PCR Fit to Fly Test
As we are currently safely exiting lockdown v3 here at Palmers Pharmacy, we are delighted to introduce our fit to fly covid test and travel certificate which can be taken away to swab from the comfort of your own home or self-swabbed in the pharmacy.
Our COVID Test
Our swab antigen RT-PCR test is carried out at a UK laboratory and has a minimum sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100% meaning you and your airline can be confident that the result is accurate.
A RT-PCR test is a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction test and it is currently the most accurate form of testing available.
How much does it cost?
Our PCR tests are priced at £139 for a test.
It is your responsibility to get the timing of your test just right otherwise you may not be able to fly.
Please speak with your airline and check the FCO website for country-specific information on timings and suitable tests as they may vary.
Want a home COVID fit to fly test?
No problem. Please get in touch with one of our team to find out more, but be assured the test couldn’t be easier with instructional videos, and a scannable QR code. Make sure you buy your COVID test early though so you can plan ahead.
By the way, are you looking for the new Pharmacy Collect COVID lateral flow test scheme? We can also assist. The scheme is not for travel but for twice-weekly testing at home for people who are asymptomatic. It’s free of charge and available in store now.
When should I get tested for COVID pre-flight?
Unfortunately, this depends on your airline and your destination. In the first instance please contact your airline of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for more information.
For example, your flight leaves at 1 pm on Saturday and the airline request a test carried out no earlier than 72 hours prior.
You would need to do the test after 1 pm on Wednesday and be passed to an appropriate courier that afternoon prior to the last collection. The sample should arrive at the lab on Thursday and you should get your result by email on Friday/Saturday in time for your flight Saturday Lunch.
Service Disclaimer
What are you responsible for?
It is your responsibility as the customer to ensure that you:
- Choose an appropriate test for your destination. Not all countries want an antigen RT-PCR test.
- Select the appropriate time. Whilst most countries expect 72 hours prior to departure, some may want 48 hours prior to arrival.
- Choosing an appropriate courier.
SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing Service
The following disclaimer applies to takeaway testing and testing carried out on our premises.
Palmers Pharmacy waives all responsibility for tests results not arriving back in time for your flight. No refunds will be issued for these kits. Please ask in store for your nearest drop location.
Other couriers will accept COVID Samples for example Royal Mail (Tracked 24) but delivery times to the lab vary. Samples should arrive the next working day but often don’t. So if it is time-specific then please use DX or a Drop Location.
It is your responsibility as the customer to follow the lab’s instructions carefully, and select a suitable courier method to return the kit.
Liability Statement
Palmers Pharmacy will not be held liable for any circumstances beyond our control or any expenses that you may incur as a result of a test result not arriving back from the laboratory in time. For example, circumstances beyond our control could include lost parcels, inconclusive tests, positive tests and lab delays leading to a refusal to enter a country/board the plane. This list is not exhaustive and is for illustrative purposes only.