A step-by-step guide to a CompGeno COVID-19 test
With children back to school and some of us back to the office, it might seem life is getting back to normal too.
But as temperatures drop, you might be worried about confusing COVID-19 for a seasonal cold and passing it onto a colleague or a family member. Or you might not have coronavirus symptoms but want to get tested in order to visit a loved one at a care home or fly to another country.
COVID-19 spikes have caused a shortage of tests in some areas and the most recent advice is to book a test through the NHS only if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get a test.
If you are asymptomatic but would still like to get tested or need to test your staff in order to restart your business safely, then don’t worry.
Complement Genomics in Lanchester, Co Durham offers COVID-19 testing to both private clients and employers/employees nationwide. Here’s what you need to do if you wish to book a test for yourself or your business.
1. Choose a test tailored to your needs
Complement Genomics’ COVID-19 testing services are available to private clients, as well as businesses. Our testing programmes are tailored to a wide range of needs.
For example, if you are going to travel abroad and need a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate to prove you are free of the virus, or would like a COVID-19 test for your own peace of mind, then you can get tested as a private client with us. This option may be particularly suitable if you are planning on visiting a loved one in a care home. ‘Back 2 Work’ testing for employees is also on offer, while teachers and anyone looking to go into a school may be interested in our ‘Fit 4 School’ tests.
Alternatively, if you own a business and would like to get your staff tested, then you can take advantage of our employers/employee testing. You can choose between a one-off test or regular screening for asymptomatic employees. Business environment testing is also available to help employers identify areas of high risk contact in offices, workshops and factories.
2. Book your COVID-19 test
If you are a private client and wish to book a COVID-19 test, please contact us on 0191 543 9302 or email us at sales@geneblitz.com to arrange your appointment. You can also visit our web page to find out more: https://geneblitz.com/private-covid-19/
Remember, before booking a test or attending our laboratory, you must have been free of the following main recognised symptoms of COVID-19 for the past 14 days:
- A fever of more than 37.8°C if checked with a thermometer.
- Free of sweats, shivers and similar symptoms.
- A new, continuous cough.
- A loss or change in normal sense of taste or smell.
Employers interested in testing their staff or working environment should contact us on 0191 543 9302 or email us at support@geneblitz.com to discuss the most suitable testing programme for their business. Please see https://geneblitz.com/employer/ for more details.
If you are symptomatic, you must go through the NHS test and trace system: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/
The BBC have produced a useful article too: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51943612
3. Attend your appointment
Private clients will receive a 15-minute appointment at out laboratory, where we will collect a sample from you using a swab. Please do not come to your appointment if you or a member of your household has been displaying any COVID-19 symptoms in the past 14 days.
For employers, who would like to test their staff for COVID-19, we will provide sampling kits, a collection service (depending on location) and carry out the testing service. We may be able to arrange for the sampling to be conducted for you, but in any event we will provide full sampling instructions for your staff or occupational health advisors.
4. Get your results
According to demand, we aim to provide private clients with their results by email (as a .pdf) the next working day after the laboratory has received their samples.
Turnaround for employee testing is tailored to your business’ needs and will be discussed at the booking stage. We will report the results to the designated registered medical practitioner for the business’ premises. If you do not have such a person, we will arrange for appropriate communication.