Covid-19 IgG antibodies against the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2
Antibody test at PExpo clinics.
Benefits of Roche rapid antibody testing
99.8 % accuracy for IgG
Blood test with result 1-3 days
100% sensitivity after 10 days post-infection or vaccination
The simple finger-prick test compared to the full blood draw
Great value for money
Rapid Testing for IgG antibodies
Our UAKS registered coronavirus antibody tests are registered with MHRA and are CE certified. We are confident in the reliability of the test for IgG (past infection) antibodies and are running our own internal clinical audit as well as relying on studies from academic and health facility sources.
If you are concerned about a current infection, we recommend having a PCR swab test for COVID-19 although the Roche Antibody test has acceptable accuracy for IgG antibodies of 98.8%.
A clinic certificate can be issued if this is needed. This test is only available at the clinic and is not regulated for home use yet.
Fee: £49
I currently have symptoms – what should I do?
If you are symptomatic, a swab test is currently available for at-home testing for COVID-19 with results in 1-2 days. This has close to 100% accuracy and is the gold standard for testing for a current infection. Similarly, if you need to absolutely exclude an active virus, either because you were previously ill or need to return to work, a PCR swab test would be the correct test to consider.
Fee: £69 for home-testing kit
Why do I have to have the PExpo Antibody test at the clinic?
These tests are not regulated for home use. The clinic testing has a higher than acceptable level of inaccuracy when conducted at home by a non-medical person. The reason for this is that the process requires drawing blood from the finger, using a small vial to store, and then transporting the sample to the laboratory. The outcome of the test also needs interpreting with the exact number between levels of 0 - 80,000 AU/ml.
Does having antibodies mean I am now immune?
The short answer is that we really don’t know yet. Logically, we can assume that having antibodies gives us a degree of protection for as long as we have them. Antibody tests show if you have had a previous coronavirus / COVID-19 infection and having IgG antibodies can mean that you are potentially immune to future illness. But we do not know yet what level of antibodies are needed to confirm immunity if immunity is possible in the shorter or longer term and how long the IgG antibodies stay in our system. We will update our page as more studies are published and as we know more.
When should I get tested?
Studies suggest that IgG antibodies are present after 10 days but we recommend testing at around 28 days for an optimal result. You can test at any time after 28 days after infection as antibodies will be detectable for as long as they are present in your system.
Can I still actively carry the virus if I have IgG antibodies?
We are too early in this outbreak to know for sure whether having IgG antibodies reduces the risk of transmission.
How do I book? Can I walk in for my test?
Pre-booking is required. Because of the current climate, we can see patients on a walk-in basis. Please call us to arrange your visit or for your convenience, use our online booking engine.
Please note we are not seeing symptomatic patients at the clinic so if you have coronavirus symptoms and need testing for antigen, your best option is a home-testing swab kit and telephone consultation with a doctor. Please get in touch with us to arrange this.
About COVID-19
COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus that is highly infectious. It is passed on through droplets from an infected person. It is believed that around 50% of people carrying an active COVID-19 virus do not display symptoms which is one reason it has spread so quickly. Also, symptoms vary from person to person.
Some people only have a cough or a fever while others may suffer from a sore throat, headache, diarrhea, or loss their sense of taste or smell. The only way to know for sure if you have or have had coronavirus COVID-19 is through testing.
Why do I need a consultation?
Testing without a consultation means that we would be unable to properly advise you on the next steps, protecting your family, whether you can return to work after lockdown, and any treatment you might require.
FAQs
How long after having symptoms can I have an instant COVID-19 antibody test?
The advice has changed a few times in the last few weeks as we all learn more about how this virus behaves but we are advising patients to wait for 28 days for IgG (past infection) detection. The PCR swab test can and should be done while you are ill (at home) or if you are concerned about having an active infection while asymptomatic.
I've read a lot online about the rapid tests being unreliable
We have sourced the best available currently and will continue to upgrade when improved tests become available. The media has correctly focussed on the lower reliability of instant tests for an active infection. We also do not recommend these tests for an active infection - we strongly recommend having the PCR swab test in addition to or instead of an instant coronavirus test. The Roche Antibody test is however reliable in detecting a past infection with 99.8% accuracy and 100% sensitivity.
What does the rapid test involve?
The test is done on a blood sample taken from your finger. The blood drops are taken up into a pipette and then processed in a cassette with a reagent. It's quite fiddly which is why this test is not approved for home use. It is intended for professional use only.
How long does it take to process the coronavirus rapid antibody test?
The COVID-19 antibody test takes around 1-3 days to process. First, the control line appears - this has to appear to validate the test. We partnered up with UKAS approved laboratories across the UK to provide the best clinical tests for our clients.
