Pharmaceuticals – RIVA Health

All About COVID-19

What You Need To Know

Coronavirus COVID-19 is a new respiratory illness that has not previously been seen in humans, and causes pneumonia. What makes Covid-19 so concerning is that it is highly transmissible: one infected person is likely to give the virus to between two and three others.

Services Provided

In these difficult times, health comes first. Our range of coronavirus tests enable you to receive accurate laboratory testing on demand at an affordable price. We’re aware that tests are available for free on the NHS, but at present, capacity for these is limited and you are not able to get a free NHS test unless you have symptoms, have been asked to by your local council, live in England and have been told to by your hospital, or are taking part in a government pilot project.

This applies even if:

you live with someone who has coronavirus
you’ve had close contact with someone who has coronavirus
you’ve come to the UK from a high-risk country
you’re planning to leave the country
your employer or school has asked you to get a test.

Bridging The Gap

We want to help bridge the gap in a responsible and safe manner which is why we’ve outlined the following pledges below:

All of our tests are carried out in a UKAS accredited laboratory which means they’re safe according to UK standards. You can trust us.
Samples are taken from our base conveniently located in Wythenshawe.

We’ve priced our tests to make them as accessible and available to as many people as possible in these difficult times.

What does PCR swab testing involve?

PCR swab tests detect if you are currently infected with corona virus. Whether you decide to do an at home test or to complete a test at one of our drive through test clinic you will complete the test on yourself. You will receive a sealed testing kit with instructions on how to complete it. A single testing swab is inserted into both the nose and throat, following the provided instructions and sealed in the provided bag for delivery to one of our trusted laboratories.

Results take between 2-3 days from the date of delivery to the lab and if you are symptomatic you must self-isolate until you get a negative result. If you get a positive result you must self-isolate as per government guidelines.

Fitness to Travel Certificate

A number of airlines require passengers to produce evidence of a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to flying. Riva Health can provide self-swab COVID-19 PCR tests with results typically available in 2 – 3 days. To ensure the fastest possible turnaround, clients can attend our site in Manchester for kit collection and submission immediately. You will be emailed your results and fitness to travel certificate, typically within 2-3 days of receipt of your sample at the laboratory, although we are not able to guarantee this. The total cost of this service is £135 per person.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Antibody tests can detect if you have had the infection in the past. Your symptoms must have fully cleared up for at least 14 days before we can carry out this test. Antibody tests require a blood sample which will be taken by your doctor in the clinic. They will be able to advise on the most appropriate test for you also explain the implications of both a positive and negative result. We are pleased to offer the following Covid-19 antibody tests.

Playing Your Part

For up to date advice on current Government guidance visit the COVID-19 page on the NHS website.

For all positive test results, we also have an obligation to report your results to Public Health England and the NHS to ensure they maintain accurate records and statistics on the spread of the virus.

In the event that a PCR test for coronavirus returns a positive result, you will need to self-isolate as the government guidelines instructs. You do not need to seek medical attention unless your symptoms worsen. If they do worsen then you should refer to NHS 111 coronavirus service .

If you take one of our antibody tests and test positive, you will still need to follow government guidance. At this stage there is no certainty over whether or not this result offers immunity, but more will become clear on this as time progresses.