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Corona Test Centre review: COVID testing for travel
How does Corona Test Centre compare to the dozens of other providers out there at the moment?
Organising a holiday these days can be a bit of a headache. Amid rule changes and new country-specific guidelines being announced on a regular basis, the fear of being turned away at the departure gates is always in the back of your mind. Once you know for certain what you need, the next challenge is finding a trusted COVID test provider to get your proof of health for travel. Luckily, there's a government list of providers to choose from.
What is Corona Test Centre?
Corona Test Centre was set up to help improve COVID testing in the UK. Using the opportunities presented by vacant local business premises to set up testing centres, its workforce was originally comprised of doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants from private clinics that were forced to close during the pandemic. Corona Test Centre is on the government’s list of private COVID test providers.
What types of COVID tests can I get from Corona Test Centre?
It offers at-home Fit to Fly antigen and PCR tests, along with Day 2, Day 5 (Test to Release) and Day 8 tests.
Corona Test Centre also has in-clinic testing available in Woking, Bristol, Newcastle, Euston, Fulham, Victoria, Shoreditch, Watford and Manchester. In-clinic tests include PCR or antigen Fit to Fly tests, and Day 2 and Day 8 tests.
What is Corona Test Centre’s return policy?
If you cancel your appointment with more than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged a £50 cancellation fee. Rearranging your appointment also comes with a £50 administration fee. All test packages are non-refundable. As an alternative, you may be able to get a credit or voucher with Corona Test Centre.
Corona Test Centre customer reviews
While its on-site reviews are all 5 stars, Corona Test Centre has an impressive score of 4.5 out of 5 (as of October 2021) on Trustpilot, based on almost 400 reviews. Positive comments reference its pleasant swabbing experience, quick turnaround times and speedy delivery. Negative reviews cited delayed test results, issues with dispatch times and dissatisfaction with its pricing.
Are Corona Test Centre tests accurate?
Its antibody test has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.8%. There is no information on the efficacy of its other tests. While no COVID test is 100% accurate, we can assume that since it is included on the government’s list of test providers, its tests are fit for purpose.
How long does it take to get results from Corona Test Centre?
Its Fit to Fly antigen tests produce results in 20 minutes. PCR tests have results within 24 hours of the lab receiving your sample. Same-day Fit to Fly and PCR in-clinic tests will have results by midnight and Day 2 test results will be with you 2 days after your test by 6pm. In-clinic antibody tests will have results by 10pm on the same day. Corona Test Centre claims that 99% of its test results are delivered on time.
How much do Corona Test Centre tests cost?
An at-home antigen test costs £29, while the PCR equivalent is £99. A Day 2 test at home or in a clinic costs £99. Corona Test Centre also offers bundle deals – see table above.
Pros and cons of Corona Test Centre
Pros
- Government-listed COVID test provider
- Bundle package deals available
- Over 1,000 appointment slots available daily
- Discount codes available
Cons
- Cancellation fees apply
Our verdict: Is Corona Test Centre any good?
Corona Test Centre fares better on Trustpilot and other review sites compared to many other test providers. While some of its tests work out more expensive than competitors’, it’s doing a good job of providing all the services you might need, both at home and in clinics. The site is clean and easy to use, and the customer service is also better than many others we’ve tested.
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