 Getting a rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test is free, easy and quick.
With around one in three people who have coronavirus showing no symptoms, testing is vital for those anyone who comes into regular contact with people who are not part of their household or bubble.
Regular testing will help identify more people who have COVID-19 and help to reduce the spread of the virus as they will know they need to self-isolate.
We recommend getting tested twice a week, 3 to 4 days apart.
We have test centres across Central Bedfordshire for people to get tested, which can provide results usually within 30 minutes.
We have mobile test centres in Leighton Buzzard and Houghton Regis and will be opening new centres for Biggleswade and Flitwick soon.
The centres provide testing kits and show you how to take a test on site first to ensure you can use them at home.
Testing is free and there is no need to book an appointment, just turn up.
New mobile service in Houghton Regis
The mobile test and collect minibus will be at Parkside Day Centre on Parkside Drive from Thursday 29th April until Friday 7 May. The mobile service will then move to another location in Houghton Regis.
We will be open from 1 pm to 11 pm on Thursday 29 April; then from 11am to 7pm Friday 30 April; Tuesday 4 May; Thursday 6 May and Friday 7 May.
Mobile service in Leighton Buzzard
Our mobile test and collect minibus is at Duncombe Drive car park, Leighton Buzzard four days a week. We are open Monday 9am to 6pm; Tuesday 8am to 5pm; Thursday 9am to 6pm and Friday 8am to 5pm.
Other ways to get a test
Our current sites at Flitwick, Biggleswade and Dunstable close at 5 pm this Friday 30 April as we move to our new mobile test sites which will open soon – see our website and Facebook page for details.
Flitwick Leisure Centre - open Thursday 8am to 7pm and Friday 8am to 5 pm.
The Dunstable Centre - open Thursday 8am to 7pm and Friday 8am to 5 pm.
Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre in Biggleswade- open Thursday 8am to 7pm and Friday 8am to 5 pm.
Having a test at home
You can get rapid tests to do at home. You can collect up to 2 packs of 7 tests from a local pharmacy or our testing centres or order a pack of 7 tests for home delivery. You will also soon be able to collect a home testing kit from your local library - more details to come!
Collect from a pharmacy
Find a pharmacy where you can collect rapid tests.
Order 7 tests for home delivery
Order rapid lateral flow home test kits on GOV.UK
Report your results
If you do tests at home, you'll need to report your results online or on the phone. Your pack will include details of how to do this and what to do next.
What to do if you test positive
- A positive result means it's likely you had coronavirus (COVID-19) when the test was done. You and anyone you live with must self-isolate immediately.
- Get a PCR test (a test that is sent to a lab) to confirm your result as soon as possible – get a PCR test to check if you have coronavirus on GOV.UK
- Continue to self-isolate until you get the result of the PCR test. Follow the advice you're given when you get the result.
Get support if you are self-isolating
COVID-19 useful information
Full information is available on our website.
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