There are three types of tests: a PCR test, a rapid antigen test and an antibody test.

Read more about the different types of test (sst.dk)

PCR test
The PCR test is the most sensitive test, with a 90-95% confidence interval in detecting whether a person is infected with COVID-19. It should always be used if you:

• have symptoms of COVID-19
• are a close contact of someone infected

A PCR test usually produces a result the following day. The test result only provides a snapshot, so it is important that you continue to comply with the infection prevention measures, even if you receive a negative test result.

Rapid antigen test

Rapid antigen tests are not quite as sensitive as the PCR test, but provide a test result within 15-30 minutes.

They can be used as an alternative to PCR tests for broader infection detection among people who are at less risk of having been infected.

For example, they can be useful for those who have to physically attend a workplace where they need to be tested regularly. They can also be useful as a precautionary measure in situations where the spread of infection can have more serious consequences, for example among nursing home staff or schoolchildren and students.

They may also be used among selected groups of the population where there is a particularly high level of spread of infection, or in specific occupations where there is a known risk of spreading infection.

As with the PCR test, rapid antigen tests only provide a snapshot. It is therefore important that you continue to comply with the infection protection recommendations, even if you receive a negative test result.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone who is infected, you should always take a PCR test.

Antibody tests

Antibody tests can detect whether you have previously been infected with COVID-19. They are primarily used for research purposes and are not part of the public testing system.

In order to control the pandemic, it is essential that infected people are found as quickly as possible so that they can self-isolate and their close contacts can be tested. You can help break the chain of infection when you are tested.

The general rule is that you should take a PCR test as soon as possible:  

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19.
• If you are a close contact of someone infected.
• If you are defined as ‘other contact’, for example by the COVID-19 tracing app. You can take either a rapid antigen test or a PCR test.

If you are not fully vaccinated and are in contact with other people, for example as part of your job, you should be tested frequently. Depending on the specific job, you should be tested 1 to 2 times a week. You may also be required to take a test prior to an appointment at a hospital.

To get a PCR-test you need to book an appointment at coronaprover.dk.

If you do not have a Danish social security number, you need to register at covidresults.dk to get a PCR test and see your test result.

You can find test centres here:

Find COVID-19 test center

You do not need to make an appointment to have a rapid antigen test.

You can read more about booking requirements by clicking on a specific test centre on the map of Denmark.

If your rapid antigen test result is positive, you must self-isolate immediately. You must also identify the people you have been in close contact with and whom you may have infected.

You can get help with this from Coronaopsporingen (corona tracing) by calling +45 32 32 05 11.

It is also recommended that anybody who has had a positive rapid antigen test should take a PCR test.

If your PCR test is positive, you are infected with COVID-19. You should immediately self-isolate to avoid infecting others. This also means that you should keep your distance from people you live with. This also applies if you do not have symptoms of the disease.

In addition, you will receive a letter in your e-Boks from the Danish Patient Safety Authority.

If you do not have a Danish social security number, you will receive a message at covidresults.dk.

Coronaopsporingen will contact you within 24 hours and help you trace your close contacts, i.e. the people you may have infected. You can also call Coronaopsporing yourself on +45 32 32 05 11.

If you develop mild to moderate flu-like symptoms within 48 hours of being vaccinated against COVID-19, you don’t need to be tested before returning to work.

However, you should generally continue to be tested if you are a close contact of someone infected with or if you have symptoms of COVID-19, even if you have been vaccinated. If you work in a nursing home or in general care of the elderly you should also take a PCR-test once a week even though you are vaccinated.