COVID has made a huge impact on the way that we live and the way that we travel, with millions of people cancelling their travel plans worldwide in 2020. It is almost a year later and things are beginning to appear brighter, as Airlines are starting to reintroduce travel. This is all thanks to the availability of the PCR test, as many airlines and countries now ask their passengers and visitors for proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in the 48 to 72 hours prior to their travel. Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of reliable, accessible Coronavirus testing has become increasingly apparent. If you are looking for trustworthy COVID PCR Testing in Birmingham, Travel Health Clinic is here to help you.
A PCR test stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, which is used to detect the active presence of COVID-19 antigens. It does not detect the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies. COVID Antibody Testing is also available at our clinic, to offer you the peace of mind you need.
PCR testing directly detects the presence of the genetic material/antigens of the COVID-19 virus. The tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus very early on, by detecting viral RNA (ribonucleic acid), which will be present in the body before antibodies form or symptoms appear. This gives us a good indication of who is infected and who is not, offering airlines and countries some control over the spread of the virus.
COVID PCR / FIT TO FLY tests are for people of all ages that need to travel abroad for various reasons. Most travellers are now required to provide documentation to prove that they do not have an active COVID-19 infection. The test is not suitable for anyone that has COVID-19 like symptoms, or for those who have had symptoms up to 28 days prior to the test. In the event that you fall into one of these categories, you should follow government guidance regarding self-isolation and testing.
As regulations might differ, depending on the destination or airline, please make sure that you check for the most up to date travel information. You can do this by speaking to your airline directly, or by simply visiting the Foreign Office website for further guidance on travel restrictions and necessary documentation.
The Travel Health Clinic offer two different COVID19 PCR Tests to give you the reassurance you need:
Our COVID19 Antigen Rapid Test detects specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. This test has a 98% sensitivity in detecting viral levels that are considered to be infectious. This simple nose swab test costs £49.99, and is carried out by one of our specialist clinicians in-store. The test takes as little as 15 minutes to complete; once our healthcare professionals test your samples, we will notify you of your results. You will also receive a digital certificate that confirms your results to your email address.
Please note: You will NOT receive a Fit to Fly Certificate with this test. If you require a certificate for travel purposes, you must take the test below.
This test is specifically for those who need a Fit to Fly Certificate to travel abroad. This test costs £129.99, and will be taken by one of our specialist clinicians; it involves swabbing of the nasal passage and the back of your throat. Your sample will be sent to the lab for analysis once your test is complete. You will receive your results and Fit to Fly certificate via email within 24hrs of the lab receiving it.
You can call or email us for more information about COVID PCR testing in Birmingham, or book in for yours today.
