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.

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 have been somewhere that is not currently on the travel corridors list, you must self-isolate for 10 days when you arrive in England.

The earliest you can book your test is 5 full days after you left your destination. For example, if you leave your destination on a Monday, Tuesday is day 1. This means you cannot take your test until day 5, which would be Saturday. See Understanding Self-Isolation Timelines below.

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 in to the scheme on the passenger locator form.

Booking your Test to Release COVID-19 Swab

You can book to have the test done at our Waterloo or Birmingham clinics. Please note calendars show live availability. If the slots are blanked out it means we’re fully booked.

COVID-19 PCR Swab Test	Price
PCR Swab in Clinic (Birmingham)	£144 inc. appointment Book Now
PCR Swab in Clinic (Waterloo)	£144 inc. appointment Book Now

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

The below graphic provided by the Government webpage shows how long you have to self-isolate for:

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?

The earliest you can take the test is 5 full days after you left a destination. This is for destinations that are not on the travel corridor list.

You should book your test 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.

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 will I receive my home test?

Your COVID-19 Home Test posted next working day by Royal Mail Tracked 24. This means the earliest you will receive your test is 2 working days AFTER you submit your order.

Please note we cannot be held responsible for any Royal Mail delays.

How quickly will I receive my results for my home test?

Results are usually processed within 48 hours from receipt of the sample by the lab.

When can I stop isolating?

If you have had attest and get a negative result at least 5 full days after arriving into 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.

Can I order my home test in advance?

Yes, you can book your test before you travel to England. Please make sure there is someone at the address where you are taking the test to receive the package.

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.

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.