New COVID-19 test centre to offer 15-minute results in Edinburgh

Scotland’s first 15-minute dedicated test centre has opened to the public in the heart of Edinburgh. Rapid Test Scotland is the initiative behind the new COVID-19 test centre and promises to provide fast and affordable COVID-19 tests for everyone. The test centre offers rapid antigen tests that detect SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in the body via a quick and pain free nose swab. Clients get the nose swab done by trained professionals and can expect their test result in just 15 minutes over email. Anyone who is asymptomatic can book a time to get tested seven days of the week at a flat rate of £49.

“The UK has struggled most of the winter to keep up with demand for COVID-19 tests. The public is naturally concerned about the virus and many find comfort in getting tested”, says Kristian Poulstrup, one of the founders of Rapid Test Scotland. “In countries like Denmark, the government has actively urged the public to get tested frequently in order to better catch and prevent spread of the coronavirus in society. Scotland has long been in need of test centres with affordable and quick testing and that is the main reason we’ve decided to open this facility in Edinburgh”, Kristian elaborates.

Rapid Test Scotland is the first testing initiative in Scotland to provide professional, affordable and quick testing of the asymptomatic public. They use an industry-leading lateral flow test with 99.68% specificity and 96.52% sensitivity. Hygiene and safety are main priorities at the testing facility where professional and trained personnel perform and analyse the tests. In addition, the test centre is overseen by medical doctor and chief medical advisor Dr Naveed Asif.

All clients receive their test result via email in just 15 minutes and in the email is also an antigen travel certificate with the test result printed in English, Spanish and French. The test certificate can be used as documentation of negative coronavirus test when travelling to a number of countries, for example Denmark, The Netherlands and Italy (subject to change).

“We haven’t founded the test centre to cater to travellers but we understand that some folks still need to cross borders and in these cases, we’re happy to offer tests that are accurate, safe and quick”, says Head of Communication at Rapid Test Scotland Ishfaq Razzak. He continues, “Our hope is that a lot of people can benefit from these tests, for example those who still have to leave home for work every day, those who have carer responsibilities, and those who would simply like to help proactively fight the spread of the virus in our society”.

Rapid Test Scotland has opened their first testing facility Sunday 24th of January at Norton Park Conference Centre, 57 Albion Rd – a central location between the city centre of Edinburgh and Leith which to many will be an easier alternative than having to go to the airport to get tested, which has been the alternative for many up until this point.

Anyone who is asymptomatic can get tested for £49 at Rapid Test Scotland’s new test centre where both bookings and walk-ins are welcome. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.