PCR & Antigen Most Frequently Asked Questions .

PCR & Antigen Test Most Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book PCR & Antigen test?

You can book a test at travel test London using our online booking forms tailored for each test at traveltestlondon.com/services.html Please make sure to book in the clinic that you want to attend. We are currently operating 2 clinics, one in west London (shepherds bush) and one in East London (Forest Gate/Upton Park).
You can also book when you walk in at our testing centres, however we always recommend that you book online as it is the most secure method of booking.
If you have trouble booking your appointment online you can call us on (44) 208 923 3148
, and one of our travel test London advisors can assist you.

Where do I do my PCR & Antigen test?

At Travel Test London, we currently have 2 branches for providing government approved PCR and Antigen tests. When You book your travel test you will receive a confirmation email with the date, time and location of your test. You will need to arrive at your chosen clinic on time to help with the flow of customers. If you would like to make any changes to your appointment, please call us so we can amend it for you on (44) 208 923 3148.

What do I need to bring to my PCR or Antigen test appointment?

You must bring your booking email confirmation with you when you come for your test, so we can locate your booking.
Please also bring your valid Passport, National ID or Travel Document for all tests associated with travel (Departures and Arrivals) in and out of the UK.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

How long before I travel do I need to take PCR test?

Different countries and/or airlines have different requirements for timing and the type of test required. Some countries require you to take a travel test close to your departure date (or arrival destination). It is important that you check on the UK government website or your destination country government website to ensure you meet the entry requirements. You may also choose to contact your airline to check the entry requirements.
For RT-PCR tests we normally advise that you take your test 72 hours before your departure to allow us to process your result with sufficient time. However, you must check with your travel provider to ensure that the timing is appropriate according to the regulations of your destination country.
For Rapid Antigen tests, it is advised you take the test within 24hours prior to departing the UK.

When will I get my travel test results?

For a SAME DAY RT-PCR tests, we aim to provide your result by the same day before midnight.
For next day RT-PCR tests we aim to provide you with your result by 23:59 the day AFTER your test.
For Antigen test for departing and arrival to the UK results will be provided within 30 minutes of testing.

What is an Antigen test?

An antigen test is lateral flow test which is also known as an LFD (lateral flow device) test. An antigen test is used to detect the chemical marker proteins (Antigens) of COVID-19 on the surface of cells.

What is a PCR test?

All tests conducted in our clinic are Self Swab tests. For a PCR test you will need to:
Sanitize your hands.
You will need to take the swab and you will be instructed to swab the back of the throat. A mirror is provided to guide you. Please ensure the end of the swab does not touch any other surface. Please ensure that the swab is firmly rotated five times.
With the same swab, insert it into one of the nostrils approximately 2.5cm into the nostril and rotate the swab 5 times while in the nasal cavity.
Repeat the test for the second nostril and immediately place the swab into the sample container.

How is PCR & Antigen test performed?

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is used to test for any genetic material from a specific organism such as a virus. PCR tests conducted by Travel Test London are used to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, also known as the Coronavirus or COVID-19.
The COVID-19 PCR travel test is the gold standard for diagnosing if the SARS-CoV-2 virus is present at the time of testing. It is most accurate and reliable diagnostic method.

For an Antigen test you will need to:
Sanitize your hands.
Take a swab and insert it into one of the nostrils approximately 2.5cm into the nostril and rotate the swab 5 times while in the nasal cavity.
Hand the swab to one of our trained staff to carry out the remaining steps.
You will be provided with a result within 30 minutes.

What do the COVID-19 PCR and Antigen test results mean?

If you test Positive, it means that the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) was detected in your system at the time of testing.
If you test Negative, it means that you probable did not have the COVID-19 virus at the time of the test.
If your result is Inconclusive (PCR only), it means that there was not enough genetic material collected at the time the swab was taken to provide an accurate result. Please make sure that you follow all instructions clearly when performing the test to ensure that a sample is collected. If a result is inconclusive you will need to book a new test.

What should I do if I test positive with PCR or Antigen Test?

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, this means that you had the virus in your system at the time of testing. You should return to the place you are staying immediately. You need to self-isolate for a period of ten days from the date of your positive test. The date of testing will count as Day 0. You may choose to end isolation at 7 days by taking 2 antigen tests take 24 hours apart after day 6. For more guidance on self-isolation and how to end quarantine early please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection ,or alternatively call the NHS on 111.
Notification to UK Public Health Authorities is as follows:
Public Health England (PHE)
In England, we are obliged by law to notify your positive test result and personal details to the relevant health authority. They may contact you via their Track & Trace contact tracing programme.

Is Travel Test London UKAS Accredited?

Travel Test London is partnered with PCR Travel London, which is a DHSC (Department of Health & Social Care) listed private provider of COVID-19 testing services and part of Medical Diagnosis.
Medical Diagnosis is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8567 (view certificate - https://www.ukas.com/wp-content/uploads/schedule_uploads/00007/8567-Medical-Single.pdf)
We comply with all the UK Government regulations with respect to submitting results to the relevant Public Health Authority.
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