Free fit to fly certificate included
UK government-approved provider
Same day and next day results
FAQs
What is a Covid-19 PCR test?
A Covid-19 PCR test looks for the Covid-19 virus on a swab sample collected from the back of the throat and nose. Our private Covid-19 testing is provided by world-class UKAS accredited laboratories on CE marked PCR assay machines to provide fast and reliable results.
How much does a Covid-19 test cost?
We are pleased to have the widest range and best priced Covid-19 tests at our clinic. Please visit the booking page for a full list of tests, prices and availability. Some of our most popular tests are:
PCR Test (next day) - £149
PCR Test Same day - £169
Antigen Test - from £74
Antibody Test - from £49
All tests are booked online here. Simply select Covid-19 Coronavirus Test . Then choose the type of test which you require and it will show you all the clinic locations and times you can book. Different clinics offer different types of tests. PCR tests cost from £149 and point of care tests from £49.
Where can I get a Covid-19 test?
All our tests are carried out at one of our clinics, staffed by healthcare professionals. To select a location, simply visit the booking page and select the desired Covid-19 Coronavirus test. After choosing the type of test which you require, it will show you all the available clinic locations and times. Different clinics offer different types of test, so you may wish to select a couple of different test types to find the most convenient location for you.
When should I get tested?
You should get tested after checking the requirement of a country you are travelling to by visiting the government Foreign travel advise Website before booking to make sure that you book your test within the time-frame required
Can I change or cancel my test?
You can change your test free of charge . For any cancellation, simply contact us via phone, WhatsApp or email for a fast response.
*We are not able to make changes or refunds after you have taken the test.
How do I book tests for multiple people?
Simply book a test for the first member of your party. Then repeat the process for another test, but on the payment screen enter the details of the second person. Repeat for any other members of your party.
How is the COVID-19 test conducted?
A swabbing will be performed with a combined throat and nose swab, using the same swab. First, you will make contact with 6 points in the throat as illustrated in your instructions. You will then insert the swab 2 – 3 cm into each nostril.
What symptoms should I look out for?
We are learning more every day about COVID-19 symptoms and how it presents.
Symptoms can include:
Cough, both dry and/or wet
Fever
Loss of taste and/or smell
Headache
Fatigue
Diarrhoea
Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose
Conjunctivitis
Skin rashes
What's the difference between an PCR swab, antigen and antibody test?
A PCR is the gold standard test to determine whether you currently have Covid-19. This is the test which most countries require for entry purposes.
An antigen test, also called a lateral flow test is also used to check for current infection. This has the advantage of being quicker and cheaper than a PCR test, but can be less accurate at lower viral loads.
An antibody test looks to see whether you have had the virus in the past. Antibodies are believed to confer a degree of immunity to the re-infection by the virus.
If you require your test for travel purposes, please check the latest requirements for your destination country before booking.
Are all your labs UKAS accredited ?
Yes, currently we work with three national labs with direct supply to NHS trusts and large corporation. We made sure our list of patentees are fully compatible with the regulatory requirements by the UK government.
Is PExpo Diagnostic Registered as a provider of test-to-release and general testing scheme ?
Yes. Our Clinics are all registered as a test-to-release site under our parent clinical brand provider as PharmaDoctor.
You can check the PharmaDoctor name on The Government Website.
Do your tests detect the new UK variant of Covid-19?
Yes, all our test lab partners have confirmed that their sensitivity and specificity is unchanged with regards to the new Covid-19 strain in the UK. They will not however differentiate between the strains on your certificate.
What type of antigen test do you offer?
PExpo Diagnostics have selected the Roche SD Biosensor Covid-19 antigen and antibody test. This is available from £69 and is the first test by UK Public Health which assessed antigen tests with a sensitivity of 99.8% and a specificity of 100% compared with PCR. Some countries will accept this test as a condition for entry, in which case it is significantly cheaper and quicker than PCR. However, the majority of places still stipulate PCR so check the requirements for your country before booking as a fit to fly certificate.
A healthcare professional will take a swab from your nose and carry out the point of care test. You will receive your results and certificate by email within 30 minutes. Please note that this test is not suitable for children under 5, who should have a PCR test instead.
RESULTS AND CERTIFICATES
What information is in my results certificate?
You will receive your certificate as soon as your results are ready. This will include:
Name
Date of Birth
Gender
Address
Passport / ID (if provided)
The test type. For PCR this will be: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RT-PCR Test
The date and time that the swab sample was collected
The result and date
Guidance from a doctor advising on your suitability to travel, based on the result of this test.
For PCR tests you will also receive a separate results certificate produced by the laboratory themselves. This includes:
Name
Date of Birth
Passport / ID (if provided)
Test type & methodology
Sample reference
Sample collected date
Reported date
Results
Details of the laboratory
