Diarrhoea
If the above does not apply, then you should not consider being tested.
It is also not advisable to be tested if you are currently taking antiviral medication; this can reduce the sensitivity of the test and may give a false negative result.
The test detects the presence of the virus using a technique known as PCR. The Swine Flu test kit contains 2 dry swabs. One needs to be taken from the nasal passages and the other from the back of the throat. The swabs should then be labelled with your details and double bagged in the enclosed plastic bags. The double bagged samples are then placed into the prepaid addressed envelope and posted to the laboratory without delay.
The turnaround time is 3-4 working days. Negative results will be reported to your GP. Positive results will be reported to your GP and to the HPA Flu Response Centre.
The cost of the test = £92.50 and payment should accompany the swabs (payment details will be enclosed within the postal pack).
It is imperative that your GP details are given on the request form. We will not be able to continue with the test if these details are missing
A free postal pack can be requested by or by telephone 01234 831115. Unfortunately, due to the contagious nature of the illness, we cannot consider patients attending the laboratory to have the samples taken. Likewise, we cannot offer a home visit service for this test.
Back to Laboratory Services
| 