COVID-19 PCR TEST: MAIL ORDER (CURRENT INFECTION STATUS)
PRICE £95.00
We provide an official Results Certificate free of charge with each negative PCR test but please be aware that some travel destinations requiring a negative PCR Test do not currently accept self-administered results. If you require a PCR test for travel, we recommend a same day in-clinic appointment for complete peace of mind.
£95
Buy RT-PCR Test: Home Collection Kit
- At home testing kit
- Results within 72 hours
- Minimum sensitivity of 98%
- Specificity of 100%
Price: £95 + £15 delivery
What is it
These tests detect viral RNA. This requires taking a swab from the nose and throat and then analysing the specimen in the lab using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). You may see these tests referred to as PCR tests. They aim to answer: do I carry coronavirus now? If you want to see if you have had covid-19 and developed antibodies, you should take an antibody test.
The chances of detecting virus are highest in the days surrounding the start of symptoms. Ideally samples should be taken from symptomatic individuals between days 1-5 from symptom onset. However, there are many cases when virus can be detected later into the illness. A negative test result is also useful, to tell you that there is no presence of virus on that swab. But please bear in mind that this may be a false negative and isolation guidelines should still be followed. Many institutions use two swabs, 24 hrs apart to confirm a negative case alongside other clinical information.
You can take an antibody test from 14 days after the onset of your symptoms. The test is used to detect antibodies made in response to infection and therefore possible immunity. You can read more about the different types of tests here.
Please read the instructions included with your kit extremely carefully. Send the test back by Royal Mail Special Delivery to the address on the instructions, or by any courier service that will delivery a Category B sample. Once the laboratory receives the test, the results will be available in 24 to 72 hours.
We work with a number of UK based Laboratories. Swab availability, capacity and turn around times will determine which ones we use on a daily basis. We only use laboratories with the highest accreditation standards, such as UKAS approved laboratories accredited to ISO 15189.
Note that results must be evaluated within the clinical context, which is why this is a clinical service which includes the test, advice on test results and further clinical management. If your test comes back positive, you will need to follow the NHS guidance on self-isolation. Our lab will be able to confirm the variant of Covid-19 that you tested positive for within 5 days of your positive result (on request).
The tests used at our laboratory show a minimum sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100% when the virus is on the swab with no cross-reactivity with other viruses. This is when the test is performed correctly. The sensitivity can fall for a number of reasons and it is important for the results to be reviewed within their clinical context.
Please note, the demand for this home testing kit clinical service is high. Your testing kit will generally arrive the next day if you order from us before 3PM.
We strongly advise:
- Do not chew gum, drink coffee or smoke for at least 2 hours prior to testing. This may spoil the sample.
- Mouthwash not to be used for 24 hours.
- Nothing can go in the nose for at least 24 hours prior to testing, this includes: nasal medication, saline, hay fever sprays, cotton buds, etc.
All of the above can inhibit the sample and mean they it needs to be retested or may not enable a conclusive result to be delivered.