Nasal and throat swab:
What does the test tell me?
This test tries to establish whether you are currently suffering from COVID-19.
What does it involve?
A deep swab from one or both nostrils and a thorough swab from the throat is needed.
How reliable is the test?
There are different types of tests:
PCR [Polymerase chain Reaction] {Currently accepted for travelling and returning travellers}
RAT [Rapid Antigen Testing] It is estimated the test has a 60-80% chance of picking up the Coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2] causing COVID-19.
As it detects a certain part of the virus, it is possible that it picks up remnants of a dead virus, which is no longer infectious to others. This means you have a false positive result and you are told you are infectious when you are not. However, it still tells you that you had the virus in your upper respiratory tract.
How soon do I get the result?
Results can be back in 15 minutes (fast tests) or 1-3 days (laboratory tests).
How much does it cost?
see Fees
Where can I have this test?
NHS – test and trace for free
NHS – Test-to-Release – no
Dr W Muller – PCR test – yes
Dr W Muller – Rapid Antigen Test – yes
Dr W Muller – Test-to-Release – yes
Pharmacies – some
GP – some but not Test-to-Release
private GPs – Test-to-Release – some
Blood test for IgG to Coronavirus causing COVID-19:
What does the test tell me?
This test tells you whether you previously (>7-14 days ago) had COVID-19.
New evidence suggests that your IgG level may decline over time and may become negative again. This can occur over weeks or months after a positive test. However, it is not yet clear whether your immunity to SARS-CoV-2 [virus causing COVID-19] also has completely vanished or whether there are still other mechanisms in your body to protect you to some degree or even completely from a re-infection.
What does it involve?
A blood test with a needle and a specimen bottle or a finger prick test.
How reliable is the test?
Full blood test:
The normal blood test picks up 97.5% of COVID-19 cases. If the test is positive it is definitely (100%) due to SARS-CoV-2 [virus causing COVID-19] {Sensitivity 97.5% and Specificity 100%}.
Finger prick test:
The finger prick test has been less reliable. It misses some positive cases and has been positive for other types of seasonal Coronavirus. Every finger prick test has a slightly different accuracy but no test has been accepted by Public Health England as of now.
How soon do I get the result?
Results are back in 10 minutes (finger prick test) or 1 day (laboratory tests).
How much does it cost?
see Fees
What does the test tell me?
This test tells you whether you previously (>7-14 days ago) had COVID-19 {but see explanation “What does the test tell me?”}
What does it involve?
A normal blood test or a finger prick blood test.
How reliable is the test?
normal blood test:
The normal blood test picks up 97.5% of COVID-19 cases. If the test is positive it is definitely (100%) due to SARS-CoV-2 [virus causing COVID-19] {Sensitivity 97.5% and Specificity 100%}.
finger prick test:
The finger prick test has been less reliable. It misses some positive cases and has been positive for other types of seasonal Coronavirus. Every finger prick test has a slightly different accuracy but no test has been accepted by Public Health England as of now.
How much does it cost?
see Fees
Where can I have this test?
Dr W Muller – blood test yes
Dr W Muller – finger prick test coming soon
NHS – no – as of now
GP – no – as of now
private GPs – some
Blood test for IgM against Coronavirus causing COVID-19:
What does the test tell me?
This test tells you whether you currently have COVID-19.
What does it involve?
A finger prick blood test.
How reliable is the test?
finger prick test:
The finger prick test has not been reliable and is missing some cases or has been falsely positive if you have other types of seasonal Coronavirus. Every finger prick test has a slightly different accuracy but no test has been accepted by Public Health England as of now.
How soon do I get the result?
Results are back in 10 minutes (finger prick test) or 1 day (laboratory tests).
How much does it cost?
not offered
Where can I have this test?
Dr W Muller – yes
NHS – no – as of now
GP – no – as of now
What test is recognised for travelling and returning travellers?
Which tests are accepted?
Regulations are changing constantly. Currently only UKAS accredited tests are accepted which is in general a laboratory PCR test by a recognised laboratory.
From 31/12/2020 all providers and organisations offering certification must also be accredited and there will be a list of accredited companies on the government website GOV.UK. Dr W Muller Ltd has applied for accreditation on 13/12/2020 and is currently allowed to issue certification under government rules for travellers and test-to-Release.