Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Swab Home Test Kit and Fit to Fly

Our Standard Service provides fast and accurate PCR Covid 19 testing in around 72 hours from when the sample is received in the laboratory. The swab tests are able to detect all known variants of Covid-19.

We offer several different PCR swab testing options:

• Fit to Fly Standard Service (includes certificate)
• Standard PCR Swab Test.

Please be aware that you must order the test kit in the name of the person who will be taking the test.

Our Covid-19 home test requires a combined nose/throat swab sample to be collected and sent back to our accredited UK laboratory for testing. Inside your home testing package, you will find:

• A multipurpose PCR swab
• A pathology form
• A full set of sample collection instructions
• A postage-paid, tracked envelope to return your sample to the laboratory.

Who is the combined Test and Certificate option for?

If you need your results within a specific time frame, either to fly or to enable you to return to work, school or university promptly, please click ‘Buy Now’ and choose our PCR test.

If you are travelling abroad, read more here about our Fit to Fly Test and Certificate. Please make sure that you understand the timing, testing and certificate requirements for all passengers in accordance with your airline and destination. Please note that not all airlines will accept results from home sample collection kits, and it is your responsibility to check this.

When will I receive my results?

With our Standard Service, your results will normally be ready within 48 hours after the lab receives your sample. Our advisors work around the clock to ensure that you receive your results as soon as possible.

What does the Service include?

Our Service includes:

• First class post to deliver the kits to you
• Optional special delivery upgrade
• Postage-paid, tracked envelope to return your sample to the laboratory
• Analysis of your PCR swab in a UKAS accredited laboratory
• Results uploaded to your online Patient Area within 72 hours of your sample arriving at the lab
• Fit to Fly Covid-19 Medical Certificate sent to you by email
• 24/7 Patient Support.

When should I take my Fit to Fly test to ensure that I receive my certificate within my required time frame?

Please collect your sample and send it to the laboratory the day before your required time window begins. For example, if you are required to have a certificate dated within three days of your flight, please post your sample four days before your flight. It is the patient's responsibility to ensure that their sample reaches the laboratory in time.

When should I order my Fit to Fly test?

You can order your test kit as far in advance as you would like. Please ensure that you order at least 7-10 days before your flight. All orders will be sent by tracked, special delivery.

Better2Know posts kits Monday to Friday. If you order your kit before 4pm on a working day, we will send it to you on the same day and you should receive your kit the following day. Please note that there is no post on a Sunday.

How will I receive my results and certificate?

As soon as your sample has been processed, we will email you to notify you that your result is ready to view online in your Patient Area. We will also email your certificate and pathology report to you. You can access your secure Patient Area using the log-in details provided to you at the time of booking.

What should I do when I receive my kit?

Once you have received your home test in the post, you can take your sample. You will be required to take a swab of the back of your throat, then inside your nostril using the same swab. Your kit includes a detailed set of instructions guiding you on how to collect your sample correctly. Once you have taken your sample, please use the pre-paid, tracked return envelope and send it to our laboratory on the same day.

Why test for Covid-19 with Better2Know?

• Highly accurate results. This test has a 99.9% accuracy with the correct sampling technique.
• Confidentiality. Your test results and personal information will always be dealt with in complete privacy.
• Accredited laboratories. All tests are performed at the highest clinical standards in our certified UK laboratories.
• World class patient support. Our friendly and experienced Patient Services team are available to answer your queries 24/7.
• Special delivery. All PCR swab orders can be sent by tracked, special delivery (included in priority swabs).
• Order before 4pm and your test kit will normally be sent out on the same day (Monday to Saturday).
• Online results. Track your results online in your secure Patient Area at any time. We will email you as soon as your results are ready to view.
• Follow-up call. If you test positive, you can speak to one of our highly trained advisors to discuss your result.
• Live chat. Contact our advisors discreetly using our online webchat.

Who can get a coronavirus home test?

This Covid-19 home test kit is suitable for:

• Anyone concerned about their Covid-19 status
• Anyone who needs a Covid-19 Fit To Fly Certificate
• Patients who need to travel for work or leisure purposes
• Patients being admitted to hospital
• Patients with Covid-19 symptoms.

What is an antigen test?

A PCR swab is used to detect the presence of an antigen. By looking for the genetic information (RNA) of the virus, an antigen test will determine whether a person is actively infected with the virus at the time of the test.

How does the Covid-19 PCR test work?

The Better2Know test uses state of the art PCR techniques to look for all current strains of the virus. The principle of PCR is to extract, amplify and identify the viral RNA sequence of the virus. This testing method ensures the high degree of specificity of this test for the Wuhan and related strains of Coronavirus nCoV-2019. Our test is sensitive to fewer than 100 copies of the target viral RNA, making it a highly accurate test.

How accurate is the test?

This Covid-19 test is 99.9% accurate with the correct sample taking technique. It is important that you follow the instructions included in your test kit.

The current evidence shows a mean incubation period before symptoms emerge of 5 days. This test has a sensitivity of under 100 copies of viral RNA and shows 100% homology to the current strains of the virus. This means that, provided there are more than 100 copies of viral RNA in the sample, the test will successfully detect it.

Please bear in mind that this is a newly identified organism and there is much that the medical and scientific community have yet to learn about it.

How much does a coronavirus test kit cost?

Our Covid-19 Home PCR Swab Test is available on its own for £68.95. Our combined Test and Certificate options are: £199 for Priority Service or £68.95 for Standard Service.

What if I change my mind?

We are able to offer a refund (less an admin fee) if you return your kit to us within 14 days of its arrival with you. There are more details about this in our Terms and Conditions. You can keep your kit to use at any time within the next six months.