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Covid 19 Test

  1. Key Things to Know About Covid-19 Vaccines

    Key Things to Know About Covid-19 Vaccines

    Well, COVID-19 is something we all seem to be used to now. Whilst rules are getting more simple to live in the UK, travel may be more complicated.  Having your COVID-19 vaccinations can make travelling a great deal easier for you, but if you remain unvaccinated, you will still need to engage in pre-travel PCR tests, possible isolation at your destination, and PCR swat tests upon your return to the UK. Pearl Chemist Group has all the PCR swab tests for your fit to fly certificates as well as COVID-19 PCR tests for your return.

    How do the COVID 19 vaccines work?
    The COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that contains material from the virus that causes COVID-19. The material is not the virus, rather a protein from the virus that our immune system will recognise as the virus and begin an immune reaction to. This immune reaction proceeds

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  2. How Do Covid-19 Antibody Tests Differ From Diagnostic Tests?

    How Do Covid-19 Antibody Tests Differ From Diagnostic Tests?

    By now we are all used to the idea of having to have COVID-19 tests. Surely, with the current level of information and exposure you know what an LFT test is, a PCR test is, and on what occasions you might need to take those tests. But do you know what an antibody test is and what it is for?  It’s to determine if you’ve already had Covid.  Let’s get into the differences of these tests and when you might need each one.  Pearl Chemist Group offers all types of COVID-19 tests you might need in the UK.

    There are three types of COVID-19 tests. PCR test, Antigen Test and Antibody tests.

    PCR Testing:
    PCR tests are a diagnostic test for confirming a current COVID-19 infection. It is a  polymerase chain reaction test and measures for the DNA Proteins of the virus seeking to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. A cotton swab is inserted into the nasopharyngeal cavit

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  3. The Difference Between Rapid Antigen Test and Lateral Flow

    The Difference Between Rapid Antigen Test and Lateral Flow

    COVID testing kits are now widely available, and the type you need will depend on what you’re trying to do. In the U.K., in order for people to return to work, they must take what is called a lateral flow test. Both tests work the same way, but one delivers results faster and is required for international travel. These are available for free through government-funded health centers. They work in approximately fifteen minutes, and record the result to a “cassette,” which is then read for the results and allows you to return to work. It’s usually used to test people who are not symptomatic for coronavirus. (People who are symptomatic generally require what is known as a PCR test). Lateral tests are available through the NHS, usually free of charge.

    The rapid antigen test is required for international travel. These test work by the same method as a lateral flow test, but take slightly longer to provide results. They are not available through the NHS and must be purchased through a priva

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  4. The Only PCR Test Guide You’ll Ever Need

    The Only PCR Test Guide You’ll Ever Need

    In today’s day and age, you are likely familiar with what a PCR test is by now and that it is needed in order to confirm an active Covid diagnosis. Often, it will come after a positive LFT test or after being confirmed as a close contact of a positive case and then coming down with symptoms yourself.  You may also be required to have a PCR Covid test to receive a fit to fly certificate in order to be permitted to board a plane for travel or be permitted entry into your destination country.  Pearl Chemist Group offers both diagnostic and fit to fly certificate PCR tests in the UK.

    What is a PCR test?
    A PCR test is a Polymerase Chain Reaction test.  It looks for copies of the virus’ DNA and is the gold standard for Covid screening. PCR tests are currently the best way and most used way to detect active Covid infections.

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  5. COVID-19 PCR Testing and Cycle Thresholds

    COVID-19 PCR Testing and Cycle Thresholds

    There is a rumour going around Instagram and other social media sites that The World Health Organisation has confirmed that the PCR test is flawed and all tests with a high cycle threshold (Ct) are invalid. This is untrue and Pearl Chemist Group is here to clear up the confusion once and for all, helping with understanding some of these COVID-19 terms.

    What are cycle thresholds?
    Here is how a PCR test is processed;  the viral genetic material on the swab is purified, stabilised and concentrated.  If there IS indeed material of interest in the sample, it is copied over and over by heating and cooling the material in the presence of various substances.  This process, each time it is performed, is known as a thermal cycle.

