Coronavirus PCR Swab Testing

Swab testing for COVID-19 via PCR is the most accurate available test for an active coronavirus infection and is now a requirement for travel, with some destinations also requiring a fit to fly certificate. We can help with all of your COVID-19 testing needs and no additional fee is charged for certificates.

From 15th February 2021, government guidelines have changed regarding test to release, quarantine and testing and what you need to do and organise before travel. Read our guidance here. Full government guidance is here.

How is the test conducted?

A simple swab is taken from your throat and nose by our nurse or healthcare assistant in our private London clinic.

Will the test take place at the clinic?

The COVID-19 swab test is taken at the clinic for patients testing for travel or while asymptomatic. If you are symptomatic and unable to obtain an NHS test, please contact us to arrange a home kit to be sent to your home. We can also organise a GP telephone consultation for you if required.

What should I do / avoid before my test?

If you are having a COVID-19 PCR swab, you are advised not to use nasal hay-fever sprays, and any other solution into the nose for 24 hours before the test as this may invalidate the result. Please also avoid eating salty meals or drinking alcohol for 2 hours prior to the test.

PCR swab tests for travel

PCR swab test for coronavirus is currently the required test to exclude an active infection if you plan to travel. Please check with the authorities in the country you are travelling to for more information. We can help with the test and the signing and stamping of any certification for no additional fee. Our test is UKAS-accredited and we are a preferred provider for several airlines.

A fit to fly certificate will be issued in addition to your laboratory report unless you let us know you do not want this sent to you. If you are travelling, you are wholly responsible for the timing of your test based on your destination’s requirements. The clinic takes no responsibility for the chosen timing of your test.

We have helped hundreds of people to travel since early June successfully. There are no additional fees for processing government certificates and our results come to you as an official laboratory PDF the next day before 8pm. We also offer a premium service with results the next day before 8 am for £245.

Please note that we do not take responsibility for the timing of your test – please check with your airline or destination government website and book accordingly. We are here to conduct your test safely and issue your results on time – we cannot advise you on the regulations for your particular destination. Our nurses and healthcare assistants cannot advise you if you have incorrectly booked at the time of your test.

Coronavirus PCR swab test: £175 including certificate and fit-to-fly letter where required

Also available for testing at our clinic are:

• SureScreen instant COVID-19 tests at the clinic for asymptomatic / previously symptomatic patients – £85
• Roche blood testing for IgG coronavirus antibodies at our laboratory – £129
• A full respiratory viral panel including COVID-19 – £395

Book online now or call the clinic on 020 7323 1023

Please note: 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.