Laboratory and radiology results from hospitals
You do not need to do anything with your laboratory and radiology result. Your medical care provider, or the doctor who ordered the test, will contact you if your test results require further follow-up. The laboratory or radiological department is unable to notify you of your test results.
You must not make any changes to your medication or other treatment except by agreement with a doctor.
The access log for your patient record shows a list of health professionals who have looked at your test results.
FAQ about laboratory and radiology results from hospitals
Test results for coronavirus
The length of time it takes to obtain a test result varies, but you will see it at the same time as it is sent from the test centre or laboratory to the doctor who requested the test. You will no longer get an SMS or email when the results are ready. To see the results, log in and go to Prøvesvar.
In the case of ordinary tests, known as PCR tests or other similar methods, the result will be available within 1-4 days, while for rapid antigen tests, you will be able to see the test result as soon as it is ready and has been registered by the test station.
Positive result: Coronavirus was detected
This means that the coronavirus was detected in the sample, and you have COVID-19.
Negative result: Coronavirus was not detected
This means that coronavirus was not detected when the sample was taken.
Inconclusive result: The test result is uncertain
This means that it is not possible to tell if there was coronavirus in the sample, or if you are infected with COVID-19.
Which viruses and bacteria do the results show?
Both viruses and bacteria can cause respiratory infections, and your doctor will sometimes order other analyses in addition to SARS-CoV-2. This is done to find out whether there could be a different explanation other than COVID-19 if you have symptoms that suggest COVID-19 infection. You will find the test results when you log in.
Overview of all relevant COVID-19-related analyses:
- SARS-CoV-2. Virus detection in sample from nose and/or throat.
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA: the virus’s genetic material
- SARS-CoV-2 antigen: parts of virus molecules, normally detected via a rapid antigen test
- Influenza A/Influenza B
- Parainfluenza virus
- RS virus (respiratory syncytial virus)
- Human metapneumovirus
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
- Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough)
Test results for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
Antibodies against coronavirus are detected in a blood sample. If antibodies are detected in your sample, this indicates that you have previously been infected by the virus or that you have been vaccinated. Your GP must assess what this test result means for you. Examples of such analyses are:
- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
- SARS-Cov-2 IgG
- SARS-Cov-2 IgM