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.

A PCR test is carried out but using a cotton swab reached into the back of your throat and/or nasal cavity where the nasopharyngeal area is then swabbed for samples. Once an adequate sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory and then analysed in a sterile environment.

A lab professional then looks for the antigens that are present in the immune response in an actively infected person. If they are there, then the person is infected and if not, there is no infection at the time of the PCR swab test. These results are far more accurate than any other method of testing available today.

Does the PCR Swab test hurt?
A cotton swab is inserted into your nostril and placed to the point of resistance. Some people do experience some minor discomfort. You may feel a tickle, your eyes may tear up, or you may feel compelled to sneeze once the test has been completed.

If the test has also been performed on your throat, you may find yourself with the urge to gag, but you should not feel any additional discomfort or any long lasting side effects or discomfort as a result of the PCR swab test.

Whether you need a PCR Fit to Fly certificate or you simply need a PCR Swab test for diagnostic reasons, Pearl Chemist Group is able to meet your needs in one of our vaccination clinics throughout the UK.  Visit us online today to find a location near you and book an appointment at your convenience.  www.pearlchemistgroup.co.uk