Covid-19 Tests FAQ

Covid-19 FAQs

Can I get a coronavirus test to test whether I have the virus now?

Yes – it’s called a PCR swab test. If you are experiencing symptoms we can send out the test to you with full instructions. If you have no symptoms we can arrange the self-administered test in surgery. In either case the samples go to our approved laboratory for processing.

Can I get a coronavirus test to test whether I have had the virus before?

Yes – its called an IgG Antibody test. We collect a small blood sample from your arm and send to our approved laboratory for processing.

How much do the tests cost?

IgG Antibody and PCR Swab tests cost £140 each.

Are the tests approved because I’ve seen lots in the media about unreliable testing?

Yes – we only use government approved tests. Currently there are no approved home antibody (IgG) test kits.

How reliable are your tests?

The accuracy of the IgG test is described as 97.5% for Sensitivity and 100% for Specificity.

The accuracy of the PCR test show a minimum as 98% for Sensitivity and 100% for Specificity with no cross-reactivity with other viruses.

What happens during a Covid blood test?

With your permission our doctor takes a small blood sample from your arm – it only takes a minute. We then send the sample to the lab for testing.

Are your tests done in the surgery?

The IgG antibody blood test is done in surgery. Also if you are displaying no symptoms we can take a PCR swab test in surgery.

What happens during a Covid swab test?

Our doctor/healthcare assistant will instruct you how to complete a self administered swab by inserting the throat swab into your mouth to collect a sample from each tonsil and then from one nostril before packaging the sample up in the special container and sending to the laboratory for testing.

When will I get the results of my test and how?

Test results are normally back within 36 hours and as soon as we get them we will check them and send them to you via email.