Covid-19 Testing

Get A Drip offer two types of Covid-19 tests to suit your individual requirements:

At Home PCR Test

This antigen test can be purchased online and performed at home. Antigen tests detect viral RNA. This requires taking a swab from the nose and throat and then analysing the specimen in the lab using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). They aim to answer: do I carry coronavirus now? If you want to see if you have had covid-19 and developed antibodies, you should take an antibody test.

The chances of detecting the virus are highest in the days surrounding the start of symptoms. Ideally samples should be taken from symptomatic individuals between days 1-5 from symptom onset. However, there are many cases when virus can be detected later into the illness. A negative test result is useful to tell you that there is no presence of virus on that swab. But please bear in mind that this may be a false negative and isolation guidelines should still be followed. Many institutions use two swabs, 24 hrs apart to confirm a negative case alongside other clinical information.

Once testing is complete you will receive your result via email. Results will be made available within 24 hours of our lab receiving your sample for testing. Note: lab receives sample within 48 hrs of return from you (exc. w/end).

We will also produce a lab travel certificate with every test. Please check the country you are travelling to for specific requirements.  Please note that what we issue is a lab travel certificates and not a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate which needs to be issued by a GP, Please check the requirements of where you are travelling.

Rapid Antigen Test (in Clinic Only)

The SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Qualitative Test is a colloidal gold immunochromatography intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid antigens from SARS-CoV-2 in human nasal swabs or throat swabs from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 within the first five days of the onset of symptoms. Results are for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen. Antigen is generally detectable in upper respiratory samples. It is able to provide a rapid result in 15-30 minutes. Please note that a positive result requires a PCR test to confirm the result.

white Covid Test Graphic
PCR Test

The gold-standard in detecting current coronavirus infection as used by Test and Trace. This test is purchased online only and completed at home, then return to the lab for rapid analysis.

A travel certificate can be issued with this test.

white Covid Test Graphic
Rapid AntiGEN Test

The latest innovation in coronavirus testing allows for detection of current coronavirus infection from a swab sample in around 15 minutes. No laboratory analysis is required but it does need to be carried out by one of our nurses in clinic. Ideal for rapid, low-cost testing.

Which Test do I Need?

Covid-19 Test Antigen Test PCR Test
Determine if I have the virus
Swab test
Self-test at home, Rapid dispatch and return postage
Test carried out in clinic by a registered nurse
Accredited UK lab analysis
Results in 24/48 hrs
Travel certificate
Results in 15-30 mins
£49 £159

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Covid-19?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. For most people, it causes mild to moderate symptoms and they’ll recover without needing treatment. But some people may become seriously ill, especially those with underlying health conditions.

What are the Symptoms of Covid-19?

Many people who have COVID-19 will have no symptoms at all (asymptomatic). People who experience mild symptoms are likely to have a fever, dry cough, lose their sense of taste or smell and feel tired.

Severe symptoms of COVID-19 include difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure. COVID-19 can also be a cause of death.

How Does COVID-19 Spread & How is it Caught?

COVID-19 is mainly caught by breathing in droplets an infected person spreads when they cough or sneeze. It can also be caught by touching infected surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

How is Covid-19 treated?

If you have COVID-19 and are self-isolating you can ease your symptoms by: getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of water, taking paracetamol to lower your temperature.

Find out more about treating COVID-19 at home. 

If your symptoms get worse it’s important you get medical advice, either by calling your GP or ringing NHS 111.There’s no specific treatment available for COVID-19. But care you receive in hospital will help relieve symptoms and support your body in its fight against the virus.

When Will my PCR Test Kit Arrive?

Once we receive your order, your test kit will be dispatched by our laboratory partner within 48hrs. All PCR test kits are shipped next-day Special Delivery because they’re often time-sensitive. You can also purchase your test from one of our clinics.

How Old do You Have to be to Get a COVID Test?

You must be 16 years and over in order to receive a COVID test.

How do I Return my PCR Test Sample?

Royal mail has designated certain post-boxes as “priority” for use with coronavirus testing. We strongly recommend using these to return your sample in the prepaid envelope contained in your kit.

When returning your samples, use the Royal Mail service finder to check the location of your nearest priority postbox.

How do I Take the PCR Test?

The PCR test is a combined throat and nose swab. A detailed instruction leaflet is included in your kit.

How do I Receive my PCR Test Results?

Once your sample has been received back in the laboratory, we aim to get your results to you within 48 hours. You will receive an email containing your results.

How do I Receive my Rapid Antigen Test Results?

The Rapid Antigen results will be emailed to you 15-30 mins after the test has been conducted in our clinic.

Is the Antigen Test Suitable to Travel Abroad?

Please check with the country you are traveling to or with the airline.

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