The UK Government’s Test to Release scheme is for those returning via international travel from countries that are not on the UK travel corridor list. As per the Test to Release scheme and International Travel Regulations, providers may only provide or administer tests to international arrivals on or after the fifth full day after the international arrival leaves a destination not on the travel corridor list.
As an arrival, the earliest you can take the test is 5 full days after you were last in a place that is not on the travel corridor list. For most international arrivals this will be on your 5th full day of self-isolation. For further more information about the UK Government’s Test to Release scheme, please see here.
In accordance with the UK Government Guidelines and Test to Release scheme, please note that restrictions are in place for international arrivals from any country that is currently on the UK’s Banned Countries list. The restrictions in place are as follows:
Our COVID-19 Test to Release At-Home test kits are sent via Royal Mail Tracked 24. We dispatch Test and Release kits to arrive ready for the fifth day of your self-isolation, inline with the UK Government’s Test to Release requirements.
If you have already arrived into the UK and started your period of self-isolation, we cannot guarantee that you will receive your Test to Release kit ready for your fifth day of self-isolation. For example, if you order your test kit on the fourth day of your self-isolation, you should not expect to receive the kit on the fifth day due to processing times and delivery schedules. We will do our best to get your test kit to you as soon as possible.
We will do our very best to make sure that we can support you in getting your sample to the laboratory safely and securely.
You can do any of the following:
All of our COVID-19 test kits include free Royal Mail Tracked 24 return mailers to post your completed sample to our laboratory. Send your test kit back using the free Royal Mail return envelope provided via a Royal Mail Priority Postbox Monday - Friday. You can find your nearest Priority Postbox here.
Please make a note of the tracking number that is detailed on the returns label. Additionally, please do not stick the returns label on top of the lilac COVID-19 block on the outside of the kit box.
Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, reduced air and freight capacity, high volumes and winter weather conditions are all impacting Royal Mail’s delivery across the UK. Please refer to Royal Mail’s website for their latest updates regarding delivery delays.
Please note: we do not accept any liability for delayed results due to late or lost samples.
By dropping off at one of the following locations, your sample will be collected by courier and delivered directly to the laboratory within 24 hours.
Drop-Off Location | Address | How | Opening Times |
Prenetics EMEA Ltd | Unit 2, Orpington Business Park, Faraday Way, Orpington, BR5 3AA |
Postbox drop-off Daily courier collection at 3pm |
Mon - Thur: 7.30am-7.30pm Fri: 7.30am-5.00pm |
Within 24 hours of receipt of your sample at the laboratory, your sample will be analysed and your results will be provided to you online.
Please note: courier collection does not take place on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays
You can use a private courier. We recommend this option if you need to return your sample over the weekend to receive your COVID-19 results on a specific date.
Please arrange a private courier to collect your sample and deliver it directly to our laboratory, at the following address:
Anglia DNA Services, 33, Scottow Enterprise Park, Norwich, NR10 5GB.
We’ve listed a few providers below to help you get started, but feel free to choose an alternative provider not on the list**!
** If you choose to return your sample via a private courier, you agree to do so at your own discretion. Please note we do not accept any liability for delayed results due to late or lost samples.
Within 24 hours of receipt of your sample at the laboratory, your sample will be analysed and your results will be provided to you online.