FAQs
About Racoo
How do I book a test?
You can book and pay for your preferred time and testing centre via our ‘Book Online’ page. Within 30 minutes of paying and booking, you will then be sent a confirmation email.
You must bring a copy of the comfirmation email with you on the day of your test. Please also bring a copy of your valid passport if you require a Fit to Fly or have booked for Test to Release.
For further information on our booking process please visit the individual test pages.
Can I cancel my booking?
We know that your plans can change. Unfortunately, due to the high demand for our services, your booking is subject to our cancellation policy. You can view our cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions. To cancel your booking, please complete the cancellation request contact form.
Where are your testing centres?
We currently have testing centres at Swindon & Newcastle Port of Tyne Passenger Terminal. Please see our 'Book Online' page to find the test centre nearest you.
What are your opening hours?
Swindon test centre is open 09:00 to 17:00, Monday - Saturday.
What test types do Racoo offer?
We currently offer 4 different products. If you require more than one product you should make separate bookings e.g. if you want a Fit to Fly and a Test to release on return you should make 2 bookings. Note not all products are available at every site due to different laboratory processes. See booking page for available sites.
How long does it take to get my result?
We aim to deliver
Rapid test results are issued verbally at the test site and then sent via email by 6pm the day OF your test.
PCR results are emailed by 6pm the day AFTER your test, however in some cases results could take up to 48 hours from testing to receive.
In the majority of cases, if we need to re-test your sample then this would not require a second sample to be taken from you, however in very limited circumstances, you may need to come back to our testing site to be re-tested.
How much is the test?
PCR for Travel starts at £195* and is bookable via our website.
PCR for Test To Release starts at £195* and is bookable via our website.
Rapid Antigen £75*
Rapid Antibody £75*
Is Racoo Screening affiliated with the UK Government’s testing programme?
Racoo Screening Ltd is a DHSC (Department of Health & Social Care) approved private provider of COVID-19 screening services. We have submitted our application to UKAS for ISO 22870 &15189 certification. We comply with all the government regulations with respect to submitting results to the relevant Public Health Authority.
If I have had a Covid-19 vaccine, will I test positive for Covid-19 on a viral test?
No. None of the recently authorized and recommended vaccines in the UK can cause you to test positive on viral tests (like our PCR test), which are used to see if you have a current infection.
Test Day & Your Results
What documentation do I need to bring with me for a test?
You must bring a copy of your booking email confirmation to gain access to our testing site this can be show on your phone or on a print out.
If you have booked a test for Travel Abroad or a Test to Release, you will need to bring a valid passport or national ID card for authentication.
Will there be somewhere on site I can go to wait for my results before my flight?
After we have taken your swab you will need to leave the site. There are no customer facilities on site and no customer toilets. We aim to email your result to you please do not wait at the site for your result.
Does it hurt having a swab taken?
PCR Tests require a swab taken from the throat either side of the tonsil area and both nasal passages.
Rapid Antigen Tests require a nasal sample.
Antibody tests require a finger prick blood sample collection.
Our experienced team do their best to esnure tests do not hurt but samples collections can be uncomfortable.
What does it mean if I receive a positive test result?
If you received a positive COVID-19 test result you must self-isolate for the next ten days. For further guidance on self-isolation, read here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/
We will notify the UK Public Health authority and NHS Test and Trace, who may also contact you with further information.
Is your test appropriate for children?
Yes, all of our tests can be taken by children of all ages. Your child will see people wearing aprons, gloves and mask (this is to help keep everyone as safe as possible).
If you are able to sit next to your child or have them on your lap during swabbing, it may give them an added sense of comfort.
If you are not able to do this, then we ask that you unbuckle your seat belt and turn around to face your child to provide re-assurance.
You may wish to bring a toy or sweets to help soothe or entertain your child.
If your child is under 12 then we will assist an accompanying parent or guardian to swab the child.
Can more than one person get tested in one car?
Yes, we'll ask you how many people are coming and how many vehicles you will be in.
Do I have to get our of my car?
All our testing can be done with you still in the car. For further information on the testing procedure, please feel free to get in touch, we'd be happy to reassure you.
Other Questions
What is a PCR test?
A PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is an antigen test and is used to detect a virus’ genetic material (DNA/RNA) from a throat and nasal swab.
This type of test is very accurate and is considered to be the gold standard in COVID-19 testing and is used by the NHS.
What's the benefit of a PCR test vs a LAMP test?
A PCR test is the most reliable and most accepted COVID-19 testing and is the test used by the NHS.
