COVID-19 TEST KITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE CLINIC.
We are happy to announce we are now stocking COVID-19 tests. We have 3 different tests available to purchase at the clinic. Two of these are kits approved for home use. The tests are designed to detect whether you have the infection now, or whether you have been previously infected by the virus SARS-CoV-2.
Please call our reception if you would like any more information on the tests, to book in for a test or to purchase a home test kit.
Antibody Blood Test £80
COVID-19 antibody tests can show whether you have had a previous infection (IgG antibodies). This blood test detects antibodies so indicates if a patient has had COVID-19 rather than an active COVID-19 infection. The test is for healthcare professional use only and consists of taking a finger prick blood sample, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. Test results are usually received within 48 -72 hours.
If you are symptomatic and currently ill, we recommend the PCR swab test which you can do at home with our kit.
Why we offer this service?
While there are some test kits approved for home use, in many instances it is either a requirement or at least more appropriate that testing is carried out by a healthcare professional.
Public Health England require every clinic conducting testing for COVID-19 to provide patient names, dates of birth and addresses for every person being tested, regardless of the outcome of the test. By attending the clinic, you are consenting to us providing this information to Public Health England.
UKAS-accredited PCR Swab Test £180
While the UK national testing programme is in place for those with symptoms of COVID-19, as people start to travel abroad again they often need a PCR test to prove they do not have the virus, or employers and employees may need quick, regular testing solutions to ensure they are in a safe working environment.
PCR swab testing for COVID-19 is the most accurate testing method available for an active infection, with close to 100% accuracy. A simple throat and nose swab can tell you if you are carrying an active infection.
You can also use these tests result certificate if needed for travel and work purposes (Fit-to-fly).
These home test kits mean you will take your own sample, following the enclosed instructions. Once you’ve completed the test simply post back in the stamped addressed envelope from any post box and await your results with your fit to fly certificate. Expect results within 24-48 hours. A GP will call you if you test positive for further advice.
The test is not suitable for those who have COVID-19 like symptoms.
Please note: As regulations ay change and differ depending on the airline and destination it is the patient’s responsibility to check for the most up to date information. As well as speaking to the airline directly, useful details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Rapid Antigen Test £80
New technology of fast testing for an COVID-19 infection, known as lateral flow test provides a result within 15 minutes. The results of this evaluation show that these tests have good levels of accuracy and sensitivity which has proven to be effective in testing asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. It is a little less accurate than PCR testing and not accepted by all countries for travel but is very helpful for work purpose, schools and universities primarily.
As over 70% of people who carry COVID-19 do not display symptoms, this is a helpful test for regular screening in offices, construction sites, in schools and universities to help keep everyone safe.
These home test kits mean you will take your own sample, following the enclosed instructions. A nasal swab is placed with a buffer solution to produce the result within 15 minutes.
These test kits have been assessed and approved by Public Health England and supplied by Randox Health, who provide up to 17% of tests for the UK national testing programme.
I currently have symptoms – what should I do?
If you are symptomatic, a PCR swab test is the best for at-home testing for COVID-19 with results 24-48 hours. This is the gold standard for testing for a current infection. Similarly, if you need to absolutely exclude an active virus, either because you were previously ill or need to return to work, a PCR swab test would be the correct test to consider.
Does having antibodies mean I am now immune?
Logically, we can assume that having antibodies gives us a degree of protection for as long as we have them. Antibody tests show if you have had a previous coronavirus / COVID-19 infection and having IgG antibodies can mean that you are potentially immune to future illness. But we do not know yet what level of antibodies are needed, if immunity is possible in the short or long term and how long the IgG antibodies stay in our system.
How do I book in?
Call our reception team and we will go through a series of questions to ensure you are not displaying any COVID-19 related symptoms or been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. We will then book you in with one of our nurses who will be able to do the finger-prick blood test. We will give you the full information and forms required for you to simply post the test in the stamped addressed envelope from any post box and await your results.
How do I purchase a home test kit?
Please call our reception and we will put one aside for you to collect. If you are displaying symptoms, please ask someone in your bubble to collect it on your behalf. We are trying to limit our contact and capacity in the clinic, so we may ask you to pay for this on the phone.