Respiratory infection PCR swab test in Chiswick

What the test measures

This test uses a swab from your nose and throat, the upper airways where many respiratory germs first take hold. The sample is tested by multiplex PCR, which can detect the genetic material of several viruses and bacteria at once, including influenza, RSV, coronaviruses, rhinovirus and other common causes of colds and coughs. Your report lists every organism tested.

Because PCR detects even small amounts of genetic material, it is one of the most sensitive ways to identify a respiratory infection. The swab is quick, needs no blood draw and suits a dry cough or a cold that has lingered.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have a cold, sore throat or cough that has dragged on for more than a week or two.
• You want to know which virus or bacteria is causing a flu-like illness.
• You have a dry cough and cannot bring up sputum for a chest sample.
• You are around vulnerable people and want to understand what you have.
• You keep getting repeat infections and would like to identify the cause.

Understanding your result

Each organism on the panel is reported as detected or not detected. A detected virus or bacterium is likely to be linked to your symptoms, although some germs can be carried without causing illness, and genetic material can sometimes be picked up for a while after you recover. Your practitioner puts the result into context.

If nothing is detected, your illness may be caused by an organism not on the panel, or the swab may have been taken late in the illness. Results are a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Avoid eating, drinking, smoking or brushing your teeth for 30 minutes before the swab, and do not use nasal sprays on the day if you can avoid it. The swab is taken at the clinic by gently rubbing the back of the throat and then inside the nose, which takes a few seconds and may make your eyes water. If you are struggling to breathe, have chest pain or feel very unwell, call 111 or 999.

If you have a chesty cough with mucus, the sputum version of this test is listed with every blood test and price in Chiswick. A full blood count can show how your immune system is responding.

Questions

How much is a respiratory infection PCR swab test in Chiswick?

The Respiratory Infection PCR (swab) test costs £129. It includes your swab taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is the swab test as accurate as sputum?

Both are PCR tests. The swab suits upper airway symptoms, while sputum can be better for a chesty, productive cough.

Does this test for COVID-19?

The panel usually includes coronaviruses, and your report lists every organism tested. Ask us when you book if you need a specific organism.

When is the best time to take the test?

Earlier in the illness is usually better, while the germ is still present in the nose and throat in larger amounts.