Coronavirus test centres in Scotland: full list of drive-through test centres - and who can get tested

Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus can now get tested

If you think you have symptoms of Covid-19 and want to find out where you can get tested in Scotland, here’s what you need to know.

Who can be tested?

UK government Health Secretary Matt Hancock recently announced that up to 10 million key workers and their households in England could now book a test online if they have symptoms (Photo: Shutterstock)

Anyone in the UK with symptoms of coronavirus can get a test.

The NHS notes that you can get a free NHS test if:

you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) you're getting a test for someone you live with who has symptoms you live in England and have been told to get a test before you go into hospital, for example, for surgery your local council asks you to get a test you're taking part in a government pilot project

When is testing most effective?

The NHS explains that if you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible. NHSinform.scot explains you should get tested in the first 3 days of symptoms appearing, but that testing is effective until day 5.

"You won’t normally be tested after day 5 unless it’s for a specific reason. This will be agreed on a case-by-case basis,” adds the health information service.

How do I arrange a test?

The NHS explains that, you can ask for a test:

- for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)

- for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms

For further information, visit the NHS website or Gov.uk

What does the test involve?

The NHS notes, “The test usually involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself or someone can do it for you.”

Where are the testing centres in Scotland?

Testing under the UK programme in Scotland is currently conducted at drive-through sites operating at:

- Glasgow Airport

- Edinburgh Airport

- Aberdeen Airport

- Prestwick airport

- Inverness - University of the Highlands and Islands campus

- Perth – University of the Highlands and Islands campus