Collinson has partnered with biotech firm Randox to offer rapid PCR tests at Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
The £95 rapid PCR tests allow passengers to receive results in under three hours. This means that travellers can book a test on their day of departure (via collinsongroup.com) and have their result in time for check-in rather than arrange an appointment days in advance of departure.
The tests are currently available at Collinson’s new park and test facility near Heathrow airport and will be rolled out to Collinson’s drive-through facility near Gatwick “in the next few weeks”. Processing is handled on site and does not require samples to be couriered to a lab.
The new technology is being rolled out to meet the growing demand for tests following the lifting of travel restrictions in the UK.
Dr. Simon Worrell, Global Medical Director at Collinson, commented:
“The new, rapid PCR tests we’re announcing with Randox today really are the most sophisticated tests on the market. No longer do travellers need to take a PCR test three days before travel, and so risk contracting the virus in the interim. They’re a complete game-changer for anyone looking to travel at this time, making the testing process as seamless as possible for passengers as they can conveniently take their test on their way to the airport, rather than needing to find somewhere to be tested days in advance.”
David Ferguson, Managing Director at Randox, added:
“We are pleased to have partnered with Collinson, which has been leading the way in travel testing and recovery since last summer. We at Randox have been on the front line in the fight against COVID-19 since its outbreak last year and both of our companies know how important testing is to travel recovery.
“We’re thrilled to come together to pioneer rapid PCR testing – once more doing our bit to get the travel industry back on its feet and the world moving once more. This partnership allows Randox to further advance its service delivery in the fight against Covid-19 and offer ground-breaking medical diagnostics to ensure rapid and effective PCR testing. Travel during the pandemic has undoubtedly been challenging, but with this partnership I am confident that travel will now be far more accessible and achievable to those who use this service.”
