Covid-19 Tests

COVID-19

We are now pleased to announce that we are able to sell Public Health England approved Covid Tests. These tests are for home use, however we are making a pharmacist available to provide support if you need any. We believe this support will be invaluable in what for some will be very stressful time. If you would like to know more about the tests or have any questions please phone us on 0207 733 0932 or email info@thehouseofwellbeing.co.uk

Our Covid-19 test will tell you if you’re infected with coronavirus when taking your sample at home. It will test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

Fit to Fly Covid-19 PCR test travel certificates are included
Your results will be available online within 24-48 hours.

At The London House of Wellbeing we only work with companies that we trust. As we are all pharmacists, we know that trust is of utmost importance when you are dealing with people's health, hence the reason we have joined up with a Public Health approved company to provide these tests.

As well as this once the tests are purchased from us we will provide further support via email or over the phone.
We want you to feel confident that you have used the test correctly while you wait for your results.
We are in the midst of providing our own Covid-19 Testing facilities to help you even more.
For the test and support service we charge £140 this includes delivery if you would like the test posted.

Who will carry out the health screening tests?

All tests will be carried out by a qualified pharmacist, registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
What equipment will you use to carry out the screening tests?

We use the same suppliers that provide tests to the NHS or GP surgeries.
What happens If not enough blood can be taken?

This sometimes happens and we have various techniques to increase the amount of sample blood that can be taken.
What is involved in each test?

Screening tests will involve either a urine sample being given or a few drops of blood being supplied. In the latter case a small lancet will be used to prick the finger and a few drops of blood placed on a device to provide a result.
When will I receive the results?

For most of our tests, results will be ready after approximately 10 minutes. However with the menopause test a clear indication will initially be given, but we like to repeat the test, exactly a week later for confirmation.
Will the results be accurate?

All results will be assessed and interpreted by a pharmacist using the latest guidelines issued by either NICE ( National Institute of Clinical Excellence) or the NHS (National Health Service).
What happens if the results are positive?

We will provide you with all the advice and support required, so a decision can be made about what to do next. If you provide us with consent we will ensure your GP is informed of the outcome.
How likely are false positives or false negatives results to occur?

All our tests have controls in them which eliminate faulty equipment being used. Furthermore, we would recommend that patients are always referred to their GP to have positive results confirmed. We also stress that if symptoms persist regardless of a negative result, patients should be referred to their GP. Patients are also encouraged to repeat certain tests, as over time their health situation may change.
Will the results be explained to me?

All results will be explained in a clear and concise manner. We also provide information leaflets that can be taken away which explain the results.
What happens if I cannot make an appointment or I am late?

If you have to cancel an appointment, you must do so within 24 hours to obtain a full refund. If you are running late for an appointment, please let us know and we will try and find an alternative time for you to attend.
Will all my information remain confidential?

We are GDPR compliant and have procedures in place to ensure all your personal data is protected. If you have a question not listed above, please contact us directly on info@thehouseofwellbeing.co.uk
What do I hope to gain from this test?

Very importantly, screening is not for people with symptoms. If you have any symptoms, go to your doctor. If you don’t have any symptoms you’re probably looking for peace of mind. Are you sure this test is going to offer that? For example, an ‘MOT’ is limited in what it covers, so can’t really offer a clean bill of health. Look for clear, balanced information on what’s being tested, including the potential harms. If you already know that you should take some exercise and cut down on alcohol or cigarettes, will this test tell you anything new?
Why Choose Us?

Listed below are some reasons why you may want to have a health screening test. You want to take control of your health. You have a history of high cholesterol in your family and your father died of a heart attack when he was young. You have always feeling tired, run down and exhausted. You don’t have time to book an appointment with the Doctor and feel it’s not necessary to take up their time. You recently read an article about vitamin D and are curious to know if you have low levels. Your Mother and Uncle are diabetics and are curious to know whether symptoms you have been having lately could be due to high glucose levels. You are low in mood, often irritable and keep on having night sweats. You often feel bloated and irritable after eating a carbohydrate based meal. You have urinary tract infections regularly and don’t have time to book another appointment to see your GP. You think you have a stomach ulcer and are curious to find out if you have one. View the table below to see how we compare:
What about Covid 19?

We will exhibit all social distancing requirements as set out in clinical settings guidelines issued by the Government (The Covid-19 Infection Prevention & Control Guidance). For example: 1. No patient will be seen if they exhibit any symptoms and they will be asked this before they attend and sign a form to confirm they are symptom free. 2. Temperatures will be taken when they enter the premises using an infra red thermometer. All appointments with potential clients will be booked in advance. Those clients that walk in will sign a Covid form and have their temperature taken. 3. We will exhibit social distancing at all times and no more than 3 clients will be allowed into the premises at any time. 4. Masks/ Visors will be worn by staff. 5. A strict cleaning rota will be adhered to at all times and all surface areas disinfected using hospital grade disinfectant after each client has left. 6. We will also be incorporating guidelines The General Pharmaceutical Council set out when dealing with the public. 7. The safety of our patients & clinic staff will remain our main priority. Therefore before we open we will demonstrate that a safe service can be provided for patients and a safe working environment for all staff . This will be made easier because we have professional guidance to follow. In short we are pharmacists and have been involved in the frontline of Primary Care so we are aware of guideline compliance and how to implement it effectively. Please feel free to ask any questions or queries.
Do you take cash payments?

We only take payments by card. Thank you.

Test Accuracy and Specificity

To ensure the efficacy of our tests, the manufacturers have partnered with an ISO accredited laboratory that adheres to high standards of quality assurance and quality controls. Clinical evaluation of the genesig Real-Time PCR Coronavirus (COVID-19) CE IVD was conducted with contrived oropharyngeal swabs in a blinded trial. As of 4th of May 2020, Independent Clinical Performance Evaluations confirm Primerdesign COVID-19 CE-IVD and RUO assays are highly specific for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously called 2019-nCoV) and detection of coronavirus COVID-19 disease.

COVID-19 Updates (Date: 30th of June 2020)

In December 2019, the Chinese public health authorises reported a number of cases of acute respiratory syndrome in Wuhan City, Hubei province. Scientists in China discovered the causative agent to be coronavirus (CoV), and found it to be a new strain which has not been identified in humans before. Therefore it was named COVID-19.

COVID-19 has now spread to 210 countries worldwide and is classed as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The focus of the world is to contain the spread of COVID-19

Symptoms include fever/high temperature and or a new and continuous cough. If you have either of these symptoms the NHS is advising home isolation for 7 days, more information can be found on the NHS website.

Government recommendations to prevent the spread of infection include regular washing of hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, covering mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, put used tissues into the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards and avoid contact with people who have symptoms of COVID-19 just to name a few. More information can be found using the resources list below.

The government is strongly advising social distancing. Social distancing is a control to slow the spread of infection as it reduces direct interaction between people. Social distancing measures include avoiding large and small gatherings of people (restaurants, pubs and cinema etc), avoid non-essential use of public transport and to work from home where possible.

Particular groups of people are being classed as high-risk groups as they are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, they are being advised by the government to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures. Further information on social distancing and high-risk groups can be found at the government website - link below

References

All information up to date from time of publication - 30/06/2020