Frequently asked questions
Does this COVID-19 test tell me if I have COVID-19 or if I've had it before?
The COVID-19 swab test will tell you if you currently have COVID-19, not if you have been infected in the past.
When will my home testing kit arrive?
Your test kit will arrive within an estimated 2 working days of your order being approved by our clinicians.
Where can I post my sample back to the lab?
Your sample must be posted in a Royal Mail priority post box in the UK. This ensures your sample will be handled with care and get to our partner lab as a priority. Find out more about priority post boxes and where your local one is.
How long does it take to get coronavirus test results?
Once the lab has received your sample, it usually takes up to an estimated 3 working days from when you receive a message from us confirming we have received your sample for processing. This timeline is an estimate and it could take our lab longer to process your results.
How will I receive my COVID-19 test results?
We'll send you a text or email as soon as your results are ready. You can view your results in your Patient Record. You’ll also be able to access a downloadable certificate of your results in the ‘Documents’ section.
Can I get a paper copy of my results?
You can download and print your results in the ‘Documents’ section of your Patient Record as soon as they are ready. You can print this to get a paper copy of your results.
Advice for travellers
We do not recommend you use our service for outbound travel purposes. We cannot guarantee you will receive your results within 72 hours. The downloadable copy of your results does not include personal information such as your passport number.
Taking a COVID PCR swab test on your return will confirm whether or not you currently have COVID-19.
Can I get a COVID-19 swab test in-store?
Yes, our colleagues at MASTA and LloydsPharmacy are offering in-store testing. Find out more by visiting the:
What are the different possible results from the COVID-19 swab test?
There are 3 possible outcomes from the COVID-19 swab test - a positive result, negative result or an inconclusive result. An inconclusive result is often due to a poor sample or because the swab has been damaged. So it’s really important to follow the instructions provided in the test kit carefully. If this happens, don’t worry, we’ll send another test out to you free of charge.
Can you get a false negative COVID test?
There is the possibility of a false negative result. This means a test result can come back as negative when a person is positive. This can be due to low levels of the virus at different stages of the disease. This test is more helpful to confirm the presence of the infection, rather than to give you the ‘all-clear’.
Can you get a false positive COVID test?
Right now, it’s not known how long the test will continue to give a positive result after recovery. This means there’s a chance of a false positive result.
Will I be able to speak to someone about my COVID-19 test results?
If you have a question about the outcome of your COVID-19 test, please send us a message in your Patient Record.
