COVID-19 Testing

We are now able to deliver all our test results within the specified timeframe.

However, please note that we use external laboratories for all PCR, Fit-to-Fly and Test-to-Release tests and have no control over their processing times once we have couriered your sample.

Laboratories may also need to sometimes repeat tests which could impact upon the time you receive your test.

Whilst we will do our very best to ensure your result is returned on time, Healthium Clinics are unable to accept liability or provide any compensation for costs you may incur due to delayed results.

This test will confirm if you currently have coronavirus.

This test is the gold standard and the same test is available to patients who are symptomatic or have been exposed to the virus. The test will be performed by taking a swab sample from the throat and nose which is then sent to our partner laboratories. This is the gold standard tests and same test as is available via the NHS testing system.

This test will confirm if you currently have coronavirus with results available within 4 hours.

This test can also be used to prove negative infection prior to travel to France and Italy.

Rapid Antigen (Lateral flow) testing is available for patients who are symptomatic or been exposed to the virus. The test will be performed by taking a swab sample from the throat and nose.

This test will confirm you do not have coronavirus and therefore are able to travel abroad.

Many countries require a fit to fly certificate showing that you have tested negative for coronavirus with a PCR test, typically within 48-96hrs of your flight.

We offer Fit-to-Fly tests with Same Day, Next Day & 48-hour turnaround. This is a throat and nasal swab test sent to an external laboratory.

If travelling to Italy you can also choose instead to have a Rapid Antigen test with results available within 4 hours.

Yes. Our prices include travel certificates if required.

This blood test will confirm if you have had coronavirus in the past.

If you believe you have had symptoms of coronavirus or were previously exposed to someone with coronavirus, you can have an antibody blood test. The test detects whether you have developed antibodies as a result of coronavirus infection and is performed if you are more than 21 days post symptoms.

Once booked, you will receive a PCR testing kit in the post sent by Royal Mail signed delivery. The kit will include everything you need and step by step instructions on how to test yourself using the swabs provided. The swabs should be sealed in the containers provided and posted back to the laboratory for testing.

We advise patients to send this by private courier or next day signed delivery to ensure rapid turnaround.

All tests must be booked, registered, and paid online.

Please note that we cannot make adjustments or accept any cash payments in clinic. If you require a change with your booking, please call 01491 756015 in advance or email info@healthiumclinics.com.

Please attend just prior to your appointment time – not early or late. This helps us manage patient flow.

You will be welcomed by a member of the team who will confirm your details.

Your test will be undertaken by a trained healthcare professional and once your sample has been taken you can leave. We will then be in contact in due course with your results.

This test will confirm if you currently have coronavirus with results available within 4 hours.

This test can also be used to prove negative infection prior to travel to France and Italy.

Rapid Antigen (Lateral flow) testing is available for patients who are symptomatic or been exposed to the virus. The test will be performed by taking a swab sample from the throat and nose.

If you have opted for a travel certificate (i.e. a Fit-to-fly test) this will be sent to you via email alongside your laboratory results. If you have any queries regarding this, please email info@healthiumclinics.com.

Please note that we use external laboratories for all PCR & Fit-to-fly tests and have no control over their processing times once we have couriered your sample. Laboratories may need to repeat tests or prioritise other samples which could impact upon the time you receive your test. Healthium Clinics is unable to provide any compensation for costs you may incur due to delayed results.

A positive result indicates the presence of ‘anti-SARS-COV-2’ IgG antibodies which are produced following infection. This means you have had coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past.

This does not indicate immunity so it is important to continue following the current Public Health and Government advice on social distancing and hygiene measures.

A negative result means no ‘anti-SARS-COV-2’ antibodies were detected i.e. there is no evidence of past infection.

A small number of people who receive a negative result may be surprised by this. This negative result could be for a variety of reasons:

Everyone produces a different antibody response to an infection: some will develop a strong response which is detectable, whilst others only develop a weak response to the same infection which may not be detectable on testing.

Antibody levels decrease over time in all patients. Unfortunately, there is currently no clear research detailing this time period.

There are a multitude of other highly prevalent viruses in circulation that cause the same symptoms as COVID-19, such as rhinoviruses or influenza. Therefore, you may have had a different virus causing your symptoms.

There is new research indicating that some people could be protected by a different part of the immune system (called T-Cells) although we cannot test for this.

Wear a mask in public settings to protect yourself and others. Even if you do not have any symptoms you may still have the virus and therefore could spread it.

The mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing; you must stay at least 1 metre away from people who are not in your household.

Avoid crowds to reduce risk of exposure.

Avoid or spend as little time as possible in poorly ventilated spaces. Open doors and windows if you are able to e.g., on a bus or train.

Keep your hands clean, wash them with soap regularly for at least 20 seconds. If you are unable to wash your hands, use sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. It is important to wash your hands before preparing food, before touching your face, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Clean and disinfect your surfaces regularly such as door handles, tables, worktops and your mobile phone.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow otherwise you will be spreading germs to people and surfaces around you.

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus you should get a test as soon as possible. You can order a home testing kit or come to our clinic. You and the people you live with should not go out (other than to do your test) and not be visited until you receive your test results.

Those in your support bubble should stay at home if you have been in contact with them since your symptoms started or within the 48 hours before they started.

Isolate for 10 days if you think you’ve been in contact or close proximity to someone who has coronavirus. Monitor your condition, if you develop a high temperature, continuous cough and loss or change in sense of smell and taste get a test, you can only leave the house to do this or order a home test kit.

COVID-19 is spread by invisible droplets. To contract it you need to be in close contact with a sick person, e.g. same place, direct contact within a meter during a discussion, cough, sneeze or in the lack of protective measures. You can also contract the disease from contact with unwashed hands contaminated with the virus or an object that has been touched by someone contaminated, although the virus will normally die after a few hours on a surface.

The incubation period is the time between being exposed to the virus and developing symptoms. For COVID-19 it is on average 5-6 days, but can be up to 14 days. Therefore, if you have been exposed to someone with a positive result you should quarantine for 10-14 days.