COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Service
What is the COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Service?
The service is designed to offer a rapid antigen diagnostic test service
for COVID-19 and is intended to issue a digital COVID certificate (DCC) for a person that has received a negative COVID-19 test result.
How does this differ from a PCR test?
Unlike a PCR test, a rapid antigen test doesn’t have to be processed in a laboratory, so the cost is lower and the turnaround time quicker. The rapid antigen test reveals patients at the peak of infection when the body has the highest concentration of virus.
Rapid antigen tests will find the virus in most people who have symptoms. In some cases, it may not pick up that you have the virus.
Where is service available?
This service is available in selected LloydsPharmacy stores nationwide.
Our in-store service is a convenient way to get a noseswab antigen test to check for a current COVID-19 (coronavirus) infection.
What does the service entail?
A member of our pharmacy team will swab your nose. The service will be carried out in the Care Room/Consultation Room.
You’ll then be able to leave the store whilst your test is being processed.
Once your result is ready, we’ll notify you. If your result is negative, we will input your details into the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s EU Digital COVID Certificate Service and your EU Digital COVID Test Certificate will be generated.
For the purpose of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC), EU
Member States have agreed on a standard validity period for tests conducted prior to travel. Where accepted by a Member State, the validity period for rapid antigen tests (RADT) is 48 hours.
How long will my appointment take?
The appointment, including taking the nose swab, will take less than 10 minutes. You’re then able to leave the pharmacy. It will take 15-30 minutes for the result of your test.
Price
This service costs €35. Payment is taken when you arrive in the Pharmacy for your test.
Who is eligible for the service?
- Attendsymptom free of COVID-19
- Consent to the test and the recording of details into pharmacy systems, for 16 years and younger will require parental/guardian consent
- Patients under 12 years of age
- Absence of valid consent
- Experiencing any signs or symptoms of
respiratory infection including: - Fever >38°C (>100°F) or feeling
feverish - Persistent cough
- Breathlessness
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diagnosed with confirmed or suspected COVID-19
infection in the last 14 days - Close personal contact with anyone in the last 14 days confirmed to have, or is currently suspected of having COVID-19
- Been in contact with someone who is isolating and or is currently awaiting a test for COVID-19
- Advised by a doctor to self-isolate or cocoon at this time
What if my test Rapid Antigen Test Result is positive for COVID-19?
If you receive a positive antigen test result, you will be advised to get a PCR test either in a HSE walk-in test centre or through your GP and to restrict your movements in the meantime.
Please read this information carefully before coming in for your appointment.
Please bring a form of photo ID to verify your identity. If you’re using this service for travelling, this must be a passport. For other reasons, please bring your driver’s licence or another form
of photo ID, such as your Public Services Card
It’s important to ensure your full name, date of birth, and, if you’re travelling, your passport number is entered correctly onto the EU Digital COVID Certificate Service portal. This is what will appear on your COVID-19 test certificate.
Please remember to wear a face mask or covering and maintain social distancing whilst in pharmacy. You’ll need to remove your face mask or covering for the sample collection. Please arrive at the agreed time for your appointment.
Visit Us in Store
For more information on the services we offer check out our services page or visit your local store.
