PCR Test Bristol

April 2021 | Reading time: 4 minutes

You can now take your PCR test in Bristol from VIVO Clinic.

As foreign travel finally resumes, the safety measures are more stringent than ever before. Depending on where you plan to visit, you may or may not have to subject yourself to mandatory quarantine after returning to the UK. However, you can be certain that your travel will involve several PCR tests.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, not many countries accept visitors without PCR test negative results. Furthermore, the government has made it illegal to use the free NHS tests for travel purposes.

VIVO Clinic’s PCR tests are dedicatedly designed for use by people looking to go abroad. When you take your PCR test in Bristol, you can be sure that we will provide a fit-to-fly certificate free of charge. That is if you test negative.

Plus, we provide results one day after the sample for testing has been collected.

What is a PCR test?

The polymerase chain reaction or PCR test is used for determining if a person is infected by COVID-19. It uses a person’s nose and throat swab samples to detect the virus’ RNA.

What is the difference between a PCR test and an RT-PCR test?

The RT-PCR test uses an additional process called reverse transcription, but the end result is the same as that of a regular PCR test.

However, when it comes to foreign travel, certain countries will only accept results from RT-PCR tests. In contrast, countries that ask for PCR tests will accept either without prejudice.

VIVO Clinic’s PCR test in Bristol uses the RT-PCR method to ensure our customers can travel stress-free to all possible destinations.

How reliable are PCR tests?

Since the start of the pandemic, many COVID-19 detection methods have been tried and tested. However, the PCR test is still considered the most reliable.

Why do I need a PCR test or an RT-PCR test to travel?

With the ongoing crisis and new threats emerging every day in the form of variants and mutated strains, experts deem PCR tests to be a necessary safety measure. PCR tests for travel are part of a global effort of preventing further spread.

Which countries require visitors to take a PCR test before travelling?

At the time of writing this, very few countries allow visitors entry without requiring a PCR test. You can check our travel advice page for more up-to-date information on the matter.

When should I book the in-clinic PCR test?

It is best to book your test after knowing the accepted time window of your travel destination. For instance, a lot of the countries only accept results from PCR tests taken within 72 hours of departure. However, this may not be the case for where you might be visiting.

We recommend you check the government’s website before booking your test.

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

If your PCR test shows you are negative for COVID-19, we will provide you with a fit-to-fly certificate when we send you the results.

Is your laboratory regulated?

Care Quality Commission regulates our laboratory. Our certificate number is CRT1-4708702735.

How is VIVO Clinic’s PCR test in Bristol done?

Our PCR tests for travel are no different than the standard. Our clinical experts at the Bristol clinic will walk you through the entire sample collection process.

For added assuredness, you can refer to the video below.

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

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

No, PCR tests can only be used to detect current infections.

You can order VIVO Clinic’s at-home immune response test to find out whether you had a COVID-19 infection previously.

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

In such circumstances, you must cancel your travel plans until you have fully recovered. You will be legally required to enter quarantine for at least ten days immediately after receiving your PCR test result. We will not provide you with a fit-to-fly certificate.

If you are taking the PCR test in Bristol, it is worth checking out our other travel-related in-clinic tests:

• Day 2 and Day 8 PCR Tests
• Test to Release Day 5 PCR test