Test Result Outcomes

We understand that the entire process of travel nowadays can be quite confusing, so we’re aiming to make our service as smooth as possible.
We have prepared a short summary of what each possible COVID-19 test result means, and what you should do after having received your results.

 

Your COVID-19 test can have one of three results:

Negative –

Your PCR or Antigen COVID-19 test result was negative, meaning that you likely did not have coronavirus when the sample was taken.

The certificate you would receive can be used to confirm that you are fit to travel or return to work, if the negative PCR or Antigen is the requirement to allow this.


Unclear/Inconclusive –

Your PCR or Antigen COVID-19 test result was unclear/inconclusive. It is not possible to say whether you had the coronavirus when the swab was taken due to insufficient viral load on the swab.

Your result can be unclear due to a number of factors; this is usually due to there being an insufficient viral load on the swab to determine a positive result, but something has been detected on the swab meaning that the test cannot be deemed negative.

  • If your Same Day or Next Day PCR test results are unclear, your swab will be retested at the next available opportunity. This is usually the following day, with results released by 11pm on the day that the sample is retested.

  • If your Express PCR or Antigen test results are unclear, you will need to contact us to arrange for a retest at the earliest available opportunity.

You are not fit to travel or return to work with an unclear result where a negative result is the requirement to do so.

If you are experiencing any symptoms then please isolate and contact the NHS on 119 or their website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ to receive further guidance.


Positive –

Your PCR or Antigen COVID-19 test result was positive, meaning that you likely had the coronavirus when the swab was taken.

  • If you have received a positive PCR COVID-19 test result, you may need to self isolate from the day the test was taken.
    If you are experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus you may need to self-isolate from the day that your symptoms started.
    You should contact the NHS for further guidance on 119 or their website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

  • If you have received a positive Antigen COVID-19 test result, you should contact the NHS for further guidance on 119 or their website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

These results means that you are not fit to travel or return to work where a negative result is the requirement to do so.

More Information

For the most up to date additional guidance and information on what your results mean and what you should do when receiving an inconclusive or negative result, please either call the NHS on 119 or visit the gov.uk website for guidance here.

If you have any further questions regarding your results, please contact us by emailing info@localpcr.com or by calling our number on 0121 392 7342.