PCR Testing
In times of Covid, obtaining a PCR Test in Epsom is a must if you’re looking to travel the world again.
Miles Pharmacy in Epsom offers COVID PCR Tests to assure your safety and the safety of others when you travel.
Miles Pharmacy in Epsom is pleased to offer comprehensive Covid Testing to suit your needs including PCR Swab Testing Service, Antigen Tests, and Fit to Fly PCR Tests for travel certification.
Whether you are responsibly testing to ensure you are not an asymptomatic carrier, in need of testing for work or travel, we provide a full range of Covid Testing to help you and your family stay healthy and safe.
Visit Miles Pharmacy in Epsom for more information on PCR Tests, servicing areas Banstead, Sutton, Stoneleigh, Cheam, Chessington, and Worcester Park.
What is the PCR Swab Test?
PCR Swab Tests are considered the gold standard in Covid Testing and are the base for which Fit to Fly certification is granted.
Unlike other rapid methods of testing, PCR Tests and Fit to Fly PCR Tests are sent out to accredited laboratories for processing and the results come back signed and confirmed by a qualified practitioner.
There are two types of PCR tests:
– PCR Swab tests, which look for the genetic material of the virus.
– Antigen tests, which look for surface proteins.
Some countries, for example, require a negative antigen test result taken no more than 48 hours before you travel while other countries require a PCR swab test.
If you take the wrong type of Covid-19 test – or if you take the correct test at the wrong time – you may not be allowed to travel.
What are the latest Covid Fit-to-Fly regulations?
If you’re travelling abroad, it’s important to remember that Covid rules vary from country to country. Keep in mind that there are also rules for returning to the UK.
Check government and airline guidelines for updated information well in advance of your travel and right before you depart for any changes.
For a PCR Test in Epsom, servicing areas Banstead, Sutton, Stoneleigh, Cheam, Chessington, and Worcester Park, visit Miles Pharmacy. Contact us directly to book your same day PCR tests with next day results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some countries (although not the UK) do relax their rules for PCR or antigen tests if you can demonstrate that you have recently recovered from infection and have Covid antibodies as a result. Again, check the rules for the country you wish to travel to.
If you are fully vaccinated and returning to England you will need to book and pay for a COVID test within 2 days of your arrival. You’ll also need to complete a passenger locator form which should include your Covid test booking reference number. You’ll be able to find this on your NHS Covid Pass, or on documentation you received when you were vaccinated.
England has previously required a PCR test to enter the UK but from 22 October 2021 the antigen lateral flow device test will be sufficient. Check government information for the latest advice.
There may be different rules for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
No. You’ll need to submit test results using the barcode on the test and NHS tests will not be accepted. All testing for foreign travel should be paid for. Fortunately, as testing requirements have changed and technology has developed, speed has improved and costs have fallen.
If you haven’t been fully vaccinated, you must complete your passenger locator form and:
- Take a COVID test no more than 3 days before you travel to England
- Book and pay for Covid tests on days 2 and 8 of your return to England
- Quarantine for 10 days once in England (either at home or at the place you are staying)
Test to Release enables you to reduce the time in quarantine to 5 days providing you have not tested positive and you are not returning from, or have travelled through, a red list country. You’ll need to pay for a Covid test on days 2 and 5 of your return to England. If both are negative, you will be able to end your quarantine on receipt of the day 5 test. You won’t have to take a day 8 test.
The government advises that you should not travel to any countries on the red list.
Find the full list of red list countries here
If you have been or have travelled through a red list country in the last ten days you cannot travel to the UK unless you are a UK or Irish national or resident. Specific testing and quarantine rules apply which you can find in the above link.
At Miles Pharmacy, we’ve made PCR and antigen testing near you quicker, easier and cheaper…
Convenient: Take your test on site or take it at home.
Fast: Antigen test results are always fast – you’ll have the results within hours.
Our PCR tests can be almost as speedy. Take your test before 3pm to get next-day PCR test results. Take your test with us before 1pm to take advantage of our same day PCR test results service. If you’ve left your Covid testing to the last minute, it could be a holiday-saver!
Book Covid testing near you now
We’re running PCR and antigen Covid testing in-store Monday to Saturday. For an appointment at a time that suits you with your friendly, 5*-rated local pharmacy.
