In order to help you understand the world of Covid-19 testing, we have collated below a list of terms you might find while searching for a Covid-19 test.
You might also find our FAQ section useful:
Or visit our Resources section for a variety of articles on Covid-19 testing and breakdowns of specific country entry requirements:
| Antigen Test | Antigen tests look for a certain protein present in the Covid-19 virus. They work by using a lateral flow device, a bit like a pregnancy test. Antigen tests do not need to be sent to a lab and results are provided in as little as 15 minutes, which is why they are sometimes called a rapid antigen test. |
| Clinic Test | A Covid-19 test done at a clinic, either under professional supervision, or by a medical professional. Some countries only allow professionally administered tests, so it is important to check with the provider before purchase. |
| E-Consultation | This is a method of sampling that involves a consultation with a healthcare professional over live video. This counts as a supervised test. |
| Fit to Fly (F2F) | F2F is the common shortening of Fit to Fly, also known as Fit to Travel. |
| Home Test | A Covid-19 test that you do at home, without professional supervision. The provider supplies you with the kit and instructions, either through the post or at a click & collect location near you. |
| Lateral Flow Device (LFD) | The device used to take rapid antigen tests. For more info see Antigen Test. |
| Molecular Test | see NAAT Test |
| NAAT Test | NAAT stands for Nucleic Acid Amplification Test. This refers to the method used to check for Covid-19 in PCR and LAMP tests. They work by making millions of copies of any potential virus genetic material in the sample. They are also called molecular tests. |
| Nasopharyngeal Swab | A type of sampling where the swab is inserted into the patient's nose up to the nasopharynx, the deep part of the nasal cavity. It is not the same thing as a nose and throat swab. |
| Nose and Throat Swab | A type of sampling where the swab is inserted into the back of the throat and then the nose. |
| PCR | PCR tests look for viral genetic material inside a sample. In order for this to happen, the sample needs to be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually turned around from 24h to 72h, although there are providers that offer faster turnarounds. |
| Professionally Supervised Test | A type of sampling where the patient does the sampling on themselves while being supervised by a healthcare professional, either in person or through a live call. |
| Professionally Administered Test | A type of sampling where a healthcare professional takes the sample. |
| Rapid Antigen Test | see Antigen Test |
| RT-PCR | A RT-PCR is a type of PCR test. |
| Self-Administered Test | A type of sampling where the patient takes the sample themselves, either alone or under supervision of a healthcare professional. |
| Self-Sampling | see Self-Administered Test |
| Self-Testing | see Self-Administered Test |
| TAT | Turnaround Time, or the amount of time results will take. |
| Telehealth | This is a method of sampling that involves a consultation with a healthcare professional over live video. This counts as a supervised test. |
| Telemed | see Telehealth |
| Third-country national (for the EU) | For the EU, third-country nationals are all nationals of countries not in the EU/EEA. This means a UK national is a third-country national for countries in the EU. |
| UKAS | United Kingdom Accreditation Service. Some countries ask that the test provider have a specific UKAS accreditation. |
| Vaccine Primary Series | This refers to the first full dosage of the vaccine: two doses for a two dose vaccine (e.g. Pzifer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) and one dose for a one dose vaccine (e.g. Janssen). |
| Video consultation | This is a method of sampling that involves a consultation with a healthcare professional over live video. This counts as a supervised test. |