It offers the most accurate results as it can detect even the smallest amount of virus. This means that a negative PCR test result provides the most reliable indication you can safely continue to work and travel.
A LAMP test is also analysed in a laboratory but the test is less accurate and sensitive. Therefore, it may give a negative result to people who have a small amount of virus present. A negative LAMP test provides you with some protection, but not as much as a PCR test.
What is the difference between an antibody and antigen test?
An antibody test detects if you have already had the virus by checking for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in your immune system.
An antigen test only detects the virus that is currently in your body.
At Racoo we can offer either service book online
Why aren't you offering a cheaper RT-PCR test like some other providers?
Racoo prides itself on providing one of the most reliable testing services in the UK. We achive that by not compormising with any of our service levels.
Racoo Screening always uses a UKAS accredited laboratory for PCR analysis.
We don't use any postal services. Any transported samples are driven to a laboratory using our private drivers avoiding unexpected lost samples.
How can i get a faster turn around?
In exceptional circumstances turnaround times can be reduced. If you require a booking or results outside of our standard times please contact us via phone and we will see if this is possible. Surcharges may apply & Racoo cannot be held responsible for any implications of a delayed test result.
Racoo Screening always uses a UKAS accredited laboratory for PCR analysis.
Phone us for Express turnaround or complete the outside of standard hours contact form.
What is a Test to Release?
The Test to Release for International Travel scheme is for people who need to self-isolate on arrival in England.
Under the scheme you can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test. The earliest you can take the test is 5 full days after you were last in a place that is not on the travel corridor list. For most international arrivals this will be on your 5th full day of self-isolation.
From the point a negative result is received, you can stop self-isolating.
For more information visit the government website .
Are there toilets or other customer facilities on site?
There are no customer facilities on site.
To ensure the highest levels of safety for both our customers and our staff, we must ask that customers do not leave their vehicle whilst at our testing facilities.
What type of vehicle restrictions do you have at your drive through sites?
All of our drive through sites have a 2.4 metre height restriction on vehicles. Unfortunately, this means that if you are driving a vehicle taller than this, for example an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) or a lorry, you will not be able to use our drive through facilities. Pedestrians, Bikes and Motorbikes are not permitted.
Will the new strain of Covid continue to be detected by an Racoo Screening PCR?
Yes, our tests have been specifically designed to focus on highly conserved regions of the viral RNA. The variations or mutations in the viral genome that are being discovered are in different regions of the viral genome and therefore do not impact the sensitivity or specificity of our tests. As always, we will continue to monitor the science to provide a highly effective and accurate test result.
Can I get a test if I'm not an international passenger?
Racoo Screening can be used by anyone who has booked and is able to travel by vehicle (except HGV's or vehicles over 2.4m high) to one of our screening facilities.
Simply choose the appropriate test for you and book a slot online and then come to the test centre at the allocated time.
Are your staff conducting the screenings medically qualified?
Our sample collection officers have all undergone rigorous medical training in how to administer and process Covid-19 samples.
Are Rapid Antigen tests the same as a PCR test?
Can I get a test even if I don't have symptoms?
Yes, anyone can come to get a test. Please let us know before before your visit if you do have symptoms, we ask you this as part of the booking process.
Booking Your Test
Can I reschedule my test?
We know that your plans can change. Unfortunately, due to the high demand for our services, we can only amend bookings subject to availability and if your test is more than 72 hours ahead.
If you wish to amend your booking, please visit our Booking Amendment contact page.
There are no slots available on your website – can I make a booking over the phone?
Bookings can be made via our website for our standard opening times. If you require a booking outside of these hours please contact us via phone or contact form and we will see if this is possible. Surcharges may apply.
Can I walk or bike to a drive-in testing centre?
No, you must arrive by car as our service is drive through car service only. To ensure the highest levels of safety for both our customers and our staff, we must ask that customers do not leave their vehicle whilst at our testing facilities. Unless you have booked at one of our walk-in centres. Customers that do not own a car may choose to come by taxi.
What are the different entry requirements for each country?
Requirements for entry to countries during the COVID-19 pandemic may differ and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and information before you travel. You can check individual country details at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
I have not received my booking confirmation what should I do?
If you’ve made a booking, your Racoo Screening confirmation email will be emailed to you; this could take up to 30 minutes to receive, after you’ve made your booking. We suggest you also check your Spam/Junk folder for the email, as some email providers may place it there.
If after 30 minutes of making your booking you have not received your email in either your Inbox or your Spam/Junk folder, please complete the not received confirmation contact form.
Can I get an example of a Certificate in advance?
Unfortunately, we are not able to share this.