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Rise in ‘unclear’ PCR results driving surge for testing firm

Testing company Salutaris People has reported a rise in bookings of its rapid PCR tests which it says is being driven by ‘unclear results’ from self-administered tests.

Salutaris, which has test suites at a car park at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and in Wilmslow, Cheshire, near Manchester airport, says it has seen a 10-fold surge in bookings for its rapid PCR tests – but did not specify how many this accounts for

It reported that customers who had already booked subsidised tests with airlines and tour operators, but feared missing their flights, were booking second tests with the company, having reported delays in receiving their results.

Salutaris – a government-approved testing provider – claims its customers receive results within 24 hours. It’s in-person tests are carried out by trained healthcare professionals, which it says reduces the chances of an ‘unclear’ result.


More: PCR test rule ‘could be eased for vaccinated travellers’

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Ben Paglia managing director of Salutaris’ clinical testing partners AKEA Life, said: “We have experienced a surge in the last two weeks, which has been due to a number of airline passengers booking secondary PCR tests with us.

“Many of those have come from passengers who have booked flights with airlines and package holiday operators. They have been sent PCR postal kits, which are self-administered. These test results have come back as ‘unclear’ from the laboratories.  This means they were not clear to fly and needed to take a second PCR test.”

He added: “Unclear test results can occur for two reasons. More often than not, this is down to the test being self-administered by the public and not carried out by a trained healthcare professional.

“The secondary reason is down to the way in which the tests are transported to the lab, which can also affect the test result. With the airlines and travel companies using postal PCR test kits, there is the continued risk of more incidents like this occurring.

“This not only creates a further cost for the passenger with secondary testing, but also creates uncertainty over whether the test result will come back unclear.”

Ross Tomkins managing director of Salutaris People, said: “We are able to offer airline passengers a seamless and professional experience with PCR testing that is hassle-free from a trusted and reliable healthcare provider, who won’t delay your flight or holiday plans.”

“The last thing that an airline passenger needs to be worrying about is, ‘Will my test results be delayed?’ or, ‘Will the test results come back unclear, which means another test and more costs?’.”

More: PCR test rule ‘could be eased for vaccinated travellers’

EasyJet offers discounted Covid tests at airports

Heathrow to offer £59 PCR tests under new partnership

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