COVID-19 Coronavirus Testing UK
COVID-19 Test – Swabs
We are offering a PCR swab test which detects active presence of the virus i.e. shows that you currently have COVID-19. These are the tests currently used by the NHS and approved by Public Health England and are fully compliant with government guidelines. Swabs are analysed in a laboratory with results in 5 working days.
Ordering your Private Coronavirus Test
Our ongoing laboratory partner has confirmed that they can guarantee a continuous supply of tests for our patients, and will only offer testing we can confidently fulfil.
We’re aware that many people don’t meet the criteria for testing on the NHS and/or would like to take the strain off the NHS and pay for a private coronavirus test. We hope that by offering more access to tests we will slow the spread of the virus and help people return to health and get back to their everyday lives more quickly.
Our Coronavirus tests are suitable for you if you are displaying any of the symptoms of COVID-19, or believe you have been in contact with someone else who may have COVID-19. Our test can distinguish between COVID-19 and many other common colds, coughs and viruses.
Our swab tests for members of the public are £195 + £3.99 shipping*. Tests are only available for UK shipping.
Our tests are all shipped next working day by Royal Mail. It will take an additional day for shipping to Northern Ireland. We are unable to guarantee Royal Mail turnaround times. For hygiene and personal safety reasons, tests are non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testing kits are sent to you by post and are simple to use. You simply take a swab from your nose and back of the throat following the instructions provided. You send your swabs back to our laboratory for analysis and results should be with you 5 working days after we receive your samples.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some strains associated with illnesses like the common cold, and others causing more severe disease such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). They have been around a long time. COVID-19 is a new strain of Coronavirus which appears to have been transmitted from animals to humans.
There are lots of different symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms include a fever above 37.8 degrees along with a new continuous cough, which is usually a dry cough rather than a chesty one. Other possible symptoms of Coronavirus including tiredness, loss of sense of smell and taste, headaches and other bodily aches and pains. Less common symptoms may also include a runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhoea.
Some people may be asymptomatic – i.e. have no symptoms at all – although could still pass on the virus to others they are in contact with. Symptoms may be similar to common coughs and colds and even hay fever. Using one of our swab tests will let you check whether you have COVID-19 or are suffering from another illness.
The first reported cases were in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 which is why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Wuhan virus’. The virus has now spread to every continent and many countries across the globe.
You will receive a kit with everything you need and step by step instructions. You will use the swabs provided to take nasal and throat swabs by scraping inside the nose and at the back of the throat. The swabs should be sealed in the containers provided and posted back to the laboratory for testing.
Test kits are expected to arrive within 1-2 working days after you have placed an order. Once you have taken your samples, return these to the laboratory using the pre-paid envelope. Results from the laboratory will be available around 5 working days from receipt of the sample by the lab. Please note that while we will do everything we can to get your test results as soon as possible, exact turnaround times cannot be guaranteed.
You will receive an email with your results once they are available and advice from one of our doctors if your test is positive.
All coronavirus tests are non-refundable.
To protect our patients and employees we will not be offering COVID-19 testing in our clinics. All test kits will be sent to the patient’s home address, along with full details of how to provide samples and where to send them.
We will notify Public Health England if you are confirmed as testing positive. If you can manage your symptoms without complications, you should stay at home. If your condition worsens you should contact NHS 111 who will be able to provide more advice.
No. You should continue to follow the latest government guidelines even if you test negative. A negative test does NOT mean you are immune (protected against the virus) and there is a possibility that you may contract it later down the line. You may wish to consider further testing if you develop new symptoms or are concerned.
The virus is thought to spread by infected people coughing or sneezing which spreads droplets. The virus is spread when droplets from an infected person are transferred to the eyes, nose or mouth to another person, usually by touching our faces. The virus can sometimes also be spread when an infected person touches a surface and leaves traces of the virus behind which are then transferred to somebody else. Social distancing and good hand hygiene will help to keep you safe.
For most people symptoms are mild.
Some groups, who have been asked to shield or self-isolate for extended periods may particularly be at risk. This includes people undergoing certain cancer treatments including chemotherapy, people with underlying health conditions and pregnant women. Older patients (those aged over 70) are also thought to be more at risk.
Coronavirus can cause complications such as breathing difficulties or trigger pneumonia which can be more serious and, in some cases, fatal. Most people will make a full recovery over time.
