Private Covid-19 Coronavirus Swab Test

Cells from the back of the throat and nose are collected with a cotton swab. The laboratory then analyses these swabs and see if the genetic code of your cells matches the genetic code of COVID-19. This technique is called a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR test.

Postal Home test

You can order a home kit via the website or collect the swab kit from the clinic. You will receive a kit with everything you need and step by step instructions.  You can 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.

Postal Test kits usually arrive within 1-2 days after you have placed the order and are delivered by Royal Mail. In your home test, you will be provided with a return “Special Business Class” envelope.

We are aware that Royal Mail deliveries and returns may be taking longer than normal so if results are wanted more quickly, we would advise (where it is safe to do so) returning your sample to the clinic to be collected by a courier service

We cannot be held responsible for any delays to the delivery of your COVID home test kit as a result of Royal Mail turnaround times. We are also not responsible for any delays to your results caused by lab turnaround times. No refunds will be given in these instances.

Home Tests Collected form your local clinic

You can order a home kit via the website to collect from the clinic.

You will receive a kit with everything you need and step by step instructions.  You must 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 taken back to the clinic, who will arrange a courier for collection and return to the laboratory.

Alternatively, the swabs can be posted back to the laboratory via Royal Mail using the “Special Business Class” envelope, provided in your home test kit, but, we cannot be held responsible for any delays as a result of Royal Mail turnaround times. We are also not responsible for any delays to your results caused by lab turnaround times. No refunds will be given in these instances.

All coronavirus tests are non-refundable for hygiene and personal safety reasons.

In clinic test

Testing can be done in any of our clinics id you do not have symptoms of coronavirus. You will need to book a 10-minute GP appointment. The swab is taken by your doctor and sent to the lab for analysis.

Results from the swab tests are generally available after 48 hours from receipt of the sample at the lab.

Our PCR swab tests start from £150 for a Home Test Kit and include the postage fee. If you have NO symptoms, you can also have your test in select clinics, for these an appointment fee will apply.

You will receive an email with your results once they are available and advice from one of our doctors if your test is positive.

No. If you have symptoms please order a kit for home delivery. Our Coronavirus swab 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.

If you are experiencing a temperature over 37.8 degrees, a new continuous cough or changes to sense of smell or you are self-isolating, please only book a home test.

You will be eligible to be tested via the NHS if you are currently symptomatic. 

Home tests are sent to your address and swabs need to be returned via Royal mail to the laboratory to be are analysed. All test kits come with a pre-paid “Special Business Class” return envelope. Results are usually within 48 hours from receipt of the sample by the lab. 

Please note we cannot be held responsible for any delays to the delivery of your COVID home test kit as a result of Royal Mail turnaround times. We are also not responsible for any delays to your results caused by lab turnaround times. No refunds will be given in these instances.

Our PCR swab tests start from £150 for a Home Test Kit and include the postage fee.

Our Coronavirus swab tests are suitable for a COVID-19 Fit to Fly Certificate, but note it is your responsibility to ensure you have your results in time.

You will receive a copy of your results, together with a letter detailing the date of your sample and date of issue of your result. The letter is a medical certificate to certify that you have had a negative PCR test.

To get a COVID-19 Fit to Fly certificate that is signed by one of our doctors, you first need to buy a coronavirus PCR swab home test to check if you have the active virus or not.

Your home test can be collected form the clinic or delivered to you by Royal Mail (this will be subject to Royal Mail turnaround times). If you require the test and letter for a flight, we advise you order your test well ahead of time. All test kits come with a pre-paid “Special Business Class” return envelope. We strongly recommend you arrange a courier to deliver your results back to the lab if you require your results back as soon as possible. 

You are also able to make an appointment to collect or return the test kits and we will arrange the courier for you at no extra cost.

In clinic tests are available as part of an appointment should you prefer the swab to be taken by a doctor

On some occasions, samples may require re-testing, please ensure you leave enough time between your flight and test time.

Your responsibilities

Please note it is your responsibility to check the travel requirements of the airline and country you are travelling to, as well as to ensure your results are received in the time frame required by the airline and country.

Test results

While test results are normally available within 48 hours from receipt of the sample by the lab, we cannot guarantee these turnaround times. We cannot guarantee nor have any control over Royal Mail turnaround times.  We cannot be held liable for any knock-on implications should delivery timescales be longer than those advertised.