PCR tests

[rabbit]

I am going to need a 2 day PCR test for a U.K. visit. It will be before the lateral flow is acceptable. I have seen PCR tests listed as self administered sent by post. Has anyone used this or any recommendations?

[niemeyjt]

Yes - I did it - about £45 as I recall. Order a kit in advance - I used screen4.org. The kit includes everything you need.

You get a long plastic handled swab - wipe tonsil area with swab then up nose as far as will go (and you won't go up as far as the professionals) - break off the handle, stick it in a provided tube with some liquid in it - complete paperwork and stick in the provided envelope in the post.

You will get results by e-mail a day or two after posting

[Doug]

I have just looked on the tunnel site as I always do.
They give up to date correct info with necessary links for travel both to and from the uk.

[elsie]

I used a Randox home test (£48 but there were discounts for various airline passengers) but Randox prefer leaving the completed test in one of their collection boxes (there is a map on their web site).
This is a good list https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/trave ... or-travel/

[michael86]

We used Randox as well because Brittany Ferries had a slight discount deal with them. They were £45 each after discount. We returned the completed tests by Royal Mail next day tracked, as there are no dropboxes near us. They were sent on Tuesday lunchtime and on Wednesday morning Randox emailed us to say they had received them. We had a further email on Wednesday afternoon to say the tests had been completed and we were both negative. Very happy with their service.

Michael

[Blaze]

We went to Jersey for the day yesterday (Condor Ferries) and on arrival had a nose and throat swab for the first time (free). Up until then I couldn't have imagined doing it myself but it should be dead easy and it's not nearly invasive as I had imagined.
Two tips : For the nose swab, screw your eyes up tightly and you won't feel a thing, nor do your eyes water afterwards. For the throat swab, say "aaahh" and you don't need to go far enough to make you gag.

[rabbit]

Thanks everyone for your useful responses

[Pathca]

I had a PCR done at the hospital yesterday and I noticed it wasn’t as invasive as previous ones,obviously as time goes on they are learning more

[rabbit]

Thanks everyone. I have booked the random PCR for £45. I missed the LF option by 1day!

[niemeyjt]

I had a PCR done at the hospital yesterday and I noticed it wasn’t as invasive as previous ones,obviously as time goes on they are learning more

Immensa issues aside, I was reading that some 20% of the negatives are false negatives. I guess that sampling technique has a part to play in this statistic as well as the fact that not all Covid seems to be naso-pharangeal.