Coronavirus saliva
testing kit

Yes, our Chronomics test is fully UKCA and CE marked in accordance with UK and EU health, safety and environmental guidelines.

Read more in our blog post PCR vs antibody, FDA approved, CE marked? The landscape of COVID-19 testing explained.

Yes. Our Covid-19 PCR saliva tests are authorised by the UK Government, and we are an approved supplier for both the Fit To Fly and Test To Release travel programmes.

Read more in our blog post Chronomics’ solution to scale mass testing for COVID-19.

Follow the link below to find out all the information you’ll need to take the test and return your sample to us:

SaliVIR OME Collect Kit instructions leaflet

The Chronomics saliva test detects the presence of the virus that causes Covid-19, known as SARS-CoV-2, using an RT-PCR method. This is the current gold standard for testing – our labs use the same scientific method as the equally accurate (but more invasive and uncomfortable) swab tests. You’ll receive one of four possible results from your test:

• Positive – this means that the sample you provided contains SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. You can get this result even if you don’t have symptoms. You should isolate in line with current government guidelines and seek help and advice if you become unwell.
• Negative – this means that the sample you provided doesn’t contain detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. However, you could have been previously infected by the virus and you could also be infected in the future.
• Inconclusive – fewer than 1% of tests come back ‘inconclusive’, so it’s very unlikely this will happen. If it does, it means your sample didn’t meet the requirements to be reported as a Positive result, but there was a partial signal that the SARS-CoV-2 virus could be present in your system. Normally we’ll re-test your sample if we can and we’ll email to let you know.
• Failed – again, this result is produced by only a very small percentage of tests we run. It means we haven’t been able to accurately process your sample in our lab. Usually this will be because there’s not enough saliva in the tube, your spit hasn’t been mixed with the stabilizing fluid, or you’ve had something to eat or drink too close to providing your sample. Failed tests are very rare but, if you do get this result, we’ll tell you why this has happened if we can. If you’d like another test, or you’d like to speak to one of our team, please email us on support@chronomics.com and we’ll be happy to help you out.

We’ll send your kit to the address you give us when you place your order – for most tests, this is where you’re staying or isolating or, for Test To Release, the address you’ll be arriving at in England. We use Royal Mail Tracked 24 as well as other couriers for the quickest service available, usually next working day delivery.

Once you’ve taken the test, you can return it to our lab directly via the enclosed prepaid address label. We use Royal Mail Tracked 24 as well as other couriers for the quickest service available, usually next working day delivery.

For Royal Mail, just drop it off at a priority postbox (check here for your nearest one - you’re allowed to leave your isolation address to do this). If you’re returning via a different courier, please follow the instructions provided to arrange collection or drop-off the parcel.

