At-home test
Swab test at home
With the swab test kit, you can easily collect a mucous membrane sample at home. Below you'll find what's in the kit, the steps for proper collection, and practical tips.
At-home collection instructions
Your collection kit
What's in the kit?
Your package contains everything needed for safe and clear collection.
- Sterile swab sticks
- Tube with preservation fluid
- Identification labels
- Clear user manual
- Medical return envelope
How it works
- 01
Prepare
Wash your hands thoroughly. Do not touch the cotton swab during collection.
- 02
Take swab
Follow the specific instructions for your swab location (throat, nose, or other location).
- 03
Place in tube
Place the cotton swab directly into the tube with preservation fluid and close tightly.
- 04
Label
Label the tube with your information and collection date.
After collection
Return your sample promptly
Return your sample on the same working day whenever possible to preserve its quality. If your kit contains a medical return envelope, put it into the letter-mail bag or indoor letter box at a PostNL point yourself. Do not hand it over or request track and trace, as parcel processing can delay it by several days.
View the shipping instructionsHelpful tips
Collect a clean mucous membrane sample.
- Only touch the handle of the cotton swab, not the cotton tip
- Don't eat, drink, or brush teeth 30 minutes before a throat swab
- Make sure the cotton swab is properly submerged in the preservation fluid
- Send from Monday through Friday and avoid the weekend
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
How does the swab test work from A to Z?
After ordering we ship the kit to your home. You take a swab yourself following the instructions, place the cotton swab in the tube with preservation fluid and return it in the envelope. You receive the result digitally by email.
How do I take a swab myself?
Follow the instructions with your kit — they're specific to the collection location (throat, nose, or other site). Wash your hands first and only touch the handle of the swab, not the tip.
What should I avoid before collection?
For a throat swab: no eating, drinking, smoking or brushing teeth for 30 minutes. That gives the cleanest sample.
What if the swab touches the side?
No problem as long as you hold the handle and the tip only touched the collection site. Place the swab in the tube immediately and seal tightly.
Which swab type matches my test?
It depends on the test you ordered — throat, nose or another location. The exact collection site is in the instructions with your kit. Follow them precisely for a valid result.
When and how do I receive my result?
Swab analyses (like PCR or culture) typically take about a week after the lab receives your sample. You receive your laboratory report securely by email. It lists the measured values, units, reference ranges and any flags added by the laboratory.
How do I return the collection materials to the lab?
Use the supplied return envelope and place it in the letter-mail bag inside a PostNL service point yourself as soon as possible. Do not hand it to counter staff or request track & trace. The instructions supplied with your test state when it must be sent.
What if I have questions or something doesn't work?
Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, email or phone. We're happy to help you before, during or after your test. If the collection doesn't work, we'll arrange a solution or send new materials — no hassle.