What is a Rapid Lateral Flow Test?

​

Rapid Lateral flow test testing is the newly approved testing requirements for Day 2 return into the UK for Fully Vaccinated passengers, it can also be used for Pre-travel certification for France, Italy and America, among other countries. (Up to date guidance regarding entry requirements for countries outside of the UK can be found on the Government website).

 

We use a Lateral Flow Device manufactured by Healgen; the test results produce a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.5%. The test directly detects the presence of the genetic material/antigens of the Covid-19 virus, indicating whether or not there is an active infection. This test does not detect the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies. 

​

Can I test at home?​

​

Our Healgen test kits are certified home-testing kits. Your can take them from the comfort and safety of your own home with verification of your test results online through our online portal.

​

If you would like us to bring your test to you, get in touch with us directly and we will be happy to help you with this.

​

Once you've completed your nasal swab,  you will instructions to them apply this to the lateral flow test cassette and the results will be ready to read in 15-20 minutes!

​

What is inside the test kit?

​

• Test Cassette

• Extraction Buffer Tube

• Disposable Swab

• Waste Bag

• Instructions for Use

• Sample Verification Card

• Box Barcode sticker on the back of the box

​

What to do before traveling to the United Kingdom?

​

Here is what you need to do before arriving in the United Kingdom:

​​

• Book and pay for your Day 2 Lateral Flow Test kit

• Complete a passenger locator form with details of where you will self-isolate when you arrive and with your Test Package booking reference number.

​

** The booking reference number will be supplied to you via a separate email once we have an order confirmation. 

The booking reference number will start with the Prefix: MARES followed by a 7 digits. 

​

e.g: MARES0000100

​

Using the test kit for pre-travel ?

​

As regulations might change and differ depending on the airline and destination, it is the client's responsibility to check for the most up-to-date information. As well as speaking to the airline directly, useful details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice whether or not a Lateral flow test result will be accepted for entry by your destination county.

​

How to Register your test kit?

​

All instructions and material are included within the box of your test kit, but we've also broken it down for you here (so you know what to expect);

​

1. Navigate to https://portal.salient.bio/

​

2. Select "Lateral Flow Test"

​

3. Select "Day 2 Test"

​

4. Complete the form as required, please note there will three separate codes to enter to ensure the results matches up with your credentials;

​

Box Barcode: This is the 12 digit number on the sticker on the back of the box

Lateral Flow Barcode: This is the QR-code on the test kit cassette itself and is in the form of SAL+ 8 digits

Booking Reference: This is the your Passenger Locator Form Reference we email to you once purchase has been completed. It if the the form of pre-fix MARES followed by 7 digits.

​

​

The Test Procedure and Certification

​

Along with your test kit you will receive step by step instructions on how to carry out your nasal swab

​

Once you have completed your swab, you will be prompted to a photo of your test kit cassette and  upload it to our Laboratory Verification Application for analysis and results.

​

Once the verification process has been completed, your results and a UKHSA complaint certificate will be emailed to you directly.

​

Your results and certificate will be emailed to you within 24 hours of uploading your photo. 

​

Before you get tested we strongly advise:

​

 

Nothing can go in the nose for at least 24 hours prior to testing, this includes: nasal medication, saline, hay fever sprays, cotton buds, etc.

​

This can inhibit the sample and mean that it needs to be retested or may not enable a conclusive result to be delivered.

​

* Important Note: Please Read our T&C's before purchasing this product. If you proceed to "Order Now" below, you Read, Understood and agree to our Terms and Conditions.

​

​​

​

FAQ

​

What is a Lateral Flow Test?

​

The UK government is using Lateral Flow Tests as a quick way to determine if someone is infected with COVID-19, particularly asymptomatic carriers of the virus. Our lateral flow test involves taking a nasal swab and processing it using a small device that comes with the kit. It looks for a specific antigen, which is an indicator of the presence of COVID-19. The short processing time of this test makes it ideally suited for frequent testing, such as for travellers or in workplaces and educational institutes.

​

What is Day 2 Lateral Flow Certificate?

​

The Day 2 Lateral Flow Test replaces the prior Day 2 RT-PCR Test for incoming travellers who are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine and coming from a country that is not on the red list. If the test result is negative, one does not have to self-isolate.

A Day 2 certificate is generated and supplied if the test result is negative. The Day 2 certificate includes your name, date of the results, passport number, date of birth, name of the test, and your test result among other details that can be presented to authorities. It is signed by our lab’s specialist.

​

How long does it take to get the result of a Lateral Flow Test?

