Our family has recently been on a vacation in Europe and we have an interesting story to share about our Heathrow testing centre experience. We were all pretty nervous as we hadn’t been on a vacation for nearly 2 years due to imposed Covid-19 restrictions. So if you are trying to book a holiday and do not know what to expect from the covid testing process, we have you covered.
Choosing The Type Of Covid-19 Test
Before booking a Covid-19 test, it’s crucial to first check if you will be allowed into the country you are travelling to. If the destination country accepts British tourists then you can move to the booking process. Make sure to double-check if the country stipulates on their official website what type of tests are required for entry. Most countries in Europe only require an antigen pre-departure test, these are less expensive than PCR tests and it takes less time to get the results because they do not require to be sent to a lab for analysis.
Looking For A Reliable Testing Facility
Once you’ve made your decision regarding the type of Covid-19 test to take, you should look for a registered test facility. There are some basic things to know if you want to go to a Covid testing centre to get tested before your flight. Testing for coronavirus can be expensive, but the cost of protecting your health is far greater.
There are many test providers that you can choose from, whether you decide to do it at home or at the testing centre, it is your decision to make. In our case, the Heathrow testing centre was the best option and the simplest one. The way testing is carried out was another reason why we were drawn towards this service. You can opt for a walk-through or drive-through test which is performed very professionally and quite fast.
The advantage of going to the Heathrow testing centre as opposed to home testing kits is that you can get tested right away and you don’t have to worry about the drop-off point, as sometimes this can really impose a great inconvenience. Plus, you’d have to wait for your results and the stress related to this waiting is simply not worth it.
At the Heathrow testing centre, you do not have to wait long before you get to see whether you are actually infected with this virus, the waiting average time is 20 minutes for an antigen test. However, you should note that these kits for viral analysis are not 100% accurate. Only people who are highly infectious get a positive result, as antigen tests are thought of as tests of infectiousness, not of infection, this being the only downside of the rapid tests.
Observations Made At Heathrow Testing Centre
When you are looking for a good testing facility for your coronavirus test, the first thing to pay attention to is the location, make sure that the Covid testing centre is not too far from the airport. The Heathrow testing centre we went to was just outside the airport and we weren’t even required to walk too far. The staff at this testing centre are extremely friendly and always willing to help, this is the best place to go especially if you are travelling with kids.
Another thing that the Heathrow testing centre can offer you is drive-through Covid testing. This is a great choice if you prefer to stay in the car and limit your interactions with other people. If you are travelling with kids they can take a nap or play with their toys in a more familiar environment.
Final Words
If you decide to book a Covid test at the Heathrow testing centre you will find that they are extremely easy to book, simply give them your information and date of birth and you should be able to book in just a few minutes. It is not compulsory to have your coronavirus test done at a testing centre but it makes the travelling preparations so much easier and stress-free.