To protect our participants and team, our study processes have been updated and self-swabbing was implemented during the 2022 flu season. We will continue to use self-swabbing for the 2023 flu season as this method is an effective way of testing for influenza and other respiratory viruses.
You will be provided with instructions to guide you through the process, our Clinical team can also offer you guidance and support over the phone or by video call you if you need it.
Please note - unlike RATs, these swabs must be returned in the solution and tube provided.
Result reporting
The ESR lab staff will test your swab for influenza, Covid-19, Rhinovirus, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Enterovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza virus types 1-3 and Human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Influenza and Covid-19 results will be available within 72 hours*, results for other respiratory viruses may take up to two weeks.
*Sometimes tests need to be repeated to confirm the result is correct, this may mean your swab result will take a little longer to get to you than usual.
All swab results are sent to your GP and can be accessed through the Manage My Health patient portal.
Positive test result for influenza: If you or a household member tests positive for the flu virus, we will let you know via phone call and explain what happens next as further sampling is required.
Positive test result for Covid-19: If you or a household member tests positive for Covid-19, we will let you know via phone call and nothing further is needed.
Negative test results for influenza and Covid-19: If the swab shows no flu or Covid-19 virus, we will let you know via email, and nothing further is needed.
The below video shows you how to take a nose swab at home for all ages:
