COVID FAQ

There are a number of COVID-19 tests available to suit your testing requirements.

There are 4 main testing techniques:

PCR Tests

PCR Tests are regarded as the gold standard. PCR tests have the lowest levels of false negatives and false positives. PCR tests are accepted throughout the world by all countries for travel certification purposes and for occupational health. The Express PCR Test provided by Nomad uses a 2-stage collection and external registered laboratory to test all our clients samples.

Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests are the new rapid antigen testing system which provides rapid results with accuracy levels that are the closest to the PCR test. The Rapid Antigen Test can provide a result within 15 minutes and can be suitable for travel to those countries requiring a negative COVID test only (not a negative PCR test). Due to it’s rapid result, the Rapid Antigen Test is also ideal for occupational health and return to work purposes.

LAMP

LAMP testing (as used at Heathrow airport) is currently being trialled for rapid testing but only acceptable to countries not requiring a PCR test for entry. LAMP test is new technology, and the accuracy is still being assessed in clinical settings. This test is also being considered for testing patients upon arrival.

Immunofluorescence

Immunofluorescence is a different type of testing method producing a quick response to identify a current infection but with a lower level of accuracy. This type of test is not suitable for use in travel as if it is not conducted at an external laboratory. According to some manufacturers there is a potential for cross-reactivity when performing multiple tests and false readings if secondary sources are detected. This can result in the workflow being less flexible and more expensive.

For more information on the types of COVID tests, their uses and accuracy - read the blog here.

Nomad is partnered with a leading, UKAS accredited testing & genome sequencing laboratory - Oncologica. Once you know which COVID test you need, simply visit their ordering portal to create your order and input your information. Oncologica will ship your testing kit directly to you, including return postage to send back your sample. The laboratory, Oncologcia, will test & process your sample, returning your results directly to you.

Need help choosing the right COVID-19 test? Read the blog to Compare COVID Tests or contact us.

The key characteristics when choosing a COVID-19 test for travel are:

• Time before departure – will your testing provider return a result within the required time before departure i.e. <48 hours / <72 hours?
• Standard of testing – is the testing undertaken by a laboratory that has an accredited standard and registered by the United Kingdom Advisory Service (UKAS)?
• Accuracy – does the manufacturer indicate their sensitivity and specificity accuracy data?
• Certificate – will the testing facility provide a test result certificate for travel?
• PCR testing – is the test method using a PCR (for those countries requiring it)?

Read the blog to Compare COVID Tests and discover which COVID-19 test is right for you

Your results documents will include your results, which will be either Negative, Positive or Inconclusive. You will be provided with information to help you understand your coronavirus test results.

There is a 1% chance your test result can come back as Inconclusive and the lab will inform us that you need a retest. There are a number of factors why this happens and the lab will not be able to be too specific. Inconclusive tests mean the lab can not prove you DID NOT have COVID-19 when you were tested, you will be advised to not fly by our team until you are retested. and no certificate will be provided.

Our expert clinicians are available to answer your questions regarding your coronavirus self-test kit results. Contact us anytime if you need guidance. We have team members available from 7am to 10pm to answer your questions & get your testing arranged according to the guidance.

COVID testing requirements for entry to the UK depend on where you travel from/through on your journey to the UK. The Traffic Light System for Travel is used to categorise destinations and their respective testing requirments for entry to the UK. Read the blog on the Traffic Light System for Travel.

The table below shows the COVID testing entry requirements for each of the Green, Amber and Red Lists for travel:

The Traffic Light System for Travel is used to categorise destinations and their testing requirments for entry to the UK. Countries are placed on either the Green, Amber or Red List for Travel.

The tests you need to complete in order to enter the UK is dependent on the destination you are arriving from. Arrival countries are grouped into Green, Amber and Red Lists for travel. Each list in the Traffic Light System for Travel has a different set of testing and quarantine requirments that you must adhere to.

The table below shows the COVID testing entry requirements for each of the Green, Amber and Red Lists for travel:

The Day 2 and Day 8 testing for international arrivals can be used by anyone required to take part in mandatory COVID-19 infection testing on arrival to the UK. Taken on day 2 or on day 2 and day 8 of self-isolation, the tests will track COVID-19 cases entering the UK. If your day 2 swab sample is positive, your sample will be subject to genome sequencing to determine which variant you were infected with. You can order your Day 2 / Day 2 & Day 8 Testing from Nomad before you depart on your journey to the UK.

Your blood sample will be taken in-clinic, following strict PPE & distancing guidelines, when you undertake Antibody Testing. Your sample will be sent to our laboratory for analysis to determine whether COVID–19 antibodies are present. The blood sample testing is often referred to as antibody testing. We’ll get your results in 2-3 working days when we’ll send you a link to your secure results & some guidance documents on what the results mean.

Specialist laboratories are able to analyse blood samples to check to see if specific antibodies to COVID-19 coronavirus are present. These are proteins that indicate if you were previously infected with the virus. The antibodies help to fight off the disease and are only produced by the body after infection has occurred. They can usually take 8-10 days to appear but can take longer.

To ensure your body has had sufficient time to produce COVID-19 coronavirus antibodies, and to avoid a false negative result, Antibody Testing should be done 14+ days after you started to show symptoms. It is important to understand that not every individual creates circulating antibodies even after a confirmed infection; antibodies may not be detected but this does not mean you have not previously been infected. Once you have requested coronavirus antibody tests in-clinic, we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment considering your symptoms & suitability for the test.