452 Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9HD

Development Faq

About the Testing Process

Who are you and what are your qualifications ?

We are Medical Generation ltd.  We provide UK Government approved Covid-19 testing services.  For PCR testing, we work with UKAS accredited laboratories.  For rapid flow testing, we use only approved tests and trained test verifiers. For more information, see the About Us section

What types of tests do you offer ?

We offer two types of test. 

RT-PCR tests (‘PCR tests’).  This test is considered the gold standard test for detecting Covid-19 infections.  All the equipment and processes we use are accredited by the UK government and approved for travel testing. 

Rapid Flow tests (Rapid Antigen Tests). We use accurate (up to 98.8%) tests with validation from Public Health England’s Porton Down & MHRA.  Our lateral flow tests are fully approved for travel testing

How are samples taken ?

We use nasal (nose) swabs.  These are more comfortable than nasopharyngeal (nose and throat) swabs.  Full instructions are included with each testing kit

How do I find out what tests I need for my trip ?

The rules change frequently.  We recommend you check the gov.uk website for the latest : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england.

PCR Tests by Post

How do I get my PCR test kit ?

We will send you the kit by post. Each test kit contains full instructions.

How do I get the booking reference number for my Passenger Locator Form (Day 2 Tests only) ?

We will send the booking reference number or numbers (one for each passenger) to you by email.  To do this, the UK government requires us to collect some information from you about you and your trip.  How we do this :

  1. When you have placed your order,we will send you an order confirmation email with a link to a data capture form
  2. Click on the link and enter the data required into the form

Once you submit the form, we will send you the booking reference numbers by email.

How do I get the booking reference number for my Passenger Locator Form (Day 2 Tests only) ?

The test kit includes everything necessary to return your sample to us and full instructions on what you need to do. Your sample will be placed in a sealed vial within a bio-hazard bag, which is then placed in a rigid cardboard box.  Finally, the box is placed in a plastic bag, which has a pre-addressed label. This fits easily through the letterbox of a Royal Mail post box  

How do I take my PCR sample ?

Each test kit includes easy to follow instructions. 

How do I package my PCR test kit for safe return ?

The test kit includes everything necessary to return your sample to us and full instructions on what you need to do. Your sample will be placed in a sealed vial within a bio-hazard bag, which is then placed in a rigid cardboard box.  Finally, the box is placed in a plastic bag, which has a pre-addressed label. This fits easily through the letterbox of a Royal Mail post box 

How do I return my PCR test kit to the lab ?

If you have opted for postal return, simply take the kit to your local Post Office or post the kit in one of over 35,000 Royal Mail Priority Post Boxes.  You can find out more about the locations of these boxes and collection times, including over weekends and bank holidays and any service disruptions, at https://www.royalmail.com/priority-postboxes 

If you have opted to drop off your sample with us, you can do this using one of our drop boxes.  Our main drop box is at our Manchester clinic - 448-452 Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 9HD.  We are adding other drop box locations - details of these will be included with your test.

Do I have to pay for return postage

No.  We provide a pre-paid return address label.

Can you guarantee delivery time via Royal Mail ?

We can’t guarantee delivery time via Royal Mail. Delays can occur, particularly during holiday periods.  If you want to be certain of delivery time, use one of our drop boxes or choose one of our on-site options.

How long does it take to get my result ?

If we get your sample by 2pm, we aim to complete testing and send you the result by 11.59 pm the same day.

Lateral Flow Tests by Post

 How do I get my Lateral Flow test kit ?

We will send the kit by post to the address you give us when you order.  Each test kit contains full instructions.

How do I use the Lateral Flow test kit ?

Each test kit includes easy to follow instructions.  When you are ready to take the test, open the test kit. 

You will find an instructions card inside.  Follow the instructions carefully.  The test itself requires a simple nasal (nose) swab.  The testing cassette will display the result after 15 minutes. 

You will be directed to take a photo of the used test cassette and upload it to a portal, so make sure you have a mobile phone or other device capable of doing this.   

If the result is negative, we will send you a certificate within 12 hours, usually sooner. 

If the result is positive, you must arrange an NHS PCR test to confirm the diagnosis.  You do not have to pay for this test.  You can arrange it by dialling 119 or at  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Do I have to send my used test kit anywhere ?

No.  Simply dispose of the kit safely.

On Site Options Tests (Walk-in)

 Who will take my sample ?

You will take the sample yourself,  Full instructions will be provided.  For walk-in options, we provide a private and hygienic location to do this.  We have trained staff who can assist if required.

How will my sample be returned to the Lab (PCR Tests only) ?

Return of your test to the lab is arranged by us. 

How will I record my test results and receive my results certificate (Lateral Flow tests only) ?

Full instructions will be provided.  Please note you will need your mobile phone and passport with you.

Lateral Flow Test Results

 How will I receive my test results ?
We will send you an email with your results.  You can also access your results certificate through the portal (we will send you instructions on how to access the portal with your test kit)

When will I receive my test certificate ?

If your test result is negative, one of our trained test verifiers will check the information you submit via the portal and then issue the certificate.  Our standard service provides a certificate within 12 hours, but we are often able to provide it sooner than this.

What happens if my test is positive ?

If the result is positive, you must arrange an NHS PCR test to confirm the diagnosis.  You do not have to pay for this test.  You can arrange it by dialling 119 or at  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

How do I get my certificate ?

The certificate will be attached to the results email we send you in PDF form. It is also accessible via the portal.

Do you report my test result to anyone else ?

We are required by law to report all results to Public Health England or Public Health Scotland as appropriate to the circumstances of the test

PCR Test Results

 How will I receive my test results ?
We will send you an email with your results.  You can also access your certificate through the portal (we will send you instructions on how to access the portal with your test kit)

When will I receive my test results ?

If we get your sample by 2pm, we aim to complete testing and send you the result by 11.59 pm the same day.

Please note, for samples returned by Royal Mail, we cannot control delivery times and deliveries can occasionally take longer than expected, particularly during holiday periods

 How do I get my results certificate ?

The certificate will be attached to the results email we send you in PDF form.  It is also accessible via the portal.

 What happens if my test is positive ?

If the result is positive, you must arrange an NHS PCR test to confirm the diagnosis.  You do not have to pay for this test.  You can arrange it by dialling 119 or at  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Do you report my test result to anyone else ?

We are required by law to report all results to Public Health England or Public Health Scotland as appropriate to the circumstances of the test

Changing or Cancelling my Order

 How do I cancel my order ?

Please contact us.  Please note we can’t offer refunds for any day 2 or day 8 test if your booking reference number has been used to gain entry to the UK.  We also can’t offer a refund for any test where we have already provided results or a certificate.  For more information see our Terms and Conditions

How do I change my order details ?

Please contact us and we will do our best to help