What should you know about a COVID-19 report?

A positive result means the test detected evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in the sample. It should be interpreted alongside your symptoms, the date of testing and any exposure. A negative result means the test did not detect the virus in that sample; it does not always exclude infection, particularly if testing happened very early or symptoms continue.

Read the report for the test type, collection date, result wording and any laboratory comment. A report may use terms such as detected, not detected, positive or negative. A test result is different from an assessment of how unwell you are: severe symptoms need medical attention regardless of the wording on the page.

Follow the instructions attached to your report and the current advice from your local health authority about contact with other people. If the result is positive, limit close contact while infectious and tell a clinician if you have risk factors for severe COVID-19, because some treatments are time-sensitive. Keep the report available and note when symptoms began.

If the result is negative but you have fever, cough, fatigue, headache or feeling generally unwell, continue monitoring and ask a clinician whether repeat testing or another diagnosis should be considered. Do not change prescribed medicines based on the report without medical advice.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, persistent or severe chest pain, new confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, or inability to stay awake. These warning signs require prompt assessment whether the report is positive, negative or unclear.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are worsening, fever returns, you are unable to drink enough, or tiredness prevents ordinary self-care. Ask for clarification if the report is missing the collection date, uses wording you cannot interpret, or conflicts with your symptoms and another test result.

Ask: What test was used and how should I interpret this wording? Does the timing of my test change its reliability? Do my symptoms or health conditions require treatment or monitoring? When should I test again, and what warning signs should prompt urgent care?