PCR tests detect viral RNA so if you are carrying the virus at the time the test is taken, this test will very likely detect it. This test requires taking a swab from the nose and throat and then the specimen is analysed in a laboratory with a very quick result turnaround time.

The test detects active Coronavirus infections via real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). This is a CE-IVD test kit and tests are analysed in a CQC regulated laboratory.

• Test Specificity 100%.
• Test Sensitivity >95% at 0.75 copies of viral RNA/µl.

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How does this test work?

The genetic material of the virus that may be on the swab is extracted and then primers, probes, and a high-tech machine are used to conduct heating and cooling cycles to convert the virus’s RNA into DNA, and then make millions of copies of the DNA. When DNA binds to specific probes, a special type of light is produced that can be seen by the machine and the test shows a “positive” result for Coronavirus.

Our partner laboratory uses proven primer and probe sequences targeting two different genes from SARS-CoV-2 (assay N1 and assay E) and an internal human control (assay RP). This internal human control ensures that a sufficient quantity of human genetic material has been collected during the sampling process and reduces the risk of false negatives from poorly sampled or unused swabs.

The primer and probe sequences have been previously defined by the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) and have been extensively validated.

Can this test be used for Fit-to-Fly eligibility?

Yes, it can. The certificate provided is in the form of an official laboratory PDF with the individuals name, date of birth, date and time the sample was taken and the result of the test i.e. positive or negative.

Please check with your airline and the specific destination countries guidance on the time window in which the test is required to be taken prior to flight departure or arrival*.

What’s the whole process from start to finish?

It’s really simple…

1. We supply you with everything you need to carry out the PCR swab test.
2. You carry out the test on yourself, your colleagues or your patients.
3. The sample is packed in the pre-paid 24 hour Tracked Royal Mail postage bag included in your kit and is dropped off in a Royal Mail Priority Post Box, find your nearest one here   https://www.royalmail.com/priority-postboxes
4. The following day, the lab receives and analyses the sample and you will be emailed the results certificate within 24 hours** of the lab receiving the sample.

At the time of taking the test, you or your patients will need to register the details of the individual taking the test, the sample specimen number, the date and time the test is taken and the email address to send the results to.

The lab will then email the results certificate within 24 hours from receipt of the sample. The lab is open 7 days a week and provided the sample arrives to the lab by 5pm, the result will be sent out by email in the form of a named and dated certificate, the following day**.

What does a positive PCR test result mean?

A positive test means that the COVID-19 virus has been detected on the swab and as the test is 100% specific, this means the chance of a false positive result is negligible. If the result is positive, it is highly likely to be true⁺.

*Please review specific airline and destination country guidance in regards to the time window prior to flight departure or arrival for testing to be carried out, ensuring that the sample is posted out on the same day prior to the post box collection time.  You can read the most up-to-date guidance on the Foreign Office website here

**Samples that arrive after 5pm (Monday – Friday) will be processed the following morning and results emailed out 24 hours later. There are no postal deliveries to the laboratory on Sunday so please ensure your sample arrives no later than Friday evening or Saturday morning, in this case the lab will process the sample on Saturday. The lab endeavour to provide your results 24 hours from receipt, however in the case of inevitable postage delays and repeat sample analysis, results can be delayed.

⁺There are many factors that effect the accuracy of the test result including the time the sample is taken from the onset of symptoms, the presence of the viral RNA in the area being tested, the concentration of the virus in the specimen and the quality of the specimen collected from an individual. Therefore, this test cannot be relied upon as a 100% guarantee of active diagnosis as the virus may have travelled down the respiratory tract or the body was clearing the virus, at the time the sample was taken. To increase test result accuracy, its important you follow the instructions on the kit.