Getting a Test for Coronavirus

Getting a Test for Coronavirus

Getting a test for coronavirus

From the HSE
Phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP (List available HERE) will assess you over the phone.
If they think that you need to be tested, they will arrange a test for you.
Make sure your GP has the correct mobile number for you. This is so we can contact you with your test details.
Do not ring GP out-of-hours services. They cannot arrange testing.
HSELive cannot order coronavirus tests. It is an information line only.

Where you will have your test

You will either have your test:

Your test appointment will be confirmed by text message. The text will include details on where you should go and when.
Testing is by appointment only. Do not go to a test centre without an appointment – you will not be seen.

Before you are tested

You will need to wait before you can have a test. This is because of the high demand. We are working to improve this.
Waiting times should become shorter as new test centres open, more staff are trained up, and new supplies arrive so that we can test more people.
Continue to self-isolate while you wait to be tested.
Treat your symptoms at home. Drink plenty of water. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with symptoms such as pain or fever.
Before taking any medication, read the full package leaflet that comes with your medicine. You should also follow any advice a healthcare professional gives you.
If your symptoms get worse or are severe, phone your GP.

Test centre

There are 32 test centres nationwide. Most centres are in a building or clinic. Some offer a drive-through service.
Do not go to a test centre unless you have an appointment – you will not be seen.

  1. Park and remain in your car.
  2. A healthcare worker will approach you.
  3. You’ll be given a mask to put on, they will explain to you what will happen, ask you some questions and you’ll be taken into the test centre.
  4. You’ll be asked to wash your hands properly.
  5. Healthcare staff will take some personal details from you – this is so we can contact you with your results.
  6. You’ll be asked to blow your nose into a tissue and bin it in a secure bin.
  7. A healthcare worker will take a sample from inside your mouth and nose using a swab. This will be sent to a lab for testing.
  8. You will then need to drive home and remain in self-isolation.

Drive-thru test centre

Some test centres offer a drive-thru service. You can drive yourself if you feel well enough. If not, someone else can drive you. If you have a child who has an appointment to be tested, you can drive them.
Do not go to a drive-thru test centre unless you are in a car and have an appointment – you will not be seen otherwise.

  1. Drive to the centre.
  2. Stay in your car at all times.
  3. Follow the signs and the directions of staff.
  4. A healthcare worker will ask you to open your window.
  5. You’ll be given a mask to put on your face, covering both your nose and mouth.
  6. They’ll direct you to a test bay to take your test sample – do not get out of car.
  7. One healthcare worker will take your personal details – this is so we can contact you with your results.
  8. Another will take two swabs from inside your mouth and nose.
  9. You will then need to drive home and remain in self-isolation.