Self-test for the coronavirus

You can still take a corona test, but it is no longer a general recommendation. There will still be self-tests available and many test stations will still exist until further notice.

A self-test cannot be used as documentation for your COVID-certificate. Nor are self-tests reported to MSIS (the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases).

How to take a self-test?

It is important to carefully follow the user instructions that are included with the self-test. Do not use a test that has expired (past shelf life).

See how to take a self-test here (fhi.no) in Norwegian.

You can find an instructional video subtitled in a variety of languages here (youtube.com). 

What to do if you test positive on a self-test?

If you have taken a test that comes back positive for COVID-19, this advice applies: Stay at home if you feel unwell.

You do not need to register your positive test result or take a confirmatory test at a test centre.

Did you test positive for the coronavirus?

Here is a chek-list of what you will then need to do.

Registration of a positive result on a self-test

You do not need to register your positive test result.

Advise when buying a self-test

The health services in your municipality may provide self-tests free of charge. This is up to the municipality to decide.

There are several types of self-tests available. You can easily buy a self-test at a pharmacy, in the grocery store or via the web. The health authorities cannot give specific advice on which test or which brand to choose, but there are certain things you should keep in mind when you buy a self-test.

When buying a self-test, you should check if:

• The box is CE-labelled with a four-digit number (CExxxx)

• The user-instructions are in Norwegian

The CE-mark shows that the test meets the requirements set for quality and safety.

You can read more about CE-marking and the EU directive at Forbrukerrådet (in Norwegian) or at the website of the European Commission.

Self-tests available in Norway must both be CE-marked and offer user instructions in Norwegian. You can find tests that meet these requirements e.g. at a pharmacy.

Purchasing the test where advice and guidance on how to use the test is also available is recommended.

Advice when storing a self-test

The self-tests will not withstand low temperatures or freezing and should not be stored below 2 degrees Celsius. Nor should they be stored above 30 degrees Celcius. The self-tests should be brought to room-temperature prior to use. The tests should not be exposed to direct sunlight.