Private Coronavirus Testing

Ordering a private COVID-19 test with Pall Mall Medical is very straightforward. Here is what will happen:

Ordering Online:

1. Click the "Purchase" button under the test you would like to order
2. Select the number of tests you wish to order in the shopping basket and click the "Proceed to checkout" button
3. Complete your order details. These details MUST be for the patient who is completing the test
4. Your test kit will be sent out by the laboratory themselves, which is usually by Royal Mail business class post. Please allow 2-3 working days for postage to receive your test kit
5. Take your sample and return this to the laboratory in the pre-paid return postage included
6. Allow for return postage time for the sample to arrive back at the laboratory
7. Upon receipt, the laboratory will process your test (within 24hrs for antibody tests and 48hours for PCR tests).
8. Pall Mall Medical will confirm your results by SMS or Email using the contact details in your booking

Ordering by Telephone:

1. Complete an enquiry form (for a call back) or call us on 03300 58 44 55
2. Our booking team will complete the booking, asking for the details of all patients who wish to complete the requested tests and take full payment
3. Your test kit will be sent out by the laboratory themselves, which is usually by Royal Mail business class post. Please allow 2-3 working days for postage to receive the test kits
4. Take your sample and return this to the laboratory in the pre-paid return postage included
5. Allow for return postage time for the sample to arrive back at the laboratory
6. Upon receipt, the laboratory will process your test (within 24hrs for antibody tests and 48hours for PCR tests).
7. Pall Mall Medical will confirm your results by SMS or Email using the contact details in your booking

Completing in-clinic:

1. Call us on 03300 58 44 55
2. Our booking team will complete the booking, asking for the details of all patients who wish to complete the requested tests and take full payment
3. You will attend our Manchester City Centre clinic that is prepared with safety precautions and social-distancing
4. You can complete the test alone or with the help of our medical team (Nurse/HCA).
5. Pall Mall Medical will arrange a private courier to take the sample to the laboratory same day
6. Upon receipt, the laboratory will process your test (within 24hrs for antibody tests and 48hours for PCR tests).
7. Pall Mall Medical will confirm your results by SMS or Email using the contact details in your booking

Antibody Testing

This relates to the IgG test that detects the presence of antibodies in the blood which indicates that the person being tested has had the infection in the past or some form of previous exposure to the virus in the community.

Antibody testing can provide useful information about a person's assumed immunity to this virus i.e. it can tell you if you have had the virus recently.

Please note that some people do not develop antibodies even after proven infection with COVID 19.

The PCR (Swab) Test

This test detects the current presence of the coronavirus from swabs taken from e.g. the throat and nose of the subject. Therefore it tests for active infections, meaning that if the person is infected - he or she could be transmitting the virus to others.

This test plays an important role in controlling the spread of the virus in the workplace and the community and allows identification of those who should be quarantined or given access to treatment.

Abbott Antibody Test:

• In-Clinic: If you complete your antibody test at our Manchester, we will organise a private courier to take the sample to the laboratory that same day. Your results will be available within 24hours from when the lab receives the sample from the courier.

PCR Swab Test:

• By Post: Once you have posted your sample back to the laboratory, this may take around 1-2 working days in the post. When the lab does receive your sample, your results will be available within 48 hours

What problems are businesses finding in the workplace?

• Many people can have coronavirus but show none or only mild clinical symptoms. This means they can infect people around them unknowingly. Recent studies and a speech from Prof. Chris Whitty (presented on 11^th May 2020)⁽¹⁾, suggest that a high percentage of patients show none or only mild-moderate clinical symptoms that do not require hospitalisation. This is why the spread of coronavirus is creating major logistical and operational problems for businesses, with no way of predicting how long the pandemic will last or the impact it will have on both re-opening and productivity into the future.

• The relaxation of lock-down will result in new clusters of infection as people and workers come back together. This will also present a challenge to both HR teams and the employees themselves in being able to distinguish between the common cold and flu symptoms from those of coronavirus. Without a clear indication of infection, this may result in many self-isolation requests and heightened anxiety in the workplace. With self-isolation comes a reduction in productivity.

• The application of safety measures and social distancing inside offices, warehouses and factories may not be sufficient to ensure the safety of workers and customers. It may not be financially possible or feasible in every workplace to install every precaution or safety measure to keep people apart and from physical contact.

• There is growing concern that it is "too soon" to return to work. Many employees will have thoughts of “I’m not happy going back to work yet” with worries about exposure to the coronavirus at work. ⁽²⁾  How does an employer give confidence to their workforce and how does an employee gain reassurances or peace of mind?

1.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adj8MCsZKlg&d=n&app=desktop#menu

2.) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52680196