, with the cassette, extraction tube, swab and collection bag all in the box; you'll just need a timer. The instructions take you through 13 steps, from washing your hands to reading the result, and the box itself doubles as a stand: you press out a pre-drilled circle and sit the extraction tube in it while you swab.

Your result shows as lines next to C (Control) and T (Test) in the cassette window. A line at C means the test has worked. A line at T as well means a positive result. No line at C means the test is invalid and should be repeated with a new kit. For more home tests, see our range of medical home testing kits or the full Silex range.

What you get with the Silex COVID-19 Self-Test:

• One complete test: a sealed test device pouch with the cassette, an antigen extraction tube with extraction reagent, a sterilised swab and a collection bag.
• Nasal swab sample: swab both nostrils with the same swab, around 2cm in, five circles each side.
• Result at 15 minutes: don't read it after 30 minutes.
• Result guide included: Silex's guide shows what negative, positive and invalid results look like.
• Disposal: all used parts go in the collection bag and out with normal household waste.

Home COVID tests and when to seek help

COVID tests help you decide what to do next, for example whether to stay at home or avoid visiting someone at higher risk. A negative result means you likely do not have COVID-19, but it isn't a guarantee. If you're worried about your symptoms or they're getting worse, contact NHS 111 or speak to one of our pharmacists. If you are looking for ways to ease your symptoms, visit our cold & flu page.

How to use the Silex COVID-19 Self-Test

1. Wash your hands with soap and rinse with clear warm water.
2. Open the box and remove the following 5 items, placing them on a clean and flat surface: test device (pouch), cassette, antigen extraction tube with extraction reagent, collection bag, sterilised swab.
3. Open the package and take out the test cassette. Know the observation window and specimen well (S). It should be used within one hour.
4. Gently peel off the aluminium foil seal on the extraction tube.
5. Press the pre-drilled circle, make a hole in the outer box, and then insert the bottom of the antigen extraction tube into the hole.
6. Remove the sterilised swab from the packaging. Please make sure that you will not touch the top of the swab.
7. Relax your head naturally. Carefully insert the swab into your nostril; the swab tip should be inserted up to 2 cm until resistance is met.
8. Roll the swab firmly around the inside of the nostril, making 5 complete circles. Using the same swab, repeat this process for the other nostril to ensure an adequate amount of specimen is collected. Withdraw the swab from the nasal cavity.
9. Put the swab specimen into the extraction tube and rotate the swab for about 10 seconds. Press the swab head against the tube wall 3 times to release the antigen in the swab.
10. Press the nozzle cap firmly onto the extraction tube.
11. Hold the extraction tube vertically and add two drops of the test specimen into the specimen well (S). Start the timer for 15 minutes.
12. Read result at 15 minutes. Do not read results after 30 minutes. Please put all used materials in the enclosed collection bag for proper disposal. The test kit can be disposed of with normal household waste in compliance with the applicable local regulations.

Reading your result

• Negative: one line across from the C (Control) and no line across from T (Test).
• Positive: one line across from the C (Control) and another across from T (Test).
• Invalid: any test without a line across from the C (Control) is invalid. Discard it and repeat the test with another kit, following the test procedure as closely as possible.

• For in vitro diagnostic use only.
• For self-testing.
• Use the test cassette within one hour of opening the pouch.
• Single use only: do not re-use.
• Keep dry and away from sunlight.
• Do not touch the top of the swab.
• Read the result at 15 minutes. Do not read results after 30 minutes.
• A negative result is not a guarantee that you don't have COVID-19. If you're concerned about your symptoms or they are getting worse, contact a healthcare professional.