What can I expect from this Rapid Antigen Lateral Flow Test?

This COVID-19 rapid antigen lateral flow test is the ideal solution if you are travelling to one of the many countries that now accept antigen tests for entry (check the entry requirements for your destination country here). Our tests are approved for international travel - please see below.

You can take this lateral flow test either in-store or in the comfort of your own home and we will send you a Test Certificate suitable for travel within 60 minutes between the hours of 9am and 10pm. You can also get tested by one of our medical professionals at your nearest available clinic at a date and time that suits you for a small additional fee (£10). It is also available for click and collect.

• During checkout you will be provided with the option to choose postal delivery or in-store to book your appointment date and time.
• If you choose postal, your kit will be delivered to your address either using the Royal Mail First Class Tracked or our courier service.
• Order the kit in plenty of time before you travel
• After you upload a photo of your completed test, alongside your passport, you will receive your test certificate for travel within 60 minutes between the hours of 9am and 10pm.

You must ensure that you are aware of the travel requirements of your airline and country of destination and have read the UK government's travel advice. 

Please note you can only select one shipping option per order (e.g. postal or in-store). If you wish to have multiple shipping options (e.g. 1 x in-store + 1 x postal) you must make two separate orders/transactions.

How exactly does the home test work?

This Antigen Test uses a simple nasal swab that detects specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. This test has over 96% sensitivity in detecting viral levels that are currently considered to be infectious and provides results within 15 minutes. 

Ordering your kit: 

• Select free shipping on checkout
• Select the day you want your kit to be dispatched from our warehouse - you will receive an email with tracking details once your kit has been dispatched
• Your kit will be shipped using the Royal Mail First Class Tracked service (Please note that we do not post kits on weekends or bank holidays and there is no postal delivery on a Sunday. We provide a Royal Mail Next Day Tracked service but please allow for potential postal delays).

Once you have received your kit:  

1. Please check the contents of your kit when you receive it. This is particularly important if you are planning to take the kit with you overseas and use it to return to England.
2. You will receive a QR code with your kit. It will be on a label on the kit.
3. When you are ready to take your test scan the QR code or go to https://www.privatecoronavirustests.com/take-test. If using the Excalibur test, you do not need to download the app.
4. You will receive detailed instructions online throughout the registration process on how to complete your test, please follow this carefully (basic test instructions will also be in your test kit).
5. If you have the Excalibur test, you will need to enter the code printed on your test device.
6. You must have your passport with you when taking the test as you will need to take a photo of it alongside your lateral flow device after completing the test.
7. To process your test results you must be able to upload a photo to our test registration page so you must have a suitable phone/tablet/laptop with the ability to upload a photo of your lateral flow device to our registration page from the device you are registering with.
8. If you are using the Abbot test, you will also need a ball-point pen to write your unique Test ID on your lateral flow device. If you are using the Excalibur device the code is already printed on the lateral flow device.
9. After completing your test you must take the photo of your lateral flow device (and passport) within 15-20 minutes. Any longer than this and there is a chance your result will not be clear enough to validate.
10. Once you have completed your test and uploaded your photo we will validate your result and send you your test certificate within 60 minutes between the hours of 9am and 10pm.
11. If you are using this test for a travel certificate you must ensure that you take your test and complete your registration and photo upload with sufficient time before your flight/trip.

If you have any queries please contact us by email or phone at London Medical Laboratory: [email protected] or +44 (0) 207 183 3718.

Please note you can only select one shipping option per order (e.g. postal or in-store). If you wish to have multiple shipping options (e.g. 1 x in-store + 1 x postal) you must make two separate orders/transactions.

When and how will I receive my results?

You will receive your Test Certificate via email within 60 minutes between the hours of 9am and 10pm. This will be either after your appointment or after you have successfully uploaded the photo of your completed test - after one of our team has reviewed and validated your results.

If using the home test, please make sure you have uploaded your test using https://www.privatecoronavirustests.com/take-test. You do not need to download the app.

The test itself takes as little as 15 minutes to complete and should you receive a positive result, then you should immediately take the steps outlined by the NHS to isolate, as you will be infectious to others. Do not wait to receive your Test Certificate. 

Will I receive a ‘fit-to-fly’ certificate with this test?

Yes, you will receive a fit-to-fly certificate however you must check the specific entry requirements of the country you are travelling to and read the UK government's travel advice. 

You can also take our PCR Test - Next Day Results test or our express PCR Test - Same Day Results test if a PCR test is required for entry into the country you are travelling to. 

Are these lateral flow tests approved for international travel and border entry?

Yes both the Abbott Panbio and Excalibur Health (Xiamen Boson Biotech in the EU) rapid tests are approved for travel. Please see the EU approved and UK approved lists where the details for both products can be found. Both tests detect the SARS-CoV-2 N‑nucleoprotein.

Is there an NHS discount?

Yes, for any NHS staff we are offering the test at a discount. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Identifying conditions of this test