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Home COVID-19 PCR Test

Home COVID-19 RT-PCR Test

  • Home COVID-19 RT-PCR test for £39.50
  • Same-day results if sample received by 2pm*
  • Nose and throat sample required
  • Easy to use, fully contained self-collection kit
  • 100% accurate NHS-standard laboratory test

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*Results available Monday to Friday

PLEASE NOTE – This is not an RT-PCR test for international travel (i.e. this is not a Pre-Departure/Fit to Travel test). You can order those tests here.

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If you need an RT-PCR test for international travel (i.e. Pre-Departure/Fit to Travel), please order these tests here.

The AlphaBiolabs home COVID-19 RT-PCR test is a self-contained sample collection kit that will allow you to take your own samples for analysis at our specialist, COVID-19 laboratory.

Once we receive your samples, our team of scientists will conduct a rapid analysis to determine if you are currently infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Our private COVID-19 testing service is fast and reliable and will provide you with a result the same working day*, so that you can make key decisions about quarantining and limiting contact with loved ones, friends and colleagues.

Test yourself for coronavirus in the comfort of your own home.

Please note that AlphaBiolabs cannot be held responsible for any delays or disruptions to Royal Mail’s postal service when returning your samples. If you want to guarantee AlphaBiolabs’ receipt of your samples, you may want to deliver them in person to our premises located at 14 Webster Court, Carina Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA5 8WD.

*Results available Monday to Friday.

Why should I take a home COVID-19 RT-PCR test?

If you are experiencing a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, our home COVID-19 RT-PCR test will determine your current infection status so that you can take the right course of action.

Up to 80% of people infected with COVID-19 will show none or only minor symptoms, so you should also consider taking a private COVID-19 RT-PCR test if:

  • a family member, friend or colleague, or someone you have recently come into contact with is feeling unwell with COVID-19 symptoms, or has been diagnosed with COVID-19
  • you are planning to visit elderly or vulnerable friends or relatives
  • you need proof of a COVID-19 infection for insurance purposes

PLEASE NOTE – This is not an RT-PCR test for international travel (i.e. this is not a Pre-Departure/Fit to Travel test). You can order those tests here.

How does the RT-PCR testing kit work?

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

When is the best time to take a home COVID-19 RT-PCR test?

For the most accurate results, samples should be collected from a symptomatic individual between days 1-5 of symptom onset.

However, if you are not displaying any symptoms (asymptomatic) but you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you may take this test up to 14 days after the suspected exposure.

What are the steps involved in using a home COVID-19 RT-PCR test?

When you place your order with AlphaBiolabs our team will promptly send you a carefully packaged COVID-19 sample collection kit by courier.

When you receive our specially designed sample collection kit, follow the enclosed instructions to take your own nose and throat swab samples (or those of a family member from within your household unable to carry out the collection themselves, such as a child). Whilst the sample collection procedure is simple to carry out, you may experience some discomfort when rubbing the swab inside your nasal cavity or throat.

Once you have collected the samples, carefully package the used swabs in the protective swab packaging and place them in the pre-paid, tracked-return polythene bag.

Once your kit is sealed, post it into one of Royal Mail’s designated COVID-19 priority post boxes. Follow the link to find your nearest priority post box: www.royalmail.com/services-near-you

Please note that AlphaBiolabs cannot be held responsible for any delays or disruptions to Royal Mail’s postal service when returning your samples. If you want to guarantee AlphaBiolabs’ receipt of your samples, you may want to deliver them in person to our premises located at 14 Webster Court, Carina Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA5 8WD.

On receipt of your samples at our COVID-19 dedicated laboratory, our scientific specialists will analyse your swabs to determine if you are infected with the COVID-19 virus or if you are negative.

If we receive your samples after 2pm, please be aware that you may not receive your results until the next day.*

PLEASE NOTE – This is not an RT-PCR test for international travel (i.e. this is not a Pre-Departure/Fit to Travel test). You can order those tests here.

*Results available Monday to Friday.

100% accurate NHS-standard laboratory test

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do symptoms take to appear after being exposed to the virus?

COVID-19 symptoms can be different for everyone; however, guidance suggests that it takes from 2–14 days after exposure for the infected person to experience symptoms.

How is an RT-PCR test different to the antibody test?

The PCR test, sometimes also known as the RT-PCR test, looks for the presence of the virus’s RNA in a swab sample taken from your nose/throat. The RNA is the genetic material contained within a virus. When your sample reaches our laboratory, a process called real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is commenced. If there is viral RNA present, this process starts a ‘chain reaction’ and creates billions of copies of the viral genetic material so that there is a sufficient quantity to be detected and analysed by scientists in order for a positive result to be obtained. In the event of no COVID-19 RNA being detected, we will report the sample as negative.

An Antibody test looks for evidence in a blood sample that your immune system may have responded to the COVID-19 virus already, through the presence of COVID-19 specific antibodies.

How accurate is the RT-PCR testing process?

Our home COVID-19 RT-PCR test detects the presence of COVID-19-specific RNA within a sample where it is positive. The scientific processes and analysis methods we use are 100% accurate and will confirm whether the person being tested has an active COVID-19 infection, irrespective of whether they are displaying symptoms (asymptomatic).

Where is my sample analysed?

We undertake all COVID-19 testing at our dedicated COVID-19 UK laboratory, to maintain the very highest standards of sample handling and testing.

What happens if my home RT-PCR test result is positive?

If you receive a positive result, follow the latest government guidance which can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/ 

What happens if my result is negative and I start to feel unwell?

If you develop the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, you should follow government guidance: www.111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/

What if I’ve already had Coronavirus?

If you have already contracted coronavirus historically, the rt PCR analysis may not return a positive result as the test can only determine current/ active infections. To establish a previous infection, you might consider undertaking an Antibody test.

When will I receive my Home COVID-19 RT-PCR Testing kit?

Where ‘Free delivery’ is selected, please allow 3-5 working days for your order to arrive.

Where ‘Next day courier’ is selected –

  • Orders placed before 2pm Monday – Thursday will be dispatched the same day for next day delivery
  • Orders placed after 2pm Monday – Thursday will be dispatched the next day for delivery the following day
  • Orders placed after 2pm on Thursday will be dispatched on Friday. Where courier delivery has been selected, orders should arrive on Monday
  • Orders placed after 2pm on Friday or on a Saturday / Sunday will be dispatched the following Monday. Where courier delivery has been selected, orders should arrive on Tuesday.

Please note that courier deliveries to some remote locations may take longer, and deliveries will also take longer over Bank Holiday weekends.

For more information about Coronavirus, visit the NHS website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Order a home coronavirus test today from our award-winning UK lab

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