How to Book a test for COVID-19?

Covid-19 three main symptoms are:

1. high temperature

this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

2) A new, continuous cough

this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

3. Loss or change of smell/taste

this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

As of 6th March 2021, people living in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot can now go for a free Coronavirus test if they have a wider range of symptoms. As well as the three classic signs – fever, a new continuous cough or a loss/change of taste and smell – people can now get a test if they have other symptoms too. These are:

  1. Flu-like symptoms including any or all of: myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose; persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing;
  2. Generally feeling unwell and a history of being in contact with a known COVID-19 case
  3. Any new or change in symptoms following a previous negative test

The change is happening to help find hidden COVID-19 cases in our communities, and drive down the numbers of onward transmissions. Identifying infections which could otherwise go undetected is particularly important as new variants of the virus emerge and schools re-open.

The more tests are carried out, the easier it will be to spot early clusters of cases and possible virus mutations. This will help with easing restrictions in the future.

If you have no symptoms, you do not need to arrange a PCR test.

HOWEVER, if you have any symptoms that could be COVID-19, then you need to arrange a PCR test.

If your lateral flow is positive, please arrange a PCR test.

Lateral flow tests are useful for those patients who don’t have symptoms.

It is helpful at reducing spread by those that might have covid but don’t have symptoms.

The moment you have symptoms of COVID-19/Coronavirus, please arrange a PCR test. 

PCR tests are more accurate, but because they are more expensive and take longer to process then we encourage testing for when there’s more of a requirement to get an accurate result. Such as when someone has symptoms that might be COVID.

Booking a PCR test

  • If you want to ring to book your test dial 01639 862757 to make an appointment at one of the testing centres.
  • Alternatively  vall 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free).
  • If you have hearing or speech difficulties: call 18001119.
If you’d prefer to book online please go to

  • You can also use the same website to book a test kit to be delivered to your home address.
  • Alternatively, you can apply for the home testing kit by phoning the free number 119.
  • People with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119. You need to take the test in the first five days of having symptoms. Please note the test will tell you if you have coronavirus now. It will not tell you if you had coronavirus in the past.

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged 11 or under.

For Neath there are test centres at Milland Road Car Park.

There is a walk-through testing at Baglan Energy Park.

 

The system and process used to notify the results of tests varies according to the method chosen, and on booking the test you will be given further information on how the result will be provided.

MOST will receive a text message and/or an email. If you provided your test centre with your GP details, they will also get a notification of this result.

Due to current demand it can now take 72 hours or more to get a result.

If you believe you have been waiting too long for a result, please contact 01639 862757 and select option 4.

If you have received a test result and need further information on what to do next, please visit Public Health Wales.

Please be aware that our call handlers are doing their best to help you, and please treat them with courtesy and respect.