COVID-19 Testing Solutions by IQ Doctor

05 November, 2021  |  Holy Winter - Healthcare Writer

Frequent testing for COVID-19 is crucial to supplement the vaccination efforts and limit the virus’s spread. As per updated laws, COVID-19 testing stands to become more frequent, and thus you need to know about the testing solutions on offer and whether they are by accredited providers.

IQ doctor is a fully registered online pharmacy authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to provide medicines and health products online, and this includes COVID-19 testing kits. Additionally, we are also registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as an Internet pharmacy.

At IQ Doctor, we have a variety of COVID-19 test options available for our customers. You can order our tests with ease, and they will be delivered right to your doorsteps with complete discretion. We are partnered with United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) certified labs to provide you with a quick turnaround time for results. The test results are widely accepted and can be used for different purposes, such as travelling. We also offer comprehensive customer care services to make sure that any issue of question is promptly addressed. 

Current Testing Laws

There are two significant laws and regulations when it comes to limiting the spread of COVID-19. These regulations have been put into effect to limit the spread of infections amongst the UK population. Between March and July, the government allowed the reopening of businesses and educational institutes throughout the UK. Vaccination has significantly decreased infection rates, but this would not have been possible without effective testing. Testing has primarily been aimed towards travel and workplaces/schools. 

Testing For Travel 

As per the new rules, the government has announced that day 2 PCR tests are mandatory yet again for all travellers. Additionally, Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people, those with an unapproved vaccine jab, or those travelling from a red-listed country need to book and take a COVID-19 test 3 days before their departure to the UK. They will also need to book a day 8 RT-PCR test in addition to the day 2 one and quarantine for 10 days. 

Currently, only UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents are allowed entry from red-listed countries. 

Day 2 Lateral Flow Tests are no longer accepted.

For outgoing travellers from the UK, the testing requirements will depend upon the destination. Some countries accept Lateral Flow Tests, and for these countries, you can take the Lateral Flow Test, get a Fit to Fly Certificate, and go to your destination. However, many other destinations require PCR tests, and you will have to book it before departure.

Testing For Workplaces and School

The government recommends that all employees, students, and staff take a Lateral Flow Test twice a week. These measures have been put in place to identify any increases in infection right away. In addition,  Lateral Flow Tests are much quicker and cheaper and can thus be scaled up relatively easily. You can read more about testing for workplaces and schools (insert link for series 13 order 2) on our blogs. 

PCR and LFT

A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test is a highly accurate COVID-19 test. It requires a swab from the oral or nasal cavity of the individual to be sent to a laboratory, and results usually take about 48-72 hours. Since this test is highly accurate, it does not require further testing, but it is relatively expensive. These test results are used for day 2 and 8 testings, Fit Fly and ending government-mandated quarantine. 

A Lateral Flow Test is a much cheaper and faster option when it comes to testing for COVID-19. This test also requires a swab which is then processed immediately. Results usually take 30 minutes to appear on the test strip. Lateral Flow Tests are not as accurate as PCR tests and do require further testing to confirm infection. These tests are primarily used for bi-weekly asymptomatic tests and for travel purposes.

We offer all types of PCR and LFT for a wide range of all testing purposes. You can visit our online pharmacy to book your test right now. 

PCR Test Options 

1. Testing For International Arrivals - Day 2 & Day 8 Home Quarantine Tests:

Travellers who are not vaccinated, not fully vaccinated, or vaccinated with an unapproved vaccine will need to book this test before arriving in the UK. 

2. RT-PCR Test: Test To Release Certificate:

People who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or vaccinated with unapproved vaccines can use this test to shorten their 10 days government-mandated quarantine time upon arrival in the UK. This product must be used in conjunction with the day 2 day 8 test to release scheme. 

3. RT-PCR Test: Fit To Fly Certificate:

This test kit is for those who intend to travel to destinations that may not accept the Lateral Flow Test. A Fit to Fly certificate is included in this kit and is generated automatically if the test result is negative.

4. COVID-19 Corona Virus Home Test Kit:

A simple at-home test kit that you can administer at home for your peace of mind or to confirm the results of a positive Lateral Flow Test. 

Lateral Flow Test (LFT) Options 

1. Lateral Flow Antigen Test Kit (Fit To Fly):

This is for outgoing travel from the UK and can be taken at home. It provides a Fit To Fly certificate if you test negative.

Antibody Test

COVID-19 Antibody Test:

This test is for those looking to see if they have previously been exposed to COVID-19. It is a simple pinprick blood testing kit that measures IgM and IgG immunoglobulins that are only present after exposure to the virus.

We also offer test kits in bulk for businesses and institutes. You can fill out our form here, and we will get back to you about how we can fulfil your order request. 

Our testing services also include free of charge consultation. So, if you are not sure of exactly what kind of test you require, our customer service is here to help and provide highly personalised help every step of the way. 

COVID-19 Test Return Shipping Options 

We offer a wide variety of options when it comes to returning your test samples for processing. Our main two options are DX and Royal Mail. You can choose what kind of shipping you would like when checking out. In addition, you can track the status of your sample through these courier services. 

We also offer a home collection service. However, we do not advise you to opt for home collection as this will involve some delays. If you want to receive your test results as soon as possible, our other shipping choices would be more optimum. Collections can be booked up to 3 days in advance and 4 pm the previous day at the latest. Collections can only be booked once you have received your test kit.

These services are only available for dropoff at certain times. You can read more on the details of our shipping services here.

Last Updated on 03-Dec-2021