COVID-19 Coronavirus
Lateral Flow Rapid Antigen Test
0121 308 8876
Nasal and/or throat swab test
Positive/negative result for current infection with Covid-19
Results delivered in around 15 minutes.
Brilliant! All admin staff were very welcoming and helpful, and Hannah the nurse was lovely and very informative and willing to answer all questions. I would recommend this clinic very highly to others.
*****
Exceptional! From making an appointment, through arrival and consultation. The whole experience is first class and professional throughout.
*****
COVID-19 Coronavirus
Lateral Flow Rapid Antigen Tests
The Oakley Partnership is pleased to be able to provide coronavirus lateral flow antigen tests. The test should ideally be conducted between 3 and 7 days from the day of potential infection/contact or a maximum of 5 days after the start of symptoms. Beyond this time a Rapid antibody test would be an alternative option to confirm infection with Covid-19, as while antigen levels decline over time, antibody levels increase, peaking at around 14 days from the date of infection.
This lateral flow antigen test is designed to detect infection very early, ideally within a few days of potential contact and even before symptoms appear and a patient may become contagious.
Additional information
The windows of detection given to COVID-19 antigen and the antibody response are different. For the antigen, the detection window is similar to conventional nucleic acid tests (such as qPCR). Detection is possible as early as 2-3 days before symptoms develop and peak the day after symptoms appear. Antigen tests become less reliable over time, as the immune system begins to clear the virus and the virus begins to descend into the lower airways (rendering throat swabs less effective). As antigen levels decline, antibody levels increase and can be detected using a rapid antibody test. This test is conducted using a blood sample and results can be seen in around 15 minutes.
What is the procedure?
On arrival at the practice please telephone to confirm your attendance and discuss any questions you may have with Dr Eccleston. (0121 308 8876).
In order to minimise the risk of transmission, we aim to maintain safe distancing.
Please ensure your hands are clean and have alcohol gel to sanitize your hands thoroughly before the test.
The test is conducted as a throat or nasal swab, whilst patients are in their cars.
Patients will be asked to remove their masks for the test to be conducted.
The test will be processed inside the practice under clinical conditions and you may drive home.
We will advise you of your results, which will usually be ready within 15 minutes. (Subject to workload and demand)
How accurate is the test result?
Following clinical testing the overall agreement of relative sensitivity and specificity is 98.61%
All positive cases will be notified to NHS England – this is a legal requirement and does not fall under GDPR. In this instance we will advise on any steps necessary to protect you and your contacts.
In the case of a negative test, you may still be incubating the very early stages of the virus, so you may still be a risk to others. If symptoms develop, a further test is strongly advised.
