COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR (Next day)
Private COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 RNA PCR test in London for £89, detecting current viral RNA from a respiratory swab with next-day results.
Turnaround time
1 business day
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR
The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR test is a molecular investigation used to detect genetic material from SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, amplifies specific regions of viral RNA after conversion into DNA, allowing very small quantities of viral material to be detected.
The test contains 1 biomarker: COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR.
Unlike COVID antibody testing, PCR is designed to investigate whether viral RNA is present in the respiratory specimen at the time of testing.
The associated laboratory uses an appropriate nasal and/or pharyngeal respiratory swab for SARS-CoV-2 PCR.
A detected result means SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been identified in the specimen.
A not-detected result means viral RNA was not identified above the analytical detection threshold. It does not completely exclude infection because sample quality, the stage of infection and the amount of virus present can influence detection.
Testing very early after exposure, before viral replication becomes detectable, can produce a negative result that later becomes positive.
Likewise, viral RNA can occasionally remain detectable for a period after the most infectious stage of illness has passed.
Results should therefore be interpreted alongside symptoms, exposure timing and current public-health or clinical guidance where relevant.
What Does the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR
Detects SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA within an appropriate respiratory swab using molecular PCR technology, providing evidence of current or recent viral material in the specimen.
Who May Benefit from the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR Test?
PCR testing may be useful where direct molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 is specifically required.
People with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 – PCR can determine whether SARS-CoV-2 RNA is detectable in the respiratory specimen.
People with a recent significant exposure – Testing may be considered where confirmation of infection is clinically or practically important.
People requiring molecular confirmation rather than an antigen test – PCR generally has greater analytical sensitivity than rapid antigen testing.
People who need documentation of a PCR result – Some medical, workplace or travel situations may specifically request molecular testing.
People with a previous uncertain rapid-test result – PCR may provide additional information where an antigen result is unclear or conflicts with the clinical picture.
People at increased clinical risk from respiratory infection – Accurate viral identification may assist clinical assessment where COVID-19 would influence management.
People preparing for selected medical procedures – Some healthcare providers may request molecular testing according to their own infection-control requirements.
People specifically advised to obtain SARS-CoV-2 PCR – Testing can be arranged where a healthcare professional has recommended direct viral RNA detection.
How to Prepare
Correct swab technique is important because an inadequately collected sample can reduce the likelihood of detecting viral RNA.
A negative PCR result should not override significant clinical concern where symptoms are severe or the sample was collected very early after exposure.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR
COVID-19 can cause a wide range of symptoms, from a mild respiratory illness to more significant systemic symptoms. PCR testing may be considered when current SARS-CoV-2 infection needs to be confirmed.
New continuous cough - A persistent or newly developed cough is a common respiratory symptom associated with COVID-19.
Fever or feeling unusually hot or shivery - SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause fever, chills or a general feeling of being unwell.
Loss or change in sense of smell or taste - Altered smell or taste can occur with COVID-19, although it is not present in every infection.
Sore throat - Throat irritation or pain can occur during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Blocked or runny nose - Nasal congestion and rhinorrhoea can occur, particularly with some circulating variants.
Headache - Headache is a frequently reported systemic symptom of COVID-19.
Unusual tiredness or fatigue - Infection can cause marked tiredness, weakness or reduced energy.
Muscle or body aches - Generalised muscle aches can occur as part of the body's inflammatory response to infection.
Shortness of breath - Breathlessness can occur with respiratory infection and may require medical assessment depending on its severity.
Reduced appetite, nausea or diarrhoea - Some people experience gastrointestinal symptoms alongside or instead of more typical respiratory symptoms.
Recent close contact with someone who has COVID-19 - PCR testing may be useful after a significant exposure, particularly if symptoms subsequently develop.
A positive or uncertain rapid antigen test requiring confirmation - PCR may provide additional molecular confirmation where a rapid result is unclear or where formal confirmation is required.
These symptoms are not specific to COVID-19 and can also occur with influenza, RSV and other respiratory infections.
A negative PCR result does not completely exclude infection, particularly if the sample was collected very early after exposure or if specimen quality was suboptimal. Significant breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
How to Book Your COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR
Booking your COVID-19 PCR test with London Blood Tests is straightforward.
Choose the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR (Next day)
Select the next-day molecular COVID-19 PCR service.
Select your sample collection option
Arrange the appropriate professional or approved respiratory swab collection option.
Attend your appointment
The nasal and/or pharyngeal specimen is collected using the laboratory-approved PCR swab.
Laboratory analysis
Your specimen is analysed using molecular PCR technology for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised SARS-CoV-2 PCR result is delivered securely once laboratory processing is complete.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected turnaround time is approximately 1 business day after the appropriate swab reaches the laboratory.
This product is offered as the next-day SARS-CoV-2 PCR service.
Specimen transport, additional laboratory checks or an invalid sample requiring recollection can delay reporting.
Understanding Your Results
A detected or positive result means SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified in the respiratory sample.
This is consistent with current or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A not-detected or negative result means SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not identified above the assay's detection threshold in that particular specimen.
A negative result does not guarantee that infection is absent.
Possible reasons include testing before viral levels become detectable, testing later when viral levels have declined or an inadequate respiratory specimen.
PCR detects genetic material rather than proving that intact infectious virus is present.
For that reason, some people may remain PCR-positive after the period when they are most infectious.
Clinical interpretation should take account of symptoms, timing and the reason testing was performed.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private next-day COVID-19 PCR in London – Access molecular SARS-CoV-2 testing with a rapid customer-facing turnaround.
Direct viral RNA detection – PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 genetic material rather than antibody response.
Professional respiratory sampling – Appropriate swab collection helps support reliable laboratory analysis.
Next-business-day results – The service is designed to report approximately 1 business day after laboratory receipt.
Specialist molecular analysis – Your sample is processed using professional PCR methodology.
Secure reporting – Receive your authorised result securely.
Clear test purpose – This is an infection-detection test rather than an immunity or antibody test.
Clear pricing – The COVID-19 PCR test is priced at £89.
Private COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR Test in London
for people requiring molecular detection of COVID-19 viral RNA.
The test costs £89 and contains one biomarker: COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by PCR.
An appropriate nasal and/or pharyngeal swab is collected and processed using PCR.
Results are expected approximately 1 business day after the laboratory receives the specimen.