Fit to Fly Covid Test

24th August 2021 By Phoenix Hospital Group

Many airlines now require passengers to take a COVID-19 fit to fly test, to reduce the risk of transmission. Some regions require proof or certification of a negative COVID-19 status before allowing people into or out of the country. With rules and guidelines varying greatly from country to country, the safest approach is to have recent proof you are COVID-19 negative before you get to the airport.

Phoenix Hospital Group is included in the Government approved list of providers for Covid testing and is here to help you navigate this challenging time.

 

What Is A Fit To Fly test?

A COVID-19 PCR / Fit To Fly is a rapid test to show if you currently have Covid. It is suitable and approved for travel by the majority of countries and, once the test is completed, you will receive a laboratory report with your personal details and results.

 

The science behind it

A PCR test stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction test. PCR is a molecular biology technique used to directly screen for the presence of viral RNA (the genetic material of the COVID-19 virus), which will be detectable in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present. This means the tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus very early on in their illness.

 

How Does A Fit To Fly Test Work?

Sample collection is done using a swab to collect respiratory material found in your nose. A swab contains a soft tip on a long, flexible stick that is inserted into your nose. After collection, the swab is sealed in a tube and then sent to our laboratory. When a laboratory technologist receives the sample, they perform a process called extraction, which isolates genetic material from the sample, including genetic material from any virus that may be present. Then, a PCR test is run on the sample using a PCR machine. During this process, one of the chemicals produces a fluorescent light if SARS-CoV-2 is present in the sample. This fluorescent light is a signal that is detected by the PCR machine, and special software is used to interpret the signal as a positive or negative test result.

 

How to book your test

Getting a Fit To Fly test from Phoenix Hospital is a straightforward and quick process. You can book your test online easily and choose a time that suits your travel plans. You will then be seen by our highly qualified team of nurses in Harley Street, London for your test.  We aim to provide you with a result within 24 hours or faster, and we can safely deliver the results in the format you need, such as a digital certificate.

Contact us to book your Fit To Fly in time for your travel.