call Cardiff/Bristol 029 2009 0809 or Manchester/Chester 0161 850 5060 or email us at info@dermaskin.co.uk

Advanced Facial Aesthetics
by Professional Doctors

Coronavirus COVID-19 testing

COVID-19 PCR Swabs and Antibody testing available at our Doctor led clinics by appointment only

How can I get a COVID-19 Test?

We have several COVID-19 test kits approved by PHE, including Roche and Abbott tests.

Our result turnaround time is 24 to 48 hours. Please try book an appointment from Monday to Thursday to ensure that the results are back within the 48 hour time frame. Weekend swabs may be delayed and reported late on Monday or Tuesday.

Appointments for COVID-19 testing is available in Cardiff, Bristol and Manchester with one of our GPs.

Please send an email to covidtest@dermaskin.co.uk and specify your nearest clinic and your phone number, and we will get back to you.

What test do I need for fit to fly?

For a fit to fly certificate we have to perform a PCR swab test. These samples are currently collected by placing a swab into the nose and/or throat. The swab is then usually sent in a test tube to the lab to be analysed.

Turnaround time for Fit to Fly certification

Fit to fly certificates are required for several countries, and the turnaround time for this is 48 hours Monday to Thursday. Please refer to the UK government travel guidance before travelling.

For specific guidance relating to the country you are visiting, click here

What is a PCR test?

PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. This test looks for remnants of the virus in your body by checking the presence of RNA in a swab sample from the nose or throat. RNA is genetic material of the virus, after a ‘reagent’ is added to the virus, this forms a ‘chain reaction’ which then causes the virus to multiply making it easier to detect by the scientists in the lab. This test can only tell us if the virus is CURRENTLY in your body. This is sometimes referred to as the Do you HAVE IT test?

What is a COVID antibody test?

This looks for evidence that your body has been fighting off the COVID-19 virus. Not everyone produces antibodies to COVID-19 especially with a mild illness but when your immune system fights off COVID-19 it can sometimes produce antibodies. These are usually present 3 weeks post COVID-19 infection. The analysis of the sample is done by adding synthetic antigens from the virus to the blood sample, to see whether they bind together. If antibodies are present, that suggests that you may have previously been exposed to or infected with coronavirus. Some labs can provide COVID-19 antibody test kits that can give you results in 20 minutes. These tests are sometimes referred to as the “Have you HAD it test?”

A very small amount of tests can be delayed due to technical problems or samples can be lost by the lab and we cannot be held responsible in the event of any delays or requirements to re-test.  Every effort is made to minimise inconvenience to you and only a very small minority of tests are affected.