The test is an at home test - so we send a test kit to your home and you then do a simple nasal swab and then send the test kit back to our UK lab. We will then issue you with a certificate following the test results within 24-36 hours of receiving the nasal sample in our lab.

We kindly ask all customers to check their PCR Covid Testing Kits prior to use. The expiry can be found on the back of your PCR Kit on the bottom left-hand side.

If your PCR Test Kit has passed its expiry date, please do not use and contact our Customer Care Team at your earliest convenience.

Our COVID-19 test uses a technology called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to see if the virus is currently in your body. It works by detecting the genetic material in the virus called RNA. When your swab sample reaches the lab, a solution known as a ‘reagent’ is added to it. If the virus is in the sample, the reagent starts a ‘chain reaction’ which creates billions of copies of the viral genetic material. It is this genetic material, specific to the SARS CoV-2 virus that is analysed by our scientists.

The test is a nasal sample. Instructions for how to take a sample are included in the Instructions for use supplied with the kit. In summary, the tip of the swab provided with the kit should be gently inserted into one nostril until you feel gentle resistance. Hold the shaft of the swab and rotate 5 times for approximately 10 seconds, ensuring the tip of the swab is always in contact with the nasal wall. Repeat for the other nostril.

The test is >99.9% accurate at detecting SARS-CoV-2. In addition, there are 2 RNA targets within the test to ensure a more reliable result as some other tests only have 1 RNA target.

Absolutely. MyHealthChecked tests are gentle and safe for all ages. An adult should help them with collection of the nasal sample as detailed in the Instructions for Use.

Vaccinations should not affect the results of your Covid PCR test. If a positive result is obtained, that will likely indicate that there was an infection before the vaccination took place.

Yes, we are listed on the Government website as a private provider of Covid-19 PCR tests.

Yes, our MyHealthChecked test is fully CE marked in accordance with UK and EU health, safety and environmental guidelines.

Yes, we are accredited to ISO 15189:2012 to perform PCR testing.

The test is intended for use by qualified scientists specifically instructed and trained in the techniques of RNA extraction, real-time PCR and associated genetic analysis.

The PCR test used by myHealthChecked has shown excellent sensitivity and precision. Critically, results that are generated are in agreement with an international external quality assessment panel so you can be confident in the results given. Specificity is also very high which means it is very unlikely that you will be given a false positive test result (i.e. told you have COVID-19 when you do not) * In silico analysis did not identify any potentially amplifiable targets in other respiratory pathogens.

COVID-19 is a fast-moving virus, and we’ve had lots of questions about the efficiency of the MyHealthChecked PCR test when it comes to new strains. The good news is that when you choose our COVID test, you’re covered.

I am afraid our PCR test is only designed for nasal swab collection. Please be advised however that this is a gentle nasal swab which circulates within the nostril itself, rather than a nasopharyngeal swab, which reaches further into the nasal cavity and may be associated with discomfort. You can find full instructions and visuals at https://myhealthchecked.com/how-to-use-your-test if you would like further information.

The PrimeStore Molecular Transport Medium (MTM) inactivates the virus (meaning it is no longer infectious), but preserves it for analysis in our laboratory. This means that the virus is deactivated or killed in the sample collection tube and so will not harm anyone should it spill or get opened before arriving in the lab for testing.

All data is completely anonymized to ensure that your privacy is maintained throughout the process. We will not share your information with any third party. All samples are disposed of within 10 days, following analysis and report of the results to you.

Our Manchester lab is open Monday - Saturday. You will receive an email as soon as your sample arrives and another one when your results are ready.

For Refunds please visit https://myhealthchecked.com/returns-and-refunds and complete the Customer Return Form. A member of the Customer Experience Team will review the request for kit(s) which have been bought within the last 14 days only and meet the following criteria: - the kit has not been opened and the tamper proof seal remains in place - the unopened kit has not been damaged For Cancellations please visit https://myhealthchecked.com/cancellations and complete the Customer Cancellation Form. A member of the Customer Experience Team will review the request for cancellations only for those kits that have not yet been dispatched.

We are unable to cancel or provide a refund for test kits that have been purchased through our sales partner Boots. If you wish to cancel or return your Boots order, please visit https://www.boots.com/floating-editorial/customer-services/returns-exchange.