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Home COVID-19 PCR Test

Home COVID-19 RT-PCR Test

  • Home COVID-19 RT-PCR test for £49.50
  • Same day results
  • Nose and throat sample required
  • Easy to use, fully contained self-collection kit
  • 100% accurate NHS-standard laboratory test

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PLEASE NOTE – This is not an RT-PCR test for international travel (i.e. this is not a Fit To Fly, Day 2 & Day 8, or Test To Release test). You can order those tests here.

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If you need an RT-PCR test for international travel (i.e. Fit To Fly, Day 2 & Day 8, or Test To Release), 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.

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
  • your child(ren), or another child within their school bubble, has been sent home from school with COVID-19 symptoms
  • you have been contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service

PLEASE NOTE – This is not an RT-PCR test for international travel (i.e. this is not a Fit To Fly, Day 2 & Day 8, or Test To Release 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 11am on any working day, please be aware that you may not receive your results until the next working day.

PLEASE NOTE – This is not an RT-PCR test for international travel (i.e. this is not a Fit To Fly, Day 2 & Day 8, or Test To Release test). You can order those tests here.

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?

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

How does the fit to fly test work?

If you require a fit to fly test for international travel, please order it here.

Once you’ve received your COVID-19 PCR test sample collection kit, and you’re ready to collect your samples, you must register your test online. During this registration process you can select the fit to fly certificate option on the online form. Provision of a fit to fly certificate is conditional on you receiving a negative PCR test result and your answers to a series of COVID-19 specific health related questions.

IMPORTANT: Different countries have different requirements regarding entry, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. You are responsible for understanding the requirements of the country you are traveling to and for ensuring our fit to fly certificate and PCR testing service is sufficient for your travel needs. We cannot be held responsible in the event of any country refusing you entry on any grounds.

For same-day results, your samples must be returned to us by 11am that day.

Your sample collection kit includes a pre-paid ‘Royal Mail Tracked 24’ envelope.

When returning your samples, make a note of the unique barcode reference number detailed on the instructions form, as well as the Royal Mail tracking number, so that you can track your samples if necessary.

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, 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.

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

If you receive a positive result, you and anyone living with you must self-isolate and follow the latest government guidance which can be found here: 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?

Any orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same working day using a next day delivery courier service.

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

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