NOTE : RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS AVAILABLE FROM 20th Nov - Information coming soon - Watch this space!

Coronavirus Swab (PCR) & Blood (Antibody) Testing Services for LMS Film, TV & Event Clients

Location Medical Services is accredited to undertake both the Covid-19 Swab Test and the Covid-19 antibody Blood testing for the private sector in the UK.  Both tests are analysed at the UK’s largest independent specialised pathology labs for both NHS & Private hospitals.

Fully regulated by the UK Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)  the tests LMS are undertaking are validated by Public Health England. It is obviously vital that any organisation offering tests are regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Many ‘test providers ’ and Covid-19 monitoring services have popped up online, and in the industry, from organisations who are not authorised nor approved. 

It must be noted that ‘Home Test Antibody Kits’ that were due to be widely available have proved to be unreliable and, as such, no such tests are currently approved for use in the UK or EU (As of June 19 2020). Home swab kits are available from ourselves and the NHS, however it is possible to obtain false negatives if the test is not carried out correctly. The antibody tests which rely on a finger prick sample are also awaiting MRHA validation and thus we are providing tests via a healthcare professional obtained venous blood test - the only currently compliant process (As of June 19th).

Location Medical Services are current providing the Covid-19 Response service for three NHS CCGs and are deployed in the training of care home staff to conduct test for the NHS, so you will not find a more experienced testing service in the private sector.

Why two tests ?

Covid swab tests and antibody tests are both widely in use by the NHS - but test for different things. Its important to know what test you need and what information it will yeild.

Swab Tests (Antigen / PCR / RNA test) detect if a person has an ongoing Covid -19 infection - and, therefore, if they are currently infectious to others. Whilst most people will exhibit symptoms when infected, these may not appear for up to 14 days (during which time a patient may still be infectious)- and a significant proportion will show no symptoms at all (whilst still being infectious to others). Only swab tests will identify infection.

Of course a swab test only shows the presence or absence of infection at the time of testing. Anyone with a negative test result can still become subsequently infected and become an infection risk - so re-testing is required to highlight infection status changes in any patient.

The Blood Test (Antibody IgG) is used to detect if a person has already had exposure to Covid 19 and has built up an immune response. This means that they can expect to be immune from re-infection, and, therefore cannot present an infection risk to others. Please note, however, that just like everyone else “immune” people can still assist viral spread by physically “carrying“ virus from an infection source on their hands or clothes etc. So good hand hygiene and other precautions should still be taken - especially around vulnerable or “high risk” people.

Coronavirus – COVID-19 PCR (SARS-CoV-2)

Code: NCOV - PCR Swab (nasal/pharyngeal)

Viral Swab sample obtained by a trained member of staff from CQC Regulated healthcare staff

Sample is obtained by taking a swab from the back of the nasal passage and the back of the throat, which is then pleased in a stabilising medium and transported to the laboratory,

Typical Turnaround Time (From receipt at Laboratory): Under 48 Hours

Extensive Volume Discounts for whole crew testing

Testing undertaken on site, or at our medical centre in Shepperton Studios.

Coronavirus – COVID-19 IgG Antibody (SARS-CoV-2) 

Code - GCOV - SST/Serum B Blood Sample

Blood sample obtained by a trained member of staff from CQC Regulated healthcare provider

Typical Turnaround (From receipt at Laboratory): Under 24 hours

Form more information & pricing please contact your account manager - (Priority for Existing Clients).

Location Medical Services is a provider of professional medical services to Events, Media, Construction and entertainment industries. We do not provide any Covid testing services to the public.

Please note Location Medical Services does not accept any liability for costs, damages or expenses associated with delayed test results - it is the absolute responsibility of the client to ensure that all tests are undertaken with appropriate time allowed before critical deadlines like flight departures or work start dates.

NOTE : RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS AVAILABLE FROM 20th Nov - Information coming soon - Watch this space!