PCR Test Belfast

April 2021 | Reading time: 4 minutes

VIVO Clinic PCR tests in Belfast are perfect for you if you are about to go on a foreign holiday.

No matter where you are planning to travel to, the chances of requiring a pre-travel PCR test is very high in the current climate. In order to prevent further spread and protect the progress achieved from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, governments around the world have set up pre-emptive measures at the borders.

People travelling abroad from the UK are prohibited by law from using the NHS PCR tests to do so. Therefore, it is extremely important for us that we make our testing services available to as many people as possible. Our Belfast clinic is one of many test centres we have set up across the UK.

PCR tests in Belfast will not only provide you results the very next day, but you can rest assured that if you test negative, we will supply you with a fit-to-fly certificate.

What are PCR tests?

PCR tests are the most widely recognized system of determining whether an individual is infected by COVID-19. It is considered the most reliable testing method for this purpose by experts globally.

Please note that VIVO Clinic’s PCR tests in Belfast are RT-PCR tests. It means that an additional process called ‘reverse transcription’ is used. Many countries do not consider the standard PCR tests sufficient, but RT-PCR tests are recognized and accepted everywhere in the world.

Why do I need a PCR test to travel?

Pre-travel PCR tests have become a common requirement for foreign travel as part of the global effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its mutated strains. International visitors are only being welcomed into a country once they can show a valid negative PCR test at the border.

It is vital to have your pre-travel PCR test taken through an official provider registered with the government.

When should I book the in-clinic PCR test?

Please check the most up-to-date entry requirements of the country you will be visiting before you book the pre-travel PCR test.

Each country has individual regulations regarding when the test must be taken. Many countries require a result from a test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. However, other countries may have longer time windows.

You will be able to find the latest foreign travel information on the government’s website, including individual entry requirements of all the countries.

Will you provide me with a fit-to-fly certificate?

Providing fit-to-fly certificates are part of the service provided with PCR tests in Belfast. This document will contain a detailed analysis of the test and the signature of the laboratory personnel who carried out the testing.

Be advised, we only supply fit-to-fly certificates on the reception of a negative result.

Is your laboratory regulated?

Registered with Care Quality Commission and fully regulated, our laboratory’s certificate number is CRT1-4708702735.

How are VIVO Clinic’s PCR tests in Belfast done?

The PCR tests comprise of two key steps:

• We collect the swab samples at our clinic. The samples are taken from the back of the throat or inside the nose.
• The samples are then sent to our laboratory to be tested to detect the presence of COVID-19 RNA.

The video shared demonstrates the sample collection process.

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

Can I find out about a previous infection with a PCR test?

No, you cannot. However, we can provide you with an at-home immune response test to check whether you have had a previous infection.

PCR tests are only used for identifying current COVID-19 infections.

What if my PCR test result comes back positive for COVID-19?

A positive PCR test result will legally oblige you to begin a ten-day quarantine period right away. You will not be permitted to travel until you have fully recovered from the infection.

You can also book other in-clinic PCR tests related to foreign travel:

• Day 2 and Day 8 PCR tests