COVID-19 – Test to Release

COVID-19 TEST-TO-RELEASE.

Randox has been added to the Department of Health and Social care’s list of private providers of Coronavirus testing.

This includes the lists for both general testing and test to release, a scheme which is applicable to those in England who need to self-isolate on their return from international travel.

If you are returning to England from a country not on the government’s travel corridor list, you will need to self-isolate and not leave your home for a full 10 days. You can now reduce that time by taking a test through Randox.*

If after 5 days you take a test and receive a negative result, you can stop self-isolating.

*Please note that if you choose the ‘Home Sample Collection Kit’ option with Randox, the delivery of the kits back to the lab is your own responsibility.

Eligibility for Test-to-Release.

You should check up to 24 hours before the end of your travel, if the country you are returning from is on the government travel corridor list.

If not, then you are eligible for the Test-to-Release scheme.

*Please note that due to the new South African variant, travel from the following countries to the UK is currently banned:

Zamibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique, Angola, Mauritius, Seychelles

For in-clinic appointments at Randox Health:

You must book your test for five full days from the moment you depart your destination. For example, if you depart your destination at 6pm, you cannot book an appointment before 6pm on the fifth day. If you do not adhere to these timings, the UK government systems will deny your Test-to-Release test results.

If you meet this criteria, book your clinic appointment here. Results from our Liverpool and London clinics will be received within 48 hours of taking the test.

It is the sole responsibility of the traveller to confirm that they are eligable for Test-to-Release. Randox accept no liablility for testing that doesn’t meet the government’s strict criteria.

CHOOSE FROM TWO TESTING OPTIONS.

Home Sample Collection Kit

Purchase our convenient home sample collection kit online today, take your sample in the comfort of your own home and return to Randox for analysis. Return of your sample back to the Randox laboratories is your own responsibility.

Results are available within 24-48 hours of receipt of sample at our laboratories.

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In-Clinic Sample Collection

Visit one of our Randox Health clinics where our highly trained professionals will collect your sample and send to Randox labs for analysis.

If completing a test at our London or Liverpool clinics, please allowed up to 48hours from your appointment for test results.

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How does Test-to-Release work?

Arrive into England from a country not on the travel corridor list and go straight your residence for self-isolating.

You must self-isolate according to the UK government’s instructions. Fill in the government passenger locator form.

Timing begins the day you leave the origin country, if you arrive the same day you left, that is day zero and the next day is day 1.

Day 5 – You should complete your test on this day. If you are taking your test at a Randox Clinic, you can only book a test from this day. If you are ordering the Randox home testing kit then you can only order it on this day. Take your test as soon as it arrives.

Day 6 – post your Randox COVID-19 Home Testing Kit.

Day 7 – your test should arrive at Randox Laboratories (delivery of the test is the responsibility of the provider used, not Randox)

Day 7-8 – Results received. If negative, you can end your self-isolation. If the result is positive then you must remain in isolation for another 10 days (this count begins on the day you completed your test.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

on Test-to-Release

Where can i find out more infomation on Test-to-Release?

For the latest governement guidance on Test-to-Release please visit here.

Should i use Test-to-Release if i have COVID-19 symptoms?

It is advised that if you have COVID-19 symptoms then you should not use Test-to-Release. Visit the NHS website for the latest information on what to do if you are showing COVID-19 symptoms.

How long do i have to self-isolate from a quarantine country?

If you arrive into England from a country not on the corridor list then you must isolate for 10days unless you have a negative COVID-19 test result. You cannot leave you chosen residence for any reason when you are self-isolating.

Under the government’s Test-to-Release guidelines, you can take a COVID-19 test on the fifth day after leaving the quarantine country.

Can i get a test earlier than the fifth day at a Randox Health Clinic?

You must wait to book your test five full days from the moment you depart your destination. For example, if you depart your destination at 6pm, you cannot book an appointment before 6pm on the fifth day.

If you do not adhere to these timings, the UK government systems will deny your Test-to-Release test results.

If you meet this criteria, book your clinic appointment here.

Can i leave my house once i've taken a Test-to-Release test?

You can only end your self-isolation once you have confirmed a negative COVID-19 test result. Until you receive your result, you must continue to self-isolate.

Do i need to pay for Test-to-Release?

The government Test-to-Release scheme is private therefore you much pay for a test from a private provider, such as Randox Health.

Can i use Test-to-Release in Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland?

Currently, Test-to-Release only applies to England.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all released their own quarantine travel restrictions, please refer to local government websites for the latest information.