St Mary’s genomic sequencing lab can process 40, 000 tests per day. We have been at the forefront of genomic coronavirus lab testing during the pandemic and have undertaken over 650,000 Covid-19 PCR tests to help safeguard human health.

Genomic Covid-19 sequencing has been added to the travel rules to identify and prevent super spreading of Coronavirus variants. If our Coronafocus genomic sequencing lab test highlights a variant of concern, then individuals will receive a call from NHS Track and Trace, and their contacts will be asked to be tested.

Our Coronafocus Covid PCR lab test identifies the presence of the virus from an individuals’ swab sample.  Genomic sequencing by our lab after identification of a Covid-positive result, maps the entire virus genetic code and identifies the specific variant. Covid-19 testing and sequencing needs to be completed within 72 hours from self-sampling by individuals.

Orders are dispatched in line with due dates under government rules, with next day delivery via DPD. Return the self-swabbed sample using the pre-paid Royal Mail 24-hour tracked envelope provided. Post the envelope in a Royal Mail priority post box located in every town. These are normal Royal mail postal boxes on the streets with a priority label on them https://www.royalmail.com/services-near-you#/ or on the Royal Mail app. Or you can hand deliver swab samples to St Mary’s, Suite 2, The Newnham Building, Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford CB10 1XL to avoid postal delays. You can arrange your own private courier to deliver the swab directly to our lab which is open 24 hours 7 days a week.

All orders placed directly with St Mary’s are dispatched the same day for next Working Day delivery AND in line with government rules relating to when kits can be supplied.

Please note government rules mean irrespective of when ordered you receive day 2 between day 0 and day 2 and the Test kit for day 2 and day 8 for Amber list Countries between day 0 and day 2 with two separate tests with unique barcodes for each day. Test to Release is dispatched separately on day 4 for arrival on Day 5 after you return to the UK. To avoid dispatch delays outside of our control please order at least 3 working days prior to required. Delays by Royal Mail return service are outside of our control. It is your responsibility to return the swab to us in sufficient time.

Multiple kit purchases for up to 10 people are available for booking’s on our website , apart from day2 & day8 travel packages, which need to be ordered separately for each individual traveller.  For business or group requests greater than 10 people, please provide your contact details and send your requirements to sales@stmarysmedical.co.uk.

For queries relating to kit supply, delivery tracking, activation and results reporting for PCR testing purchased through a third party,  please contact the company from whom you purchased your service for support and FAQ advice. We do not receive personal details for kits and testing services purchased through third parties. St Mary’s only supply lab testing services to third party companies accredited by UKAS and the DHSC. Third party service quality is monitored by UKAS and the DHSC to ensure it is in accordance with accreditation.

We do not accept cancelled tests. Booking a correct test can be done at covid.protected.com

A Coronafocus Test Kit is a product supplied by a health care professional and all orders are final when booked online. You have no statutory right to cancel your order or return your Coronafocus Test Kit. We reserve the right to cancel Coronafocus Test Kit orders and refund you the fee paid, should we have insufficient stock or be unable to deliver to the postal address provided in the online booking.

Check entry restrictions before you leave the UK as to whether a negative Fit to Fly/Travel COVID-19 PCR test is required to enter a country

For Green country arrivals into the UK, you need to take a pre-departure test and book prior to arrival on Day 0 (the day of arrival into the UK) a PCR test for day 2. There will be no need to home-quarantine for 10 days unless you test positive.

For Amber country arrivals into the UK you will need to quarantine for 10 days at home, take a pre-departure test, and book prior to travel a PCR test on day 2 and day 8. You have the option of taking a Test to Release PCR test on day 5 or later to end self-isolation early.

For Red country arrivals into the UK, a 10-day isolation in a quarantine hotel is mandatory, pre-departure testing and booking PCR testing must be done via the Government NHS provider. There is no Test to Release option.

PCR test results testing as positive are provided to NHS Track and Trace for variant surveillance and 10 days quarantine is required

• You must self-isolate on arrival in England as per Government guidelines for the full 10 days before you leave isolation.
• You can choose to take an additional Test to Release Covid-19 PCR test after 5 full days of self-isolation.
• Example: You leave a country on Monday morning and arrive in England on Monday afternoon. Tuesday will be your first full day of self-isolation. You can take a test no earlier than your 5th full day of self-isolation – Saturday. You must continue to self-isolate while you await your test results.
• If it is negative, you can end your quarantine.
• You will still be required to undertake the day 8 test even though not in quarantine.
• If testing is positive on day 5 or day 8, a further 10 day’s quarantine is required following the date of the positive Covid-19 PCR test.
• International travellers from red list' countries are unable to opt-in to Test to Release, if arriving within 10 days of visiting a red-list country.

Everyone permitted to enter the UK must have proof of a negative PCR test prior to travelling to the UK - including UK citizens. The test must be taken in the 3 days prior to departure to the UK. In addition, everyone permitted to enter the UK must take additional Covid-19 tests on arrival in the UK while in quarantine:

Government rules require completion of a Passenger Locator Form detailing where you will quarantine on arrival into the UK and the booking reference number of the travel test you have taken. This is made easy when buying a Coronafocus test for submission of testing proof to the airline, ferry, or train operator you travel with.