FAQs about working with COVID-19 datasets

FAQs about working with COVID-19 datasets#

Last modified: 19 Nov 2025

Answers to researchers' questions about working with linked COVID-19 datasets.

How can I find test results in COVID-19 datasets?

  • NPEX and IELISA: Use the variable “testresult”. The result is SNOMED coded. There are 6 codes used, e.g. “SCTID: 1240581000000104”: “Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 detected (finding)”.

  • COVIDSGSS: This dataset does not contain a test results field. We are awaiting confirmation from NHS England about how to interpret the presence of records in this dataset.