Where & How to Get a Nucleic Acid (aka: COVID) Test in Shenzhen

Having the results of a Nucleic Acid Test is becoming a requirement now in many situations. This can be a bit of a headache, especially for those who can't read or speak Chinese; however, it is getting more and more convenient to get this done in Shenzhen. If you find yourself in a situation demanding results from a recent nucleic acid test, don't worry, there are now many places offering it and we have a translation of the information you'll need to help you complete the process.

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On January 20, the National Health Commission issued a new prevention and control policy for those returning home during the Spring Festival - those returning people must have a negative nucleic acid test within 7 days to return home. This announcement resulted in a rush of people to get tests done.

To alleviate the situation, the Shenzhen Health Commission announced a slew of additional locations where you can now take the test.

255 institutions offering the nucleic acids test

 Hospitals (59) 

 Social Health Centers (184) 

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 Third-party institutions (12 companies) 

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Shenzhen has many community health centers that can do nucleic acid testing as well.

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Bao'an District:

For example, 68 social health nucleic acid testing sites were added overnight in Bao'an

Shenzhen plans to continue to add additional nucleic acid testing outlets as well. We have seen many pop up, like this one pictured below, throughout the city already.

What you need to bring

You will need to bring your ID card (passport for foreigners), and show the "Health Code" and "Itinerary Code" upon registration. Remember to keep a safe distance of more than 1 meter from others while at the testing centers, and wear a mask at all times.

The process

Going for the nucelic acid test generally consists of four steps. Being aware of these steps will make it easier for those who can't speak or read Chinese to get through it more easily:

1. Registration;

2. Payment;

3. Sampling;

4. Getting results.
   

During the first step, workers at the testing center will likely ask for your ID/passport; ask you to scan the QR code to see your Health Code results; and ask you to complete a registration form like this:

The most difficult part of getting the test done for those that can't speak or read Chinese is completing this form. Some testing sites may have the form in English; however, we haven't seen any of those yet. To help make filling out the form easier for you, we've translated it here for your reference: 

Source: ShekouDaily

After submitting the form, the next step is payment. There is generally a separate line to queue in for this step. You will be asked to show your passport again at this stage. Once payment has been made (around 75rmb), you will be given a ticket. Take the ticket and queue up for the actual test.

Source: ShekouDaily

Results are generally sent to you via SMS within 24-48 hours after taking the test. If you do not receive them, you may need to return to the testing site where you may be asked to scan a QR code similar to the above. We advise taking a picture of any sign similar to the above you see at the testing site to avoid having to return in this case. 

After scanning the code, you will see a screen like the above. The first field of the screen on the left asks for your name, the second for your phone number. You may need to try with the second tab (shown in the screenshot on the right) to search by your ID number in the first field instead of your name.

For best results...

• Try not to eat 2 hours before the test to avoid nausea and vomiting during sampling;

• Try not to drink water, smoke, drink alcohol, chew gum and nuts or other activities that interfere with the oral environment at least 30 minutes before taking the test;

• Do not clear your throat before the test, so as not to cough up secretion of the pharynx which may affect the accuracy of the results;

• Oral antiviral and anti-infection drugs taken before the test, may inhibit the virus and affect the test results;

• Nasal swab sampling should not be done for those in acute phases of nasopharyngeal diseases.

Set up of new sampling point that started on 22nd

The hospitals would like to remind the general public that as the Spring Festival approaches, and the number of people returning home increases, so will the flow of people going for nucleic acid testing and the time it takes for hospitals to provide the results may be appropriately extended. We have heard some people mention that they received results within a few hours; however, all posted guidelines we have seen say to expect 24-48 hours for results.

Source: 刚刚，名单公布！深圳这些地方可做核酸检测！多图直击检测现场

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