What does a positive Covid test look like?
Weve become dab hands at swabbing now. (Picture: Getty Images)  If youre showing symptoms of Covid already, youre encouraged to use the PCR test. You can order one online or order a test at a walk-in/drive-thru site. These tests get sent off to a lab and youll likely get your results back the next day, clearly stating whether you tested positive or not. However, for those who need to take a test without showing any symptoms  be it a requirement of entering your work office, for example  youll use a lateral flow test. The results come back within 30 minutes, and you do it yourself. But this means being able to understand the results yourself. Lateral flow tests come in a package with clear instructions, so once youve followed them and set everything up, you must wait for your results. After youve taken your rapid lateral flow test, you are advised to wait at least 30 minutes for the full result to come through. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video  However, results usually start to show sooner than that. If your test comes back positive, youll see two lines, one next to the control line marked with a letter C and one next to the test line marked with a letter T.  If your result comes back positive, you must report this test result to the NHS. If you get a positive result, it means you are currently infected with coronavirus and risk infecting others. When you report your result, you will be provided with further information on the next steps to take. A negative lateral flow result. (Picture: Getty)  A negative result will show one line next to the C, whereas a voided test will show either no lines or one line next to the T.  If your result is void, take another test. MORE : UK Covid death toll could increase from 128,000 to 1,000,000, warns scientist  MORE : Coronation Street and Emmerdale could be shut down after Covid outbreak  Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share your views in the comments below.