A self-test is a test that you can do yourself at home to check whether you have coronavirus. It’s a good idea to use a self-test even if you’re fully vaccinated or have already had coronavirus. However, in some cases it is better not to rely on a self-test. For instance, if you need proof of recovery or if you live in a care facility, you should get tested at the municipal health service (GGD).
If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, do a self-test at home as soon as possible. Even if you’re fully vaccinated or have previously had coronavirus, you can still become infected and pass coronavirus on to others.
If your self-test result is negative, but you still have symptoms the following day, do another self-test. You could have coronavirus despite a negative result the day before.
This is why it’s important to always follow the advice in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Do a self-test on the day you arrive back in the Netherlands, before you meet others. Do another self-test on day 5. This advice also applies even if you have been vaccinated or have recovered from coronavirus.
Read the other rules and advice for returning to the Netherlands
Are you in contact at work with people who are considered at-risk (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment)? And is working from home impossible for you because of the nature of your work? Then check which COVID-19 test type to use (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM).
For certain people, self-testing isn’t necessarily the best option. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone with coronavirus you should get tested by the GGD if:
You can make an appointment online (Coronatest.nl) or by phoning 0800 1202.
A negative test result is sometimes required in order to travel abroad. If you require a negative test result for travel, you should get tested by a commercial provider. Read more about obtaining a negative test result for travel.
A self-test is a rapid antigen test that you do yourself. This means you collect mucus from your nose and test it independently. Before doing a self-test, always read the accompanying instructions.
Even if you have been vaccinated or have recovered from a coronavirus infection, testing yourself is a good idea. This is because you can still become infected and pass the virus on to others. Follow the 3 steps below to find out how do a self-test and what to do after you have obtained the result.
Make sure you always have a few approved self-tests at home. Rapid antigen tests that have been approved for use as self-tests have a CE logo on the packaging. You can buy approved tests at chemists, pharmacies and supermarkets.
Store coronavirus self-tests in a dry place and out of direct sunlight, between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius.
How reliable the result of a self-test is, depends on whether you do the test correctly. Read the leaflet included with the self-test for instructions on how to use it.
Coronavirus self-tests do not cause side-effects. However, inserting the swab into your nose can be uncomfortable.
Self-tests do not provide any information about the virus variant.
Step 3. After the self-test
If the result of your self-test is positive, it is very likely that you have coronavirus. In that case, there are steps you need to take. Do the Quarantine Check to find out what you need to do.
If you need proof of recovery in order to travel abroad, make an appointment to get tested by the GGD (Coronatest.nl).
Tell anyone you saw in the past few days that you have tested positive following a self-test. They can then do a self-test themselves.
If the result of your self-test is negative, you probably don’t have coronavirus. Your symptoms may be caused by another contagious virus or bacteria.
But your symptoms might still be caused by coronavirus. So do continue to exercise caution and follow the advice to prevent the spread of coronavirus. You should also take extra care around people with a medical condition.
If the result of your self-test was negative but you still have symptoms the next day, do another self-test.
If your symptoms worsen, contact your doctor.