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Glossary

In order to help you understand the world of Covid-19 testing, we have collated below a list of terms you might find while searching for a Covid-19 test.


You might also find our FAQ section useful:




Or visit our Resources section for a variety of articles on Covid-19 testing and breakdowns of specific country entry requirements:



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A
Antigen Test

Antigen tests look for a certain protein present in the Covid-19 virus. They work by using a lateral flow device, a bit like a pregnancy test. Antigen tests do not need to be sent to a lab and results are provided in as little as 15 minutes, which is why they are sometimes called a rapid antigen test.


C
Clinic Test

A Covid-19 test done at a clinic, either under professional supervision, or by a medical professional. Some countries only allow professionally administered tests, so it is important to check with the provider before purchase.


E
E-Consultation

This is a method of sampling that involves a consultation with a healthcare professional over live video. This counts as a supervised test.


F
Fit to Fly (F2F)

F2F is the common shortening of Fit to Fly, also known as Fit to Travel.


H
Home Test

A Covid-19 test that you do at home, without professional supervision. The provider supplies you with the kit and instructions, either through the post or at a click & collect location near you.


L
Lateral Flow Device (LFD)

The device used to take rapid antigen tests. For more info see Antigen Test.




M
Molecular Test

see NAAT Test


N
NAAT Test

NAAT stands for Nucleic Acid Amplification Test. This refers to the method used to check for Covid-19 in PCR and LAMP tests. They work by making millions of copies of any potential virus genetic material in the sample. They are also called molecular tests. 


Nasopharyngeal Swab

A type of sampling where the swab is inserted into the patient's nose up to the nasopharynx, the deep part of the nasal cavity. It is not the same thing as a nose and throat swab.


Nose and Throat Swab

A type of sampling where the swab is inserted into the back of the throat and then the nose.


P
PCR

PCR tests look for viral genetic material inside a sample. In order for this to happen, the sample needs to be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually turned around from 24h to 72h, although there are providers that offer faster turnarounds. 


Professionally Supervised Test

A type of sampling where the patient does the sampling on themselves while being supervised by a healthcare professional, either in person or through a live call.


Professionally Administered Test

A type of sampling where a healthcare professional takes the sample.




R
Rapid Antigen Test

see Antigen Test


RT-PCR

A RT-PCR is a type of PCR test.



S
Self-Administered Test

A type of sampling where the patient takes the sample themselves, either alone or under supervision of a healthcare professional.


Self-Sampling

see Self-Administered Test


Self-Testing

see Self-Administered Test


T
TAT

Turnaround Time, or the amount of time results will take. 


Telehealth

This is a method of sampling that involves a consultation with a healthcare professional over live video. This counts as a supervised test.


Telemed

see Telehealth


Third-country national (for the EU)

For the EU, third-country nationals are all nationals of countries not in the EU/EEA. This means a UK national is a third-country national for countries in the EU.


U
UKAS

United Kingdom Accreditation Service. Some countries ask that the test provider have a specific UKAS accreditation.


V
Vaccine Primary Series

This refers to the first full dosage of the vaccine: two doses for a two dose vaccine (e.g. Pzifer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) and one dose for a one dose vaccine (e.g. Janssen).


Video consultation

This is a method of sampling that involves a consultation with a healthcare professional over live video. This counts as a supervised test.


 

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