Air passengers can now get a groundbreaking PCR test with a three-hour turnaround before they travel.
Provider Collinson has partnered with biotech company, Randox, to offer the rapid PCR check at its park and test facility near Heathrow Airport.
It means passengers who require a negative PCR result to fly can, for the first time, book to take the test on their day of departure and have their result in time for check-in, rather than needing to arrange for a test days in advance.
In the next few weeks, the new technology will also be launched at Collinson’s drive-through facility near Gatwick.
Dr. Simon Worrell, Global Medical Director, Collinson, said: "We’ve come such a long way in travel testing since we first started speaking to the UK Government about our solutions last summer.
“The new, rapid PCR tests we’re announcing with Randox really are the most sophisticated tests on the market. No longer do travellers need to take a PCR test three days before travel, and so risk contracting the virus in the interim.
"They’re a complete game-changer for anyone looking to travel at this time, making the testing process as seamless as possible for passengers as they can conveniently take their test on their way to the airport, rather than needing to find somewhere to be tested days in advance.”
David Ferguson, managing director, Randox, added: “We at Randox have been on the front line in the fight against Covid-19 since its outbreak last year and both of our companies know how important testing is to travel recovery.
"Travel during the pandemic has undoubtedly been challenging, but with this partnership I am confident that travel will now be far more accessible and achievable to those who use this service.”
The cost of a rapid PCR test is £95. To book, visit collinsontest.com
Travellers should check the entry requirements of their intended destination country using the GOV.UK foreign travel advice pages.
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