​

Our Lateral Flow Test takes no more than 15 to 30 minutes to provide the results. This is the amount of time it takes after you have taken the swab sample and finished the rest of the process.

​

How does the Lateral Flow Test work?

​

You can buy the Lateral Flow Test from our Online Store — we are an accredited test provider with quick delivery of kits and turnaround time of results. To take the test, you are to follow the Lateral Flow Test instructions that come with the kit. These instructions include steps about how to take your swab sample, how to transfer the sample to the test cassette, and relay it to us for digital confirmation. 

​

Where can I purchase a Rapid Lateral Flow Test?

​

You can buy the test from our Online Store  with delivery guaranteed within 2-3 working days. orders are also processed over the weekend to ensure we have it delivered to you on time.

​

How long does it take to get the results of a Lateral Flow Test?

​

After you insert the swab sample in the extraction fluid, mix it, and put two - three drops of it onto the test cassette, it will take 15 minutes to get results.

​

What is the difference between Lateral Flow Tests and RT-PCR tests?

​

Both the RT-PCR and the Lateral Flow Test require nasal swabs, but the difference is in how the two are processed and the time they take. The RT-PCR test has to be sent to a lab for analysis, and it may take many hours to get the results. The Lateral Flow Test, on the other hand, is done entirely at home, and the results take no more than 15-30 minutes on average.

A Lateral Flow Test is generally for people who are not showing any symptoms of COVID-19, whereas an RT-PCR is for people with symptoms. Moreover, since the RT-PCR test is more precise and accurate if you test positive on a Lateral Flow Test, you also have to take a further RT-PCR test for confirmation.

​

Should I get tested if I have no symptoms?

​

Yes, you can be infected by COVID-19 and not have any symptoms. About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 tend to remain entirely asymptomatic but can infect other people. Therefore, if you are travelling, or believe you have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested.

​

How can I perform this test on my own?

​

The test has simple instructions and can easily be performed at home. It requires taking a nasal swab sample, which is then applied to the lateral flow cassette for results.

​

Can I take a Day 2 antigen test if I travel to the UK from a red list country?

​

If you are travelling to the UK from a country that is on the UK's red list, you won't be eligible to take a Day 2 lateral flow antigen test. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Travellers from red list countries have to take a PCR test for the Day 2 and Day 8 tests and also have to quarantine at a government-approved quarantine hotel.

​

I tested positive on a Lateral Flow Test. What now?

​

If you get a positive result on a Lateral Flow Test, you are required to self isolate at once. You will then need to take a mandatory RT-PCR test for confirmation within 48 hours. You can get this test by ordering an RT-PCR home test kit from our online store.

​

What does it mean if my test results are 'void' or inconclusive?

​

You will get a 'VOID' or ‘inconclusive’ test result if your swab sample comes into contact with anything other than the inside of your nose. It will be contaminated and cannot be used to reliably test for COVID-19. You can also get a ‘void’ result if you have an excess of mucus in your nasal cavity. It can also be due to a manual error in the testing procedure.
In case of a void result, you will need to retake a swab sample with a new swab and try to ensure that you follow all the correct procedures to reduce the chance of getting a void result again.

​

My test result came back as positive. What now?

​

If your test result is POSITIVE. You and anyone else in your household must self-isolate immediately in accordance with Governmental guidelines.
You will have to Report your lateral flow test results to the NHS and you will also need to book an RT-PCR test for verifying the test results. You can arrange an RT-PCR test online or via phone by dialling 119.

If your confirmatory RT-PCR test is also positive, you will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, and you must enter self-isolation at home for a duration of ten days. Your self-isolation period will start from the moment you begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19. If you are asymptomatic, your ten days will start from the time your test was performed.
You must not travel or meet anyone during self-isolation. Contact 111 if you need medical help, and in case of emergency, dial 999.

If the confirmatory RT-PCR test is negative, you remain asymptomatic, and no one in your household has symptoms or tested positive, you and your household can stop self-isolating. However, you must continue to follow all other COVID-19 related government guidance to help protect yourself and those around you.

For any further information, you can email us at info@marestclinic.co.uk, or call us at 0203 488 7351.

​

My test result was negative. What now?

​

If your test result is NEGATIVE, you will receive a confirmation of your results via email within 12 hours.
Make sure to continue following all other COVID-19 related Government guidance to help protect you and those around you.
If your Lateral Flow Test result is negative, but you are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, you should still self-isolate and book an RT-PCR test. If the RT-PCR test comes out negative, and you remain asymptomatic, you can stop self-isolating.
For any further information, you can email us at info@marestclinic.co.uk, or call us at 0203 488 7351.

​

​

​

​