How is a private corona test performed? (and how to prepare for the day)

Booking a Covid-19 test through the government website can be tricky, to say the least.

In many locations, London included, getting a private corona test is the easier, speedier, option. There are lots of test slots available and your results are guaranteed to arrive quickly — often within 24 hours.

How a private corona test is performed

First things first, there are three different types of private corona test:

• The Covid-19 antigen test tells you if you currently have coronavirus. This test is 93.8% accurate and provides same-day results.
  
  
• The PCR test tells you with 99% accuracy if you currently have coronavirus. A negative result can be used to confirm that you are fit to fly. Results take between 1 and 2 days to arrive.
  
  
• The Covid-19 antibody test tells you if you have had coronavirus in the past and developed antibodies. Results are available the same day.

These private corona tests are all performed differently. So let’s do a quick rundown of what you can expect.

Antigen test: Do I have coronavirus?

During this test, a healthcare professional will swab the inside of your nose. The swab (which looks a lot like a long cotton bud) is inserted into your nose and rotated several times.

This isn’t painful, but it can be uncomfortable. The swab is then tested for coronavirus proteins.

PCR test: Do I have coronavirus and am I fit to fly?

During this private corona test, a healthcare professional will swab the back of your throat and the inside of your nose. Again, this can be a strange sensation, but it shouldn’t hurt at all.

The swab is then tested for genetic material associated with coronavirus.  

Antibody test: Have I had coronavirus?

If you’re coming to us for an antibody test, a healthcare professional will do a simple finger-prick blood test.

We’ll clean your finger using an antibacterial wipe and then prick your finger using a lancet. You’ll feel a slight pinch and your healthcare professional will take the blood sample.

Your blood will be tested for IgM & IgG antibodies.

For the most accurate result, it’s best to do the test at least 14 days after your coronavirus symptoms first appeared.

How can you prepare for the private corona test?

Booking a private corona test with us? Here’s what you need to do before attending our test centre.

Book an appointment

Choose a time that suits you and book your private corona test through our online booking portal. We are unfortunately unable to accept walk-ins.

If you need to, you can change your appointment date or time up to 24 hours before your appointment.

Check your symptoms

We don’t currently offer private corona tests to people displaying coronavirus symptoms at the time of testing. This would pose too great a risk to our clients and staff, and we want to do a good job of keeping everyone safe.

If you have any of the following symptoms and have already booked a test, please call our reception and we’ll help you to rearrange your appointment for a future date.

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Mild breathing difficulty
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Diarrhoea
• General body aches

When you arrive at the test centre, we’ll take your temperature. 

Anyone with a reading above 37.8°C will be asked to go home right away to self-isolate. Please don’t come to the test centre if you’re feeling unwell.

Bring ID

You’ll need to bring a photographic ID with you to your appointment. Don’t worry, your data is totally safe with us! We just need this information to issue your certificate of results.

Arrive on time

We carefully manage our appointments to ensure social distancing. Please arrive on time, but no earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

Keep your distance and wear a mask

We ask that all visitors to our test centre wear a mask and respect social distancing guidelines. This is to ensure the safety of you, other clients and our staff.  

Use hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is provided at the test centre. Please sanitise your hands as you enter the building and again as you leave.

Book your private corona test with Corona Test Centre today

Private corona testing is the fastest and most stress-free way to confirm if you are currently suffering with Covid-19, or have had the virus in the past. At Corona Test Centre, we’re experts in giving people that peace of mind. We’ve already tested thousands of Londoners for coronavirus, at our city-wide testing centres.

If you’re ready to make your appointment, head to our online portal to book your private Covid-19 antigen, PCR or antibody test, from £120 with same-day results.