Getting a PCR for whatever reason…
Surely there’d only be one reason to get a PCR! And that would be for travel purposes, wouldn’t it?
According to the NHS, Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) are to be used when we don’t have symptoms. So if you have symptoms and suspect that you have COVID, here are the choices that I can think of:
- you could save your money by not getting a PCR and isolate
- get a PCR done to confirm whether you have COVID or not
- continue as normal and not think about/be bothered about who you spread it to
Who says that LFTs are ONLY for those without symptoms?!!?
The information shown in the image below was available on GOV.UK but that page has been updated now. It is, however, still available on Southend-on-Sea City Council‘s website.
I’ll explain why I’ve added a red cross to the image above soon. For now, please keep reading. 🙂
The information on Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests – GOV.UK for those who have symptoms is as follows:
The advice on Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests – GOV.UK for those who don’t have symptoms is as follows:
Why is there a red cross in the image above?
I’ve added a red cross to the image above because I’ve spoken to lots of people in various professions, including those who work in schools and things have changed! Well…either the Government got it wrong or the tests have evolved. Either way, even when symptomatic, if an LFT is used, it does show up as positive, so we don’t have to get a PCR done.
A number of people who work in schools have told me that as soon as they notice that children are showing symptoms, they use a LFT to determine whether they have COVID or not and it shows up straight away!
So back to the crux of this article…
Things to look out for when getting a PCR
There are lots of places where you can get a PCR. This includes pharmacies and travel agents.
I needed to get a PCR done a few weeks ago and this is what I found after ringing a few places:
- Wellcare Pharmacy charges £75 and you get the results on the same day. The caveat is that you need to get there before 2 pm and you will get the results by midnight
- Andrews Pharmacy charges £60 but they only do them for travelling purposes. The results will arrive within 24 hours.
- Travel Hub charges £49 for the same-day results. Again, the caveat is that you need to get there before 2 pm and you will get the results by midnight. If you don’t arrive before 2 pm, you pay the same and get the results the next day.
- The Health Check charges £45 if you book online and you get the results by 2 pm the next day.
I’ve heard people say that they don’t want to get a PCR done as they don’t like people sticking things up their noses! I can tell you that when I got it done, the lady was really gentle so there was no discomfort at all.
Related content
Who can get a free NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) test – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
