Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Swab Home Test Kit

Our Covid-19 PCR home test requires a combined nose/throat swab sample to be collected and sent back to our accredited UK laboratory for testing.

We now offer several different swab testing options:

• Fit to Fly Priority Service: Covid-19 PCR test and certificate with guaranteed 24-hour results turnaround time
• Fit to Fly Standard Service: Covid-19 PCR test and certificate
• Standard Covid-19 PCR Swab Test.

Inside your Covid-19 home testing kit, you will find:

• A multipurpose PCR swab
• A pathology form
• A full set of instructions
• A pre-paid return envelope.

Who are the Test and Certificate options suitable for?

If you require your results within a specific time frame, our Priority Service guarantees results within 24 hours of your sample’s arrival at the laboratory. Simply click ‘Buy Now’ and select the Priority Service. If your test is not urgent please choose our Standard Service which will normally provide results within 48 hours of your sample's arrival at the lab.

Please read more about our Fit to Fly Test and Certificate here. It is important to make sure that you understand, in advance, the requirements of your airline and/or destination in relation to timing, testing and the certificate.

When should I order my Fit to Fly test kit?

You can order your test kit as far in advance as you would like, but please make sure that you order at least 10 days before the date of your flight. If you purchase your test kit over the weekend, please take into consideration that it will be posted on Monday.

How should I send my sample to the laboratory?

If you have chosen one of our Fit to Fly Test and Certificate options and you require your results within a certain time frame, you will need to arrange for a courier to collect your sample 1-2 days before your time window begins. This will ensure that your test is processed during the time frame specified by your airline and/or destination.

If you have chosen our Standard PCR swab test and you do not require your results within a specific time frame, please use the pre-paid return envelope to post your sample to the laboratory.

How will I receive my test results and certificate?

As soon as your results are ready to view online in your Patient Area, we will notify you by email. We will also email your certificate and pathology report to you. Our advisors work around the clock to ensure that you receive your results as quickly as possible.

What should I do when I receive my test kit?

Once you have received your kit, please read the full set of instructions carefully. Your test kit includes everything you need to collect your sample correctly. You will be required to take a swab of the back of your throat and then inside your nostril using the same swab, before posting your sample to the lab.

Why test for Covid-19 with Better2Know?

• Highly accurate results. This test has a 99.9% accuracy with the correct sampling technique.
• Confidentiality. Your test results and personal information will always be dealt with in complete privacy.
• Accredited laboratories. All tests are performed at the highest clinical standards in our certified UK laboratories.
• World class patient support. Our friendly and experienced Patient Services team are available to answer your queries 24/7.
• Order before 4pm and your home test kit will be sent out on the same day.
• Online results. Check your results online in your secure Patient Area at any time. We will email you as soon as your results are ready to view.
• Follow-up call. If you test positive, you can speak to one of our highly trained advisors to discuss your result.
• Live chat. Contact our advisors discreetly using our online webchat.

Who can get a coronavirus home test?

This Covid-19 home test kit is suitable for:

• Anyone concerned about their Covid-19 status
• Patients who need to travel for work or leisure purposes
• Patients being admitted to hospital
• Patients with Covid-19 symptoms
• Patients who need a Covid-19 Fit to Fly Certificate.

When can I have this test?

You should wait at least 5 days after potential exposure to Covid-19 before having this test.

What is an antigen test?

A PCR swab is used to detect the presence of an antigen. By looking for the genetic information (RNA) of the virus, an antigen test will determine whether a person is actively infected with the virus at the time of the test.

How does the Covid-19 PCR test work?

The Better2Know test uses state of the art PCR techniques to look for all current strains of the virus. The principle of PCR is to extract, amplify and identify the viral RNA sequence of the virus. This testing method ensures the high degree of specificity of this test for the Wuhan and related strains of Coronavirus nCoV-2019. Our test is sensitive to fewer than 100 copies of the target viral RNA, making it a highly accurate test.

How accurate is the test?

This Covid-19 test is 99.9% accurate with the correct sample taking technique. It is important that you follow the instructions included in your test kit.

The current evidence shows a mean incubation period before symptoms emerge of 5 days. This test has a sensitivity of under 100 copies of viral RNA and shows 100% homology to the current strains of the virus. This means that, provided there are more than 100 copies of viral RNA in the sample, the test will successfully detect it.

Please bear in mind that this is a newly identified organism and there is much that the medical and scientific community have yet to learn about it.

How much does a coronavirus test kit cost?

Our Covid-19 Home PCR Swab Test is available for €145. Our Test and Certificate options include €245 for Priority or €155 for Standard.