Preguntas frecuentes

Which test do I need to know if I have had COVID-19?

In order to tell if you have been previously infected with COVID-19 you can take an antibody test. This does not prove that you are immune to the disease but will give you the peace of mind of knowing if you've had it already or not.



Do you offer free testing on the NHS?

No, the only appointments you can book for COVID-19 testing with us are self pay private tests.



Who can I contact for more information?

For more information on our COVID-19 testing services, please read this FAQ and page thoroughly and book your appointment online. If you still need help, our friendly local team can help - Just email covidswabbing@livingcare.co.uk and we will do our best to help!



How long will my results take?

We aim to return all swab test results within 2 working days (48 hours), and antibody tests within 4 working days.



How accurate are swab tests for COVID-19?

Our tests have been evaluated at 99% accuracy. No test is 100% accurate and a negative test therefore does not rule out previous COVID-19 infection.



When is the best time for an antibody test?

Antibody tests are most effective after 14 days after the onset of symptoms.



How long before travelling do I need a test?

If you’re flying abroad, please book your appointment no earlier than 72 hours before your flight. Try to book as close to this timeframe as you can and no later than 60 hours before your flight. This is to make sure you don’t book too early before you travel. If you don’t book within this timeframe it’s possible you may not receive your results in time. The date and time the swab is taken will be shown on your swab report. If you are unsure of the time frame your airline requires you to be swabbed please check with your airline as we cannot advise.



What is your cancellation policy?

We do not offer refunds against any of our COVID-19 tests. The only exception to this is where you cancel with 48 hours notice in which case a full refund will be offered.



When is the best time for a PCR Swab test before travel?

This guidance will have been issued from your airline or travel company so please check with them as to the time window required for your country of travel. Whilst we would love to help with this - The guidance changes so regularly it's important to ask the travel experts!



What is an inconclusive result?

An inconclusive result is a result that is neither positive or negative. This kind of result isn't common but does occur from time to time. It will be necessary for you to have a retest, and LivingCare cannot be held acountable for any delays to travel as the result of an inconclusive test. Our team will contact you to arrange another swab appointment if you have an inconclusive result. Retests are chargeable at the discounted rate of £65.



I've tested positive, what does this mean?

A positive swab test for COVID-19 means that you currently have COVID-19. This doesn't mean you have symptoms, and it's entirely possible to be infected without knowing. Our tests are highly accurate, and are processed by a UKAS accredited lab. We have a zero tolerance of abuse to our staff and if you test positive please respect the test result, as well as our team. We know a positive result isn't the answer any of us want, but we have no bearing on the test result as they are independently processed.



When do I need to return my sample?

Samples MUST be dropped at our Thorpe Park Clinic no later than 4pm to go to the lab on time. If you drop your sample off later than this time, no guarantees can be given as to the timescale of your results.



My result says "No Process" What does this mean?

Our lab process all samples they are able to test, but unfortunately do have to reject samples from time to time. A "No Process" result is where our lab are unable to test a sample and cannot therefore report a result. The reasons we can't test a sample are:

  • No sample date/time written on the order form by the customer
  • Sample date is outside of the 7 days processing window
  • Order form is missing from the pack returned by the customer
  • Name on the order form does not match the hand written name on the swab
  • DOB is different on the form to the DOB on the swab
If you have a "No Process" result, your sample is not allowed to be tested under UK lab guidance and must be disposed of. You should reschedule your travel and rebook your swab test. We do not offer refunds for no process results, as they are outside of our control.



How long do results take?

When you drop a test off at our drop boxes before 4pm, you will receive a result the following day. Our lab process samples 7 days a week!



Are LivingCare PCR tests suitable for travel?

In short - Yes! All of our PCR tests are performed at UKAS/ISO applied labs and meet the stringent standards required for PCR testing for travel. Results are issued on our digital platform in a PDF format including all the details you supplied at the time of booking and then the result.



Haven't got your results back when you expected?

If you are expecting your results back (and dropped your sample before 4pm the previous day) and haven't had them yet - We issue results around 6pm daily the day after you dropped your sample. If it's after then, check your spam mailbox for your notification as they sometimes end up in there. If you can't see a notification, login to your account at travel.livingcare.co.uk to check. Still no luck? Email us on covidswabbing@livingcare.co.uk