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How To Book Private Covid Testing In London

10/26/2021 | by

London is a hotspot of activity among both residents and visitors, making it a critical area to exercise precautions during the Covid-19 outbreak. Although most residents have been vaccinated, the numbers in the London area continue to report positive cases daily. While we know some of this is due to mutations such as the Delta variant and breakthrough infections, outbreaks continue to be an area of concern. Getting tested is an important aspect of preventing the virus from continuing to spread, and as a resident or visitor, you should be aware of your choices for private Covid testing in London.

What are the main symptoms of Covid?

While each individual experiences Covid differently, there are a few key components that seem to be consistent. While not exclusive, some key symptoms are:

  • Fever, chills, body aches
  • Loss, or change of, smell or taste
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent cough

Other symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, or other digestive issues. You may have a sore throat or congestion. It is difficult to know whether you have been exposed since some people do not exhibit symptoms at all. Additionally, symptoms may appear two days to 2 weeks after exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a free Coronavirus Self-Checker, which can help you establish whether or not you need to be tested for Covid.

Practical steps for prevention

There are many ways that you can remain safe and prevent the spread of Covid-19. With the necessary precautions, you can help ensure that those who are not infected remain as such. If you have been near someone with symptoms or who has recently contracted Covid, make sure you quarantine yourself for ten days. Even if you feel well, the virus will remain active in your system and can make it easily transmissible. To help in the prevention of Covid, you can:

  • Consider meeting others outdoors when possible. If the weather is nice, try to meet at a park or outdoor restaurant. This will reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
  • Wear a mask when around others. Since Covid primarily spreads through the air, wearing a mask will minimize your contact with harmful particles.
  • Wash your hands regularly. If you cannot wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth. These are the hotspots where the virus can enter your system.

Try to limit your proximity to others by keeping six feet apart. If you must meet indoors or go into the office, make sure you can spread out to remain as safe as possible. If you need to travel, make sure you look at the airport’s precautions, as many of them require testing, especially internationally.

Testing

There are many ways that you can get tested.

RT-PCR

Currently, PCR tests are the most convenient and common type of test. These are called Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and are about 99% effective at establishing if a patient has been infected with Covid-19. A sample is collected from the throat or nose and is sent to a lab to be analyzed. Because of the need for the laboratory to be involved, it often takes several days to get results.

Rapid PCR

Rapid PCR tests use similar technology to their standard cousins and detect the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, these can be processed onsite and provide results within 30 minutes of the appointment. These tests are ideal for travelers due to their fast turnaround time and widely accepted results.

Rapid antigen

Rapid antigen tests are the fastest testing option, providing results within as little as 15 minutes. However, these tests have the highest likelihood of returning an incorrect result as they detect specific proteins located on the surface of the virus.

LAMP

Another type of test is called LAMP, which stands for Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification. It is similar to PCR testing. However, the PCR test requires heating and cooling of the samples, where the LAMP testing is detected with heat and uses a chemical reaction.

Related:

At-Home Covid Tests With Drip Hydration

It is imperative that if you notice you are experiencing symptoms that you refrain from going out into the community. If you have been exposed to someone with the virus or find that you are getting symptoms, ensure you get a Covid test as quickly as possible. Testing can be done at several different walk-through sites around the city, or you can book your private Covid testing in London with Drip Hydration.

Private testing is advantageous because not only do you feel more secure, it also allows you to quarantine if you are experiencing symptoms or are at high risk. You can get test results within 30 minutes with our Rapid Accula PCR test. This test aligns with UK travel requirements and is accepted by international destinations.

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