Getting Tested

There are two types of COVID-19 test, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test and LFT (Lateral Flow Test):

• A LFT is a swab administered by yourself that gives you the result within 30 minutes (without sending the swab to the lab). This test is normally completed at home with a kit.
• A PCR test is a swab administered by yourself or a medical professional, the swab is sent to the lab and you will be contacted with the results in 24-48 hours. These are now only available in very limited circumstances.

You may be requested to take a test or series of Lateral Flow Tests if you:

• Are symptomatic, you must stay at home until your symptoms have gone
• Are a contact of a positive case
• Are a health and care worker and a household contact of a positive case
• Are visiting someone in hospital or in a Care Home

Following the removal of confirmatory PCR tests after an LFT positive in March, there will be a further scaling back on the use of PCRs.

PCR testing will now only be available in limited circumstances. These are when people are admitted to vulnerable settings such as the hospital (including those presenting with respiratory symptoms), prison or care homes. This is a planned step following the removal of regulations and is part of the proportionate removal of measures. If you are required to have a PCR test prior to being admitted to hospital, this will be arranged for you and information will be provided at the time.

Outside of healthcare settings, PCR tests will no longer be available for people who are symptomatic but testing LFT negative.

Pre-travel PCR tests

Pre-travel PCR testing will continue to be available via GP practices. To arrange this, please contact your GP practice directly.

Islanders are also advised to research options in UK hub airports if these more suit their travel needs.

PCR tests for insurance claims

We are aware that in some cases, PCR tests are required for insurance claims; for example where a claim is being made due to missed travel following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. While the States of Guernsey no longer provides this service, it is possible for islanders to order a postal PCR test. This service is offered by some private companies in the UK. If you arrange for a postal PCR test from a private provider, please ensure you check that they will send direct to Guernsey.

At the time of publication, the following 3rd party providers offer PCR tests by post. Please note these are not recommendations, however are included here as potential options. We would advise you to carry out your own research into 3rd party providers:

• https://www.projectscreen.co.uk/fit-to-fly/covid19-home-test/
• PCR Tests - Circular 1 Health
• Covid PCR Test Lab & Travel PCR - Assured Screening

The States of Guernsey no longer offers pre-travel PCR tests.

Should anyone need a negative pre-travel PCR test result before travelling abroad, Primary Care colleagues have been providing this service in their own practices and will continue to do so. GP practices are offering this service during normal working hours and also on Saturday mornings.

Additionally, UK hub airports and other private providers offer pre-travel testing. If you are required to provide proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 result for your travel destination or carrier, please check the website of the UK airport you are connecting through as many offer this service. 

Primary Care (GP surgeries) and some pharmacies also offer this test on-island, and both IslandHealth and the Healthcare Group are offering observed LFTs - patients are advised to contact their surgeries for these and allow sufficient time prior to travel.