COVID-19 testing
There are two types of test available to Lincolnshire residents:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests
- Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests
The type of test you need depends on your circumstances.
Symptomatic testing
If you have COVID-19 symptoms then you should self-isolate get a PCR test as soon as possible. You can get a PCR test from one of Lincolnshire's fixed testing sites, which are open 8am-8pm 7 days a week at:
- Lincolnshire Showground
- University of Lincoln (this site is for the public, as well as students)
- Skegness
- Boston
- Gainsborough
- Grantham
You can also access a PCR test from our mobile testing units, or you can order a home PCR testing kit.
You will be given details of your nearest available testing facility when you book online.
Asymptomatic testing
If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms you can do a lateral flow test.
These tests can identify people who don't have COVID-19 symptoms but who are infectious. They detect cases quickly so positive cases can isolate immediately, breaking chains of transmission.
Regular asymptomatic testing is a vital part of the government’s roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions. We recommend that people do lateral flow tests twice a week, especially if you can't work from home or are in a bubble or household with nursery, school or college children or staff.
You can get a lateral flow test by:
- visiting an asymptomatic testing site
- collecting home test kits from one of Lincolnshire's asymptomatic or 'fixed' testing sites
- ordering a home test kit online
* Fixed testing sites are where people with COVID-19 symptoms can get a PCR test, between 8am and 12pm (you must book first). Drive-through lateral flow test collection is available from 1pm – there's no need to book.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and book a PCR test immediately. Do NOT do a lateral flow test if you have symptoms.
Our testing sites are listed here, or you can visit the national COVID-19 Test and Vaccination Site Finder to find your nearest test centre.
What happens if I get a positive lateral flow test test?
If the lateral flow test is positive you will need to book a confirmatory PCR test either online or by calling 119. In the meantime you and your household should self-isolate.
If a PCR result comes back negative within 2 days of the lateral flow test then you no longer have to self-isolate.
What happens if I get a negative lateral flow test?
If the lateral flow test is negative you could still be infectious so continue to follow the usual precautions such as hand washing, wearing a mask and social distancing.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and get a negative lateral flow test, you should self-isolate and book a PCR test. Do NOT do a lateral flow test if you have symptoms.
How many kits can I pick up?
You can collect two test kits, each contains seven tests. This is enough for seven weeks of twice-weekly tests. If you are not able to collect in person, you can order online where you will receive one test kit for each order.
Help and support
If you are required to self-isolate you may be entitled to a self-isolation support payment.
For further support, advice and guidance call the county council's COVID helpline on 01522 782189.