    The genetic material is then amplified, which is called fluorescence. This process varies by lab, but essentially, a substance is added to each

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  6. How Accurate are COVID-19 Antigen Tests?

    How Accurate are COVID-19 Antigen Tests?

    These days, COVID tests and procedures have become a routine part of life.  That said, it does seem that requirements are ever changing and can be confusing.  No matter your level of confusion or changing requirements, it is clear that testing is one of the most important ways to manage the spread of the disease. Pearl Chemist Group has available all required COVID-19 testing materials including COVID-19 antigen swab tests in the UK. You can also attend the Wandsworth clinic for COVID-19 antigen swab tests.

    COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a highly contagious virus. It can affect vulnerable people with preexisting health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

    Along with other measures such as wearing a mask, testing has become the best way to manage the spread of the disease. Frequent testing can indicate when a person has been infected with the virus,

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  7. Which Test is Best for COVID-19?

    Which Test is Best for COVID-19?

    PCR test, Antigen Test, Antibody Test:  You’ve probably heard all kinds of names talked about when speaking of COVID-19 tests now. Well, Pearl Chemist Group has the low-down and we can make it simple for you.  What test do I need for what?  Which one is the best?  Not only does Pearl Chemist Group provide COVID-19 PCR tests and Rapid Antigen Tests in London and the UK, we help you to figure out what the different types of COVID-19 tests are, and which one you might need.

    PCR Test
    A PCR Test is considered the “gold standard” of COVID tests.  For now, this

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  8. Fit to Fly: Your Guide to Pre-Travel PCR Tests

    Fit to Fly: Your Guide to Pre-Travel PCR Tests

    COVID-19 has interfered with travel significantly in the past year and a half. Countries all over the world have restrictions concerning travellers entering their countries, and UK travellers are no exception. No matter what destination you are travelling to, you are likely to need a Fit to Fly certificate in order to even commence your journey. You'll need a negative PCR Fit to Fly test performed and confirmed within 72 hours prior to boarding your plane. If you are having some difficulty grasping what is needed or how to jump through all of the hoops necessary to fly these days, you are not alone. Pearl Chemist Group is here to clarify and help you get your Fit to Fly certificates with ease. If you are looking for easy, quick and competitively priced Fit to Fly COVID-19 PCR Tests in Wandsworth, Wimbledon or all over London, book online with us now.

    What is a Fit to Fly travel certificate?

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  9. Benefits of and Concerns Regarding Rapid Antigen Tests

    Benefits of and Concerns Regarding Rapid Antigen Tests

    It has been over a year since the Covid-19 pandemic started and most countries have now instituted some form of management by testing. There are essentially three main types of tests that are currently in use.

    3 Main Covid Tests and Their Function
    The PCR test  is the “gold standard” that is used for travel

    The Lateral flow test (LFW), which is also called the Rapid Antigen Test, is more often used in a work scenario where daily or frequent tests are required or if one has any symptoms

    The antibody/serology test is used to determine if the patient has immunity to Covid-19.

    When Should I Get the Rapid Antigen Test?
    Lateral Flow tests are now recommended as a matter of course in order to control the spread of coronavirus.  If you are looking for Rapid Antigen Swab Testing in Lon

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  10. The Difference Between PCR, Antigen and Antibody Tests

    The Difference Between PCR, Antigen and Antibody Tests

    In these unprecedented times, it’s important to have regular COVID-19 tests to help prevent the spread of disease. As life returns to a sense of normality, there are different types of COVID-19 tests that are required going forward. It is difficult to figure out what test you need and where to get them. Pearl Chemist Group has information, guidance and testing available for all different types of COVID-19 tests

    What are the different types of COVID-19 Tests?

    There are currently two different types of COVID-19 tests and these are:

    • Diagnostic tests which look for active Coronavirus infection in your mucus or saliva
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