COVID-19 has made a huge impact on the way that we live and the way that we travel. 2020 brought the travel industry to a massive halt, with millions of people worldwide having to cancel their travel plans. Almost a year later and things are beginning to look somewhat brighter for 2021. Airlines are opening up routes and people are beginning to travel again. This is all thanks to the availability of the PCR test, as many airlines and countries are now asking 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 testing to screen for the Coronavirus disease has become increasingly apparent and that is why we at the Travel Health Clinic are now offering COVID19 PCR testing in Coventry.
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. This is a test designed and used to directly detect the presence of the genetic material/antigens of the COVID-19 virus rather than the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies. This is only possible if the virus is present and someone is actively infected. 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 of the disease are present. PCR tests give us a good indication of who is infected and who is not, therefore giving airlines and countries some control over the spread of the virus.
COVID PCR / FIT TO FLY tests are for people of all ages that are planning a holiday or need to travel abroad for various reasons. Most travellers are now required to have a certificate and/or document to prove to airlines and countries they are visiting 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 – these people should follow all 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 where more details and guidance can be found.
The Travel Health Clinic offer two different COVID19 PCR Tests…
The COVID19 Antigen Rapid Test that we provide takes the form of a simple nose swab test that detects specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. This test has a 98% sensitivity in detecting viral levels that are currently considered to be infectious. This 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, and once your sample is tested by our healthcare professionals, we will notify you of your results and confirm them with a digital certificate to your email address.
Please note: You will NOT receive a Fit to Fly Certificate with this test. If you need a certificate you must take the test below.
This test is specifically for those travelling abroad who need a Fit to Fly Certificate to either board a plane or enter a country. This test costs £129.99 and is taken by one of our specialist clinicians who will swab both the nasal passage and the back of your throat. Once the test has been carried out your sample will be sent to the lab for testing. You will receive your results and Fit to Fly certificate via email within 24hrs of the lab receiving it.
Get your COVID PCR test today at the Travel Health Clinic by booking an appointment now.
