Order Corona Self-Swab Kit
Since access to corona tests is often very difficult, we offer you the possibility to perform a self-swab. The self-swab can then be taken on the day that is most useful for you. For example, two days before a meeting with friends, a journey, an important presentation, or similar.
A manual (for download) and an instruction video is available for the self-swab. Of course, there is a risk of a faulty self-swab, but we consider this risk to be low if the instructions are followed strictly.
Price: EUR 65,- incl. VAT
Ordering Form
The procedure for performing a self-swab is very simple
1. Order swab kits: You order one or more swab kits by e-mail at corona@cegat.de. We will send you the kits by mail. Alternatively, you can come to CeGaT to pick up the required number of kits. Please bring a copy of your identity card and write your e-mail address on it.
2. Confirmation e-mail: We will send you an e-mail confirming the number of swab kits that have been shipped or that have been picked up by you. This e-mail also contains a link to an input mask where you can enter your data.
3. Self-swab: The collection kit contains all materials required for self-swab. Instructions on how to perform a self-swab are provided on an enclosed information sheet and an introduction video on this page. Please have a thorough look at the instructions and then perform the self-swab carefully.
4. Return shipment: The collection kits contain all materials required for the return shipment (tear-proof pre-addressed envelope, protective tube for the sample). Shipping by mail is no problem, even at very cold temperatures. However, we recommend express shipping since normal shipping can take several days. Alternatively, you can drop the sample directly at CeGaT into the special deposit box for corona test samples on the left at the entrance. This box is emptied several times a day.
5. Laboratory analysis: Immediately after receipt of your sample(s), we start the analysis. The result is usually ready the next day
6. Findings: The report is bilingual (German and English) and can be downloaded as PDF via a link (link with access code is also included in the kit). We also send all findings by mail. Positive tested persons will be called immediately, and the responsible health authorities will be informed according to the legal requirements.
7. Invoice: The price is EUR 65,- (incl. VAT). The invoice will be sent to you by mail after the analysis.
Video Tutorial (Ordering and Self-Swab)
Data Entry
To process your sample, we need only a few personal data. The data form must be labeled with the same barcode as your sample. There are two options for providing in your data:
RECOMMENDATION: Please use the following link.
The link leads to an input mask where you can enter your data. After entering the data, a PDF document containing a QR-Code will be generated. Please print the PDF document and attach the single barcode (included in the swab kit) to it.
Alternatively, you can use the pre-printed data collection form that comes with the swab kit and fill it out by hand. If you use the pre-printed form, the barcode (enclosed with this shipment) must be attached to the form.
We recommend you to enter your data digitally, as this allows us to process the data more quickly and no problems are caused due to illegible handwriting.
Concerning data protection: Following the DS-GVO, we only collect the data that are necessary to perform the diagnostic test and only use them to perform the corona test.
IMPORTANT: Please make sure to attach the barcode included to your data form (either generated PDF document or pre-printed data entry form). Without this barcode, we are unable to link your data to your sample. And without your data, we would not be able to process your sample.
Swab Kit
The swab kit contains:
- swab
- tubes (already labeled with a barcode)
- internally padded protective tube (for return shipment)
- barcode
- handout “How do I get my result” (already labeled with a barcode)
- data entry form
- dark return envelope, pre-addressed
If multiple swab kits have been ordered, we will not send you separate kits but a mailing bag containing the mentioned items several times.
Self-Swab
The self-swab consists of two consecutive steps – the throat swab and the nose swab:
1. Throat swab
Insert the swab to the very back of the throat (see Fig. 1). Do not touch the tongue, teeth, or frontal mucosa of the mouth. Take the smear by rubbing and rotating the swab on the back of the throat.
Note: Do not touch the tip of the swab. Please open the package where the shaft end of the swab is.
2. Nose swab
Insert the swab almost horizontally, along the nasal septum, into the nose and slide it to the throat’s back wall (see Fig. 2). The smear is taken by rotating the swab in the nasopharyngeal cavity.
3. Sealing the sample
After swabbing, insert the swab into the tube, break it off at the notch, and screw the tube’s cap tightly. Afterward, insert the tube into the protective tube, which is padded from the inside.
Note: Do not touch the inside of the cap.
Video Tutorial (Self-Swab)
1. Throat swab
2. Nose swab
Return Shipment
Please insert the (already barcoded) tube into the protective tube and put it together with the signed and barcoded data entry form (or PDF document) into the dark return envelope. The barcodes on the tube and the data entry form (or PDF document) must be identical. Please ship the return envelope by mail or express. Alternatively, you can put the return envelope into the dark drop-in box for corona test samples at CeGaT (left side in front of the entrance).
Medical Report and Invoice
The result is available in less than 24 hours after receiving the sample. The medical report can be downloaded using a barcode (which is also included in the collection kit). We also send all medical reports by mail. Positive tested persons will be informed immediately by phone. And, of course, we comply with the legal requirements and inform the responsible public health department about persons who have been tested positive.
Please keep the handout “How do I get my result”, which is included in the swab kit. It contains a link and a barcode that enable you to download your medical report as a PDF document.
We will also send you the invoice for EUR 65,- (incl. VAT) by mail. If you do not use the swab kits after all, you are welcome to return them and, of course, you will not receive an invoice.
