Collecting your sample
Just follow the simple instructions below, or the leaflet included in the kit. You can also follow along with our step-by-step instructional video.
Step-by-step instructions
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Before you start please read all the instructions including the warnings
Before you start you must read all of the instructions including the warnings on the leaflet included with your kit in relation to the liquid in the sample transport tube. You should collect and return the sample on the same day. Please do not remove any labels from the kit components as they are required for sample identification.
This sample is suitable for the following individuals:
Adults aged 18+: Self-collect (unless unable to do so)
Teenagers aged 12-17: Self-collect with adult (18+) supervision
Children aged 2-11: Adult (18+) to collect
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What to do if you are collecting the sample from a child
If you are collecting a sample from yourself and from a child, please collect your own sample first and then collect the sample from the child.
Prepare for the sample collection
Position the child for the sample collection. Remain calm and confident. This will help the child to stay calm too. If possible, have the child sit on someone’s lap or have someone hold their hand. Decide before starting who will comfort the child and who will collect the sample.
Communicate with the child
Talk through the steps together. If the child is old enough, explain the sample collection process in terms they can understand. It may be helpful to give them a distraction or to make the sample collection process into a game.
Do not continue if the child has any pain or asks to stop.
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Complete the details on the label
Some biohazard bags include a label to fill in your date of birth, sex, sample collection date, and sample collection time. Completing this label is essential for the lab to process your sample if it is included in your kit.
If your biohazard bag label does not include space to fill in these details you can skip this step.
Please do not remove any labels from the kit components as they are required for sample identification.
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Wash your hands
Wash your hands in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
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Remove sample transport tube from kit
Remove the sample transport tube from the kit. Remove the lid and place the tube on a flat surface.
Do not spill the contents of the tube. If you spill the liquid from the sample transport tube, and it makes contact with the skin or eyes, rinse with water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
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Remove nasal swab from packaging
Partially peel open the nasal swab package. Remove the swab from the packet.
Do not touch the soft tip or lay the swab down on any surface. You will need to use this swab on both nostrils.
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Insert swab into nostril
Place the swab into the nostril until the cotton end of the swab is no longer visible. Do not continue if there is any pain. Do not reinsert the swab into the nostril after it has been placed into the sample transport tube.
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Collect nasal sample
Keep the swab in place and rotate it for 10 seconds, then gently remove from the nose.
Do not force the swab any further up and into your nose at any point.
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Repeat in the other nostril
Gently insert the swab in the vertical position into the other nostril until the cotton end of the swab is no longer visible.
Keep the swab in place and rotate it for 10 seconds, then gently remove from the nose.
Do not force the swab any further up and into your nose at any point.
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Place the swab into the sample transport tube
Place the swab into the sample transport tube immediately. Make sure the swab tip is covered by the liquid in the sample transport tube.
Carefully break the swab at the marked/scored line against the side of the tube, or use scissors if necessary. Discard the top portion of the swab — do not put it into the tube with your sample.
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Seal the sample transport tube
Screw the cap tightly onto the sample transport tube. This will ensure that the lid does not come off during shipping which would prevent the sample from being processed in the lab.
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Seal the sample in the biohazard bag
Place the sample tube in the biohazard bag and seal the bag.
To seal the biohazard bag, peel off the yellow strip and press the plastic flap firmly down.
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Place biohazard bag in test box
Place the biohazard bag back into the LetsGetChecked test box. Ensure you have sealed the biohazard bag.
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Wash your hands
Wash your hands in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
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Return the sample
Place the kit box in the return envelope provided. Send the kit back on the same day with UPS.
Any questions? Call our Support Team on +353 1 513 6654