Can this test be used for Fit-to-Fly eligibility?
Yes, it can. The certificate provided is in the form of an official laboratory PDF with the all the details you register online before taking the test: your name, date of birth, your passport details (if required), the time the sample was taken and the result of the test i.e. positive or negative.
Please check with the airline and the specific destination countries guidance on the time window in which the test is required to be taken prior to flight departure or arrival*.
How do I get my result?
At the time of taking the test, you will need to register all your personal details including the email address to send the results to.
The lab will then email the results certificate within 24 hours from when they receive the sample. The lab is open 7 days a week and provided the sample arrives to the lab by 5pm, the result will be sent out by email in the form of a named and dated certificate, the following day**.
What does a positive PCR test result mean?
A positive test result means that the COVID-19 virus has been detected on the swab and as the test is 100% specific, this means the chance of a false positive result is negligible. If the result is positive, it is highly likely to be true+.
*Please review specific airline and destination country guidance in regards to the time window prior to flight departure or arrival for testing to be carried out, ensuring that the sample is posted out on the same day prior to the post box collection time. You can read the most up-to-date guidance on the Foreign Office website here
**Samples that arrive after 5pm (Monday – Friday) will be processed the following morning and results emailed out 24 hours later. There are no postal deliveries to the laboratory on Sunday so please ensure your sample arrives no later than Friday evening or Saturday morning, in this case the lab will process the sample on Saturday.
***The lab endeavour to provide your results 24 hours from receipt, however in the case of inevitable postage delays and repeat sample analysis, results can be delayed.
+There are many factors that effect the accuracy of the test result including the time the sample is taken from the onset of symptoms, the presence of the viral RNA in the area being tested, the concentration of the virus in the specimen and the quality of the specimen collected from an individual. Therefore, this test cannot be relied upon as a 100% guarantee of active diagnosis as the virus may have travelled down the respiratory tract or the body was clearing the virus, at the time the sample was taken. To increase test result accuracy, its important you follow the instructions on the kit.
Superintendent pharmacist Tasneem Sheikh.