Covid-19 More information

We offer COVID-19 PCR test kits is are a self-contained sample collection kit that allows you to take your own samples at home or at UK Smile 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 next working day (same working day results are available for an extra fee),so that you can make key decisions about travelling abroad including fit to fly, quarantining and limiting contact with loved ones, friends and colleagues.

Please note that cannot be held responsible for any delays or disruptions to Royal Mail’s postal service when returning your samples. If you want to guarantee receipt of your samples, you may want to deliver them in person to the laboratory premises located at:

The Doctors Laboratory
Halo Building
1 Mabledon Place
London
WC1H 9AX

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

If you are experiencing the following coronavirus symptoms: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, our home COVID-19 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 PCR test if:

• you intend to travel internationally within the next 72 hours and require a travel PCR test report or a fit to fly test with a fit to fly certificate
• 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

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

• When you place your order with our team will promptly send you a carefully packaged COVID-19 sample collection kit via the postal service or by courier or kits can be picked up in person from UK Smile, 81 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6PE.
• 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: Services near you | Royal Mail Group Ltd

Please note that cannot be held responsible for any delays or disruptions to Royal Mail’s postal service - if you need the results quickly then samples should be droppped off at UK Smile or The Doctors Laboratory.