APPROVED COVID-19 TEST PROVIDER

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COVID-19 Test to Release Provider

Services

COVID-19 Test to Release for International Travel

We are a Government-accredited provider for the Test to Release for International Travel scheme which has been brought in to give patients the option to reduce the length of their self-isolation when they arrive in England from an amber list country and are not fully vaccinated with an NHS administered vaccine in the UK.

Under this scheme, you have the opportunity to order a private coronavirus test and if your result is negative you can stop self-isolating. If you are arriving in England from an amber list country, you must self-isolate for 10 days when you arrive.

You should book your test before you travel to England. This is so you can enter details of the test when you opt in to the scheme on the passenger locator form. You can take the test no earlier than the 5th day after your arrival in England.

For example, if you leave your amber list destination on a Monday, Tuesday is day 1. This means you cannot take your test until day 5, which would be Saturday.

The Covid Test to Release scheme is entirely voluntary and applies to those travelling into England only. As this is a private coronavirus test, you will have to pay for this test.

Your test should be booked before you travel to England. This is so you can enter details of the test when you opt into the scheme on the passenger locator form. If you decide to take part in the Test to Release scheme after you have arrived in England, You will need to complete another passenger locator form. Please visit the government website for more information.

Please note the Test to Release scheme is separate from the Day 2 and Day 8 Covid testing.

Booking your Test to Release COVID-19 Swab

Test to Release Limitations

Please refer to the UK Government website here for an up to date list of countries on the ‘red list’.

Results and Turnaround Times

Turnaround times for results are all calculated from the moment the same is received by our UKAS-accredited partner lab.

Most COVID PCR swab tests have results turnaround in within 48 hours from receipt of the sample.

To see full information about results please go to the FAQs section on our main COVID-19 testing page.

Understanding self-isolation timelines

Please visit the Government webpage for more information on how long you have to self-isolate.

Test to Release Covid Home Tests

We also offer Test to Release Covid tests for home delivery via our lab partner. Please follow the instructions sent with your Test to Release Covid test. Once you receive your test through the mail, you’ll need to activate it online. You will then receive a notification when you activate your Covid test, when it arrives at the lab and when you get your results. To book your home Test to Release Covid test, please use dropbox on this page.

Test to Release Covid tests are only dispatched prior to day 5 of your mandatory quarantine by our lab partners delivery service. Please note that due to current UK government regulations, Test to Release Covid tests cannot be taken earlier than day 5 of your quarantine. Due to this, the dispatch date of your Test to Release Covid test will be based on your arrival date back to the UK (the date provided when the order was placed). You will receive a dispatch notification once the test has been sent.

Return Delivery options:

Using our lab partner’s dropbox
Using a DX dropbox, each testing kit should include a DX return label.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the COVID-19 PCR Swab test for?

The COVID-19 PCR Swab test is an antigen test which looks to see if you currently have the active virus or not.

When can I have this test?

You should book your test before your arrival in England. This is for destinations that are not on the travel corridor list and those who are and are not fully vaccinated with an NHS administered vaccine in the UK.

Can my child have this test in clinic?

We only swab children 10 or over in clinic.

You can take a swab sample from your child with a home test. You can follow Government guidance when swabbing your child if you have not done it before.

When can I stop isolating?

If you have had a test and get a negative result at least 5 full days after arriving in England, you can stop isolating.

What if I'm travelling from a travel corridor?

If you’re travelling from a destination with a travel corridor, you do not need to self-isolate.

Does this apply for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

No, the Test to Release Scheme is only applicable in England.

How far in advance can I book my in-clinic test?

You can book your in-clinic test up 4 weeks in advance. However, you must make sure you do not take the test any earlier than 5 full days after you have arrived in England.

In-clinic tests are for patients who have NO symptoms only. If you have symptoms you can only book a home test and you must follow the usual advice on self-isolation.

Do you offer Test to Release Home Covid testing?

Yes. We offer Test to Release Covid tests for home delivery. After the order is placed, your test will be dispatched prior to day 5 of your quarantine. Please read instructions carefully and return your test via our partner’s free dropbox or alternatively using a DX dropbox as each kit should include a DX return label.

When will my Test to Release test be dispatched?

Your test to Release Covid test will only be dispatched prior to day 5 of your mandatory quarantine in the UK. Test to Release Covid tests cannot be taken earlier than day 5 of your quarantine. Therefore, the dispatch date of your Test to Release test will be based on your arrival date back to the UK. You will receive a dispatch notification once the test has been sent.

What happens if I test positive?

If you test positive for SARS-CoV-2, we will notify NHS Test & Trace and you will be required to self-isolate for the full 10 days.

Members of your household that you have been in contact with will also need to self-isolate and follow the government advice.

I need to speak to someone about my test

You can contact us on 02039 934 657 or email info@londondoctorsclinic.co.uk.

Please note are phone lines are exceptionally busy at the moment. If you have questions about results and turnaround times, please read the information on our main COVID-19 test page in the FAQs section before calling.

How do I opt in to this scheme?

You can choose to opt in to this scheme on your passenger locator form.