Amber List Day 2 & Day 8 testing package:
COVID RT-PCR home test kits for when you return home from an amber list country
This Day 2 & Day 8 testing package is NOT for Fit-to-Fly, Day 2 (ONLY) Amber, Day 2 Green or Test to Release.
If you’re going on a long-awaited trip abroad, you’re legally required to take COVID testing when you return.
This Day 2 & Day 8 COVID PCR test (also known as a RT-PCR test) must be taken by amber list arrivals who are not exempt from quarantine and day 8 tests (e.g. for Non Vaccinated/Non Fully-Vaccinated Amber Arrivals) - find our more here.
Government Listed Provider
Gold Standard PCR Covid-19 Testing methodology
Analysis by a trusted, accredited laboratory
Next Day Results via email from receipt at the lab
Unique reference number for passenger locator form provided with your order confirmation
KIT COST:£199.00
Our laboratory is trusted by world-renowned hospitals
This test is processed by HCA Laboratories, which is part of HCA Healthcare: one of the largest providers of private healthcare in the country. So, as well as carrying out thousands of tests daily for GP surgeries, hospitals and other clients across the UK, the lab supports world-famous HCA hospitals such as The Portland, The Princess Grace, The Harley Street Clinic and London Bridge Hospital.
Order now, take the test when you return
Anyone taking a trip abroad is required by the government to book at least one COVID PCR test before they return. If you:
‣ are travelling back from a country classified by the government as ‘amber'
‣ have not travelled to / through ‘red’ countries in the 10 days before your return
You need a Day 2 test, to be taken within two days of arriving in England and a Day 8 test to be taken on your 8th day of arriving in England (the day you arrive is Day 0). Order our test now, before you go away, so it’s ready for when you get home.
You can order multiple tests, for other travellers, rather than individual orders for each person.
Please always check the latest government guidelines before you order, as they’re being updated all the time.
How it works in 4 simple steps to complete the test
Our Day 2 & Day 8 test can be used ONLY if you're returning from a Amber List country and are NOT exempt from quarantine and day 8 tests. Before ordering your test please check the amber list here.
Your Day 2 test needs to be taken within two days of arriving in England while your Day 8 test needs to be taken on your 8th day of arriving in England (the day you arrive is Day 0)
Step 1
ORDER OUR COVID PCR TEST
You’ll need to order your Day 2 & Day 8 testing package before you set off home (the booking information will be required for your Passenger Locator Form, which you’ll need to submit before you can travel back to the UK).
If you order before your trip, you can also order your Fit to Fly test from us at the same time and get a discount.
Once you’ve ordered, our customer service team will get in touch to clarify how everything will work. Then you’ll receive your test kit in the post.
Step 2
TAKE YOUR SWAB AT HOME
Once you’re back in the UK, you should carry out the test as soon as possible – certainly within 48 hours of your arrival.
Following the instructions, perform a simple nasal and throat swab. If you’re unable to do this yourself, the instructions explain how someone can help you.
The test should only be performed on the person whose name is on the kit, and it is not for anyone under the age of 5.
Step 3
RETURN THE SWAB TO US
Using the prepaid Royal Mail Track 24 envelope, post your swab immediately in a Royal Mail Priority Post Box so that our lab teams can analyse and share your results as quickly as possible.
Step 4
WAIT FOR YOUR RESULTS
We’ll send your official Day 2 & Day 8 pathology report by email. Results are typically next day from receipt at the lab.
How to take your swab and return it to us
1. WASH YOUR HANDS
Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.
2. Unpack your kit
Check if your kit contains all items
3. FIND YOUR TONSILS
Use a mirror to find your tonsils. Alternatively, if your tonsils have been removed find where your tonsils would have been.
4. BLOW YOUR NOSE
Blow your nose gently and cough into a tissue, then throw the tissue away in a bin.
5. OPEN THE SWAB PACKAGE
Be careful not to touch the soft end of the swab on anything except for your tonsils or nose when completing the test.
6. Complete the throat swab
Holding the swab in your hand, open your mouth and gently rub the swab over your tonsils and back of your throat for 10 seconds, then remove from the back of your throat. Looking in a mirror to help you do this.
7. Complete the nasal swab
Place the same end of the same swab gently into your nostril approximately 1 inch (2.5cm), or until you feel resistance. Rotate the swab for 15 seconds and slowly remove it. Using the same swab, repeat for second nostril.
8. Place the swab in the vial
Place the swab in the plastic vial with the fabric tip facing down. Snap off the other end of the swab so that it fits into the vial. Place the lid back on the vial and ensure it is fastened. Please make sure you assign the label with patient details to the tube.
9. PACK YOUR SAMPLE
Place the plastic vial and the absorbant sheet into the sealable plastic bag.
10. Secure your sample
Place the plastic bag inside the biohazard bag and seal the biohazard bag.
10. COMPLETE THE REQUEST FORM
Ensure the Name and DOB on the Request Form are exactly as on the vial.
Complete time and date swabbed and then sign the patient form..
12. RETURN THE SAMPLE IMMEDIATELY
Place the patient form in the box and then in the return bag, and place it in the nearest Royal Mail priority post box.