Viral PCR Testing
The PCR test detects the presence of Covid-19 viral RNA during the early stages of infection. The virus can stay in your nose and throat for 14 days but it can be shorter or longer in some people. Therefore a negative result may also mean the virus was not in your nose and throat when the test was done, or the swab test was not correctly done. The test has a sensitivity of at least 98% which means that there is also a chance of up to 2% of recording a false negative reading.
You may need a PCR test for Covid-19 if you are planning to travel abroad from the United Kingdom. As restrictions on travel are gradually lifted, many destination countries require a medical certificate showing proof of a negative test result for Covid-19, either to gain entry or to avoid the need to quarantine. GP and Me offer the option of a Covid-19 travel certificate.
If you suspect that you may have Covid-19, but only mild symptoms or potential exposure to someone with Covid-19, we recommend that you book a PCR test and, in line with NHS advice, self-isolate for 10 days from when symptoms started. If you live with others you should self-isolate for 14 days from when the first person in the house became ill.
There is no need to call NHS 111 to self-isolate. However, if symptoms have not improved after 14 days, contact NHS 111 online or by phone. If your symptoms worsen at any point please call 111. If you are struggling with your breathing please call 999.
How the testing process works at GP and Me
GP and Me’s Covid-19 PCR Test package includes a telephone consultation with a GP if your result is positive. The doctor will call you once your results are available to discuss your reuslts and health and any symptoms or related questions that you might have.
The PCR RNA Covid-19 Test is at least 98% sensitive at detecting the presence but will not detect if you have had the virus previously and recovered. If you wish to purchase a test to determine whether or not you have had the virus previously, click here to read more and purchase our Covid-19 antibody test
Book before 3pm to have your test posted to you for next day delivery. You can also select the option to have the test couriered to you for an additional £29 if you are within the M25. If you book before 6pm, the test will be delivered to your home or business and collected on the following day, then returned to the laboratory by our courier service. This option avoids any potential postal delays and ensures timely receipt by the lab.
If you need a PCR test for travel, we can provide a medical certificate signed by one of our GPs for an additional £20. Please ensure you have checked with the airline or the destination country how soon before the flight the test needs to be done. After taking the test, it must be returned to the lab at the earliest date that can be stated on the results. The results will be sent to you via email, along with the medical certificate.
How to take a Viral PCR Swab
