Jetting off on your next holiday?
COVID-19 has made a huge impact on the way that we live and the way that we travel. 2020 brought the travel industry to a massive halt, with millions of people worldwide having to cancel their travel plans. Almost a year later and things are beginning to look somewhat brighter in the travel sector with airlines opening up routes and people beginning to travel again. This is all thanks to the humble PCR test, as many airlines and countries are now asking their passengers and visitors for proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in the 72 hours prior to their travel. Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of reliable, accessible testing to screen for the Coronavirus disease has become increasingly apparent and that is why we at HMI Pharmacy are now offering COVID19 PCR tests in Kirkham, Preston and Blackpool.
Wondering what a COVID19 PCR Test is?
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. This is a test designed and used to directly detect the presence of the genetic material/antigens of the COVID-19 virus rather than the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies. This is only possible if the virus is present and someone is actively infected. The tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus very early on by detecting viral RNA (ribonucleic acid), which will be present in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present. PCR tests give us a good indication of who is infected and who is not.
Who needs to have a PCR test?
The COVID PCR tests are for people of all ages that are planning a holiday or need to travel abroad for various reasons. Most travellers are now required to have a certificate and/or document to prove to airlines and countries they are visiting that they do not have an active COVID-19 infection. The test is not suitable for anyone that has COVID-19 like symptoms or for those who have had symptoms up to 28 days prior to the test – these people should follow all government guidance regarding self-isolation and testing.
As regulations might differ, depending on the destination or airline, please make sure that you check for the most up to date travel information. You can do this by speaking to your airline directly or by simply visiting the Foreign Office website where more details and guidance can be found.
PCR Tests Available at HMI Pharmacy
Here at HMI Pharmacy we have teamed up with three companies to bring you the testing services that you need. All companies provide Fit to Fly certificates however one provides an at home test and the other provides a test in store at our pharmacy.
The Medicspot Test
Medicspot provide the UK’s fastest Fit to Fly service with different test packages to suit your individual needs. They can supply Covid-19 swab test results alone or with a corresponding fit to fly letter written by one of their General Medical Council (GMC) doctors. These tests are ordered online and must be completed by you in the comfort of your own home. Once you have taken the swab, the test will need to be sent back to the laboratory, either via courier or by dropping it off at a Medicspot Test Hub, depending on which package you have purchased. Once received by the laboratory it will take 24hrs to get your test results. Order your Medicspot test kit today.
The Pharmadoctor and Epistem Test
We have teamed up with Pharmadoctor and Epistem to provide COVID19 PCR testing at our pharmacy. This test will be carried out by one of our specialist clinicians. They will perform the test in a private consultation room whilst wearing PPE. The clinician will swab the back of your throat and nasal passage whilst making the test as comfortable as possible. We will then send your swab off to the laboratory ourselves and you will receive your results via email. This test is for those that need a COVID19 PCR test in the 72hours prior to arrival in your destination. The cost of the test is £150 for the standard service, however we do also offer an express service for £180 where you will receive your results by 9pm next day. We also offer a 12 hour service for £220 where you will receive results by 9pm same day, provided we can take a sample for 9am. If you require same day service please phone the pharmacy to discuss.
Get your COVID19 PCR Tests in Kirkham, Preston and Blackpool
Book an appointment with HMI Pharmacy in Kirkham to get your PCR Test today. Simply fill use the booking calendar below to secure your place and we will look forward to welcoming you in store. Alternatively you may order your home test kit through Medicspot.
