PCR Test Oxford

August 2021 | Reading time: 3 minutes

VIVO Clinic’s PCR tests in Oxford will supply you with next-day results and a fit-to-fly certificate if you get a negative result.

As more countries are being placed on the government’s green list and restrictions around amber country travel easing, foreign travel and holidays are more feasible than has been for quite some time.

The global effort when it comes to vaccinating everyone is making a proper headway, and thus international travel restrictions can now be eased just a little bit.

However, the pandemic is still ongoing, and with it, there is the risk of the COVID-19 variants. And because of this, some restrictions still do remain – screening for infection at the borders. While many governments do take full inoculation into account, almost every country wants a negative PCR test from visitors.

It really has become that easy. Going on that long-awaited vacation is only one PCR test away.

What is the PCR test, and why is it so popular for screening travellers?

PCR tests are the prime method of detecting current COVID-19 infections. The technique relies on finding SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a person’s samples to determine whether they have an infection.

While there are other tests and methods which can be used for this purpose, experts believe that the PCR test is the most accurate in its findings. And thus, this is the test of choice by governments around the world when it comes to screening foreign visitors before granting them entry.

When must one take a PCR test before travelling?

When a person should take the test depends entirely on the country they intend to visit. Every country has their own rule on the validity of a traveller’s PCR test result.

While one country may require passengers to take a test 72 hours before the flight, another may ask for a test taken within 48 hours of arrival.

Therefore, it is best to conduct a thorough research of the destination country’s entry requirements before booking a travel PCR test.

The government’s website has such information and more regarding foreign travel.

How are PCR tests performed?

Our in-clinic PCR tests in Oxford are quite straightforward:

1. During your test appointment, swab samples will be collected from you,
2. Then you will receive your test results the next day after your samples are analysed at our laboratory.

You may refer to the video below to get an idea of the sample collection process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yhrLu6whq8

Which countries require PCR tests from travellers?

As the pandemic is still a global event, it is near impossible to find a country that does not require proof of the absence of COVID-19 infection from travellers at their respective borders. While there may be other precautionary measures like quarantine or hotel quarantine, PCR tests are almost a given at this point in time.

To learn more about the restrictions and travel status around the world, visit our foreign travel portal.