Order Lateral Flow Devices online
Lateral Flow Result Notification form
There are different tests you can get to check if you have COVID-19.
The 2 tests are:
PCR tests – For anyone with symptoms, positive lateral flow tests or after arrival from outside of the Common Travel Area. These are sent to a lab to be checked and are undertaken by a specialised swabbing team. You can arrange a PCR test online and your appointment details will be emailed to you. PCR tests are free of charge unless you a returning traveller, in which case it is £30.00 per traveller.
Rapid lateral flow tests – for anyone who is doing regular testing but does not have symptoms, anyone identified as a close contact of known COVID-19 cases, and those arriving to the Island from within the CTA. These give a quick result (15 minutes) and are now available for free to anyone on the Island. If you receive a positive lateral flow test, you must isolate and book a PCR test immediately. All LFT results (even negative results) should be submitted online.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 you should book a PCR test, regardless if you receive a negative LFT result.
On this page:
Visiting the coronavirus testing facility
Costs for LFTs, PCRs and Private PCRs
Lateral flow testing
Regular self-testing is now requested, even if you do not have symptoms
Lateral Flow Tests (LFT's) are now available to everyone in the Isle of Man, free of charge.
Around one in three people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others.
While COVID-19 remains a risk to or community, it is good practice to test yourself using a LFD around every 3 - 4 days provided that you do not have symptoms and you feel well. Even if you’re vaccinated, there’s still a chance you can transmit COVID-19, so you should keep testing regularly. It is also strongly recommended that you do an LFT before attending any large public events.
Additionally, if you have been in close contact with a known Covid-19 case, it is strongly recommended that you use LFD tests every day for 7 days, and stay extra vigilant for symptoms of Covid-19.
If you test positive on a lateral flow test, you must self-isolate immediately and either call 111 or go online to book a PCR test.
You can order your LFTs online using the below form, or you can collect them from participating pharmacies. Please contact your local pharmacy to see if they have kits available and any collection restrictions they have in place.
Order Lateral Flow Devices online
You will be asked for your full name and postal address. Orders will normally be delivered next day if the order is received prior to 4pm. This may vary depending on the resources and supplies available at the time. Please see the Privacy Notice specific to this form.
If you have not received your lateral flow devices in the post within 3 working days you can let us know via email: LFDQueries@gov.im.
Please provide your full name and postal address so we can share with Manx Independent Carriers to arrange a quick delivery.
To ensure an ongoing supply of the home test kits for everyone, please order no more than one pack of six test kits in a seven day period.
Please do not attempt to place multiple orders – to prevent this Online Services will review data to identify multiple ordering from the same household.
If you have taken an LFT, please report your test result using the below Lateral Flow Result Notification form. See also the Privacy Notice in respect of the form.
Lateral Flow Result Notification form
PCR tests
If you do have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay at home and immediately go to gov.im/coronavirus or call 111 to access a PCR test instead, regardless of whether you have received a negative LFT result
Book a PCR test as soon as possible (either online or by calling 111) if you have any of these symptoms, even if mild:
- a high temperature
- a new, persistent cough
- a loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste
- new shortness of breath
You must isolate as soon as you book your test, stay at home until you get your test result - only leave your home to have the test.
If you feel unwell, but do not have classic symptoms of COVID-19, consider taking a lateral flow test. If it’s positive, stay at home and book a PCR test.
If you wish to book a test for a child under 5 please phone 111
Your appointment will be emailed to you when processed:
Close contacts
If you are in the same household as someone suspected of being COVID-19 positive with the Omicron variant, you will also be required to isolate for the 10 days.
If you've been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you are encouraged to do an LFT every day for 7 days, whether or not you have symptoms.
Examples of close contact include:
- face-to-face contact within one metre for any length of time – including talking to them or being coughed on
- being within one metre of each other for one minute or longer
- being within two metres of each other for more than 15 minutes in total in one day
Whilst there will be no legal restrictions on close contacts, you should consider:
- Telling your employer that you have been identified as a close contact and letting them know if you’ll be undertaking daily home testing
- Telling friends, family and colleagues who may feel anxious or vulnerable
- Thinking about who you interact with in the 10 days after being told you’re a close contact
- Taking precautions that may make you and others feel safer, such as minimising face-to-face close contact, avoiding confined and poorly ventilated areas or wearing a face covering as appropriate.
Visiting the coronavirus testing facility
The testing will take place at The Grandstand, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas.
It is open 7 days a week. Slots are allocated in order of availability.
If you have any problems attending your test appointment contact COVID 111.
This is a drive-through testing service and you must attend by car or by taxi.
- All passengers must wear a face covering at all times
- Travel to the car park waiting area and wait until called
- If the area is busy, wait until you view a green light. Once displayed, drive through and
- switch off your engine
- DO NOT get out of your vehicle
- Wind your window down
- Wait to receive further directions from a member of staff
The test will be performed by a health professional. They will be wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE). You will be asked for your name and date of birth.
The tester will then take a swab first from your throat (orothanphaygeal) and then from your nose (nasalpharyngeal).
This process may be a bit uncomfortable, but it will be completed as quickly as possible to alleviate any distress.
You may want to bring a drink of water with you for after the testing.
You should receive your results by text message or email within 24 hours.
Until you receive your test results DO NOT stop isolating because you are feeling better.
Please do not call 111 for your test results. They will be sent by email/text as soon as possible, but times may vary due to test volumes.
If you test negative for COVID-19, you will be advised by 111 that you may end self-isolation. If you are still required to complete a mandatory period of self-isolation by law under a specific direction notice (e.g. due to travel restrictions) even if you have tested negative you MUST remain in self-isolation for the full period.
If you test positive for COVID-19 you will receive:
- advice from clinicians at 111, including details of your self-isolation period
- You will be issued with a Direction Notice by the Cabinet Office – Public Health 111/Contact Tracing Service (on behalf of the Manx Care) which requires you to undertake mandatory self-isolation, as specified by 111, from the on-set of your symptoms.
Your contact details will be passed onto the Public Health Contact Tracing Service so any contacts with other persons can be followed up and they too may be issued with a mandatory direction notice and instruction to self-isolate for a specified period.
Please refer to our Privacy Notice on how the Cabinet Office will use your personal data for these purposes.
Costs for LFTs, PCRs and Private PCRs
LFDs are free of charge to everybody.
PCR tests are free of charge for:
- those who have symptoms
- contacts of someone who has tested positive for coronavirus
- patients required to have a test as part of pre-assessment screening, e.g. – for a hospital procedure
- those required to take a test after a patient transfer (speak to patient transfers for advice first)
- Eligible students and their escort (where the student is a child or requires parental support)
- travellers arriving as essential workers (note that you will need employer approval before you undergo testing)
- travellers receiving their day 6 test
All other travellers will be charged £30 which should be booked within 48 hours of arriving on the Isle of Man.
The Department of Health and Social Care are able to provide a private COVID-19 PCR test chargeable at £50.00 per person per test.