In England, there are two kinds of PCR testing available right now. One is free given by the NHS for anyone who has Covid symptoms and has requested to be tested for a medical reason or has been in touch with someone who has tested positive for the virus. The other is provided for a cost by private providers. These are used for people who do not have symptoms but need a test to travel.
A recent change has been made by the UK Government regarding fully vaccinated people travelling to and from England. If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer have to take any Covid tests before you fly or after you land.
However, if you are not fully vaccinated, you will still have to show a negative Covid test taken two days before travel. As well as taking a PCR test before you arrive back.
When Should You Get A PCR Test?
Unlike a lateral flow test, a PCR Covid test is mainly used for those with symptoms of the virus. It requires a laboratory to examine the data, making them more accurate.
If you have Covid symptoms, have been requested to be tested for a medical reason, or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, you can receive a free NHS test at a walk-in facility, drive-through centre, or over the mail.
If you don’t have any symptoms and require a PCR test in Sheffield for travel abroad or a personal, non-medical purpose, you’ll have to pay for it via a private service.
How Long Will I Wait for Results?
The length of time for PCR testing varies depending on how fast the laboratory processes them. The average time is 24 hours; however, it might take up to 3 days in rare cases.
Private PCR tests typically take 48 to 72 hours to complete. Although, if you need one for travel, purchase ahead of time to ensure it comes on time. It is also important to book the exact private test that you want. For example, this could be a next day test or a test that gives you the result in 12 hours or under.
What Is the Cost Of A PCR Test?
PCR tests are free when ordered on the NHS website. They are also free when performed at one of the NHS test facilities. However, since it cannot guarantee test results in less than 24 hours, if you require a travel test, you will have to pay for a PCR test with a same-day turnaround time. The prices of private tests will vary depending on the type of test you need. The tests that can give you the fastest results, will cost more than those which take 24 hours.
The PCR tests in Sheffield with the fastest result time may cost up to £80.00.
Where Can You Schedule A PCR Test Sheffield?
There are several venues in Sheffield that you may go to for your test. To ensure that your exam is available, you should book it online before going to a test centre. With a Google search, you can identify where the closest and most convenient test site for you is located.
Conclusion
The PCR test in Sheffield is critical for diagnosing and determining the extent to which the virus has spread. Knowing who has been affected and where they have been infected may help the health system prepare for and manage demand on critical care units. PCR testing keeps yourself and others safe.