Covid testing
Page updated: 03.11.22
Public information
Eligibility for free testing
You can order free tests if:
- a doctor or specialist has said you're eligible for new COVID-19 treatments
- your GP or healthcare professional asks you to take a test
You can order tests online for home delivery (on GOV.UK) or by calling 119.
If you wish to test but are not eligible for free lateral flow tests (LFTs) you can purchase them from various retailers.
Follow this link to order tests online, for home delivery, on the GOV.UK website.
Follow this link to read more on coronavirus treatments.
Purchasing tests from a private provider
Retailers such as high street pharmacies sell LFTs in store and online. Not all of them offer the same testing services. Before you look for a private provider, you’ll need to think about what testing service you need. For example, if you are seeking a pre-departure travel test (‘fit to fly’), the testing requirements are set by the country you are travelling to, and sometimes the airline you’re flying with.
Reporting results from LFTs bought privately
If you buy a private test you should not report your result on the GOV.UK website.
Some private providers may have their own systems to report results. If you paid for a test, check the test kit instructions to see if you should report your results to the private test provider.
If you need medical advice about your symptoms
Contact the 111 online Coronavirus service or your GP if you feel your symptoms aren’t improving or you need advice. If you don’t have internet access, call 111.
In a medical emergency, dial 999 and inform the call handler or operator that you or your relative have COVID-19 symptoms.
Follow this link to the 111 online Coronavirus service.
Useful links
Go to this page for information and guidance for care homes.
Follow this link to the 'Get tested for coronavirus' page on the Welsh Government website.
Follow this link to the 'Testing for coronavirus' page on the Welsh Government website.
Health & Social Care guidance for COVID-19 testing within Swansea Bay University Health Board
Please reference the current guidance below, to determine which pathway to follow.
Please note that if an LFT has already been carried out and a positive result provided, you will not require a PCR. PCR is only applicable to those who are symptomatic.
Should it be determined that a PCR is required for your given setting, the following contact details will apply;
Health & Social care staff, call the COVID-19 Results & Referrals team:
- 01639 862757
Care home residents, prisoners and residential special schools, the manager/person in charge please email the COVID-19 Results & Referrals team:
- Sbu.neathpch@wales.nhs.uk
- Please include details of the patient, symptoms and the result of a lateral flow if taken.
- Please note that we will only be testing 3 residents per outbreak.
Contact tracing
The focus for our testing and contact tracing teams is protecting more vulnerable people, helping with surveillance, and supporting any future outbreaks. To read Wales' full public health plan for managing respiratory viruses this autumn and winter, please refer to the second link under Useful Links below.
The Neath Port Talbot contact tracing and COVID outbreak (in care homes and workplaces) team can be contacted by emailing - healthprotection@npt.gov.uk
Useful Links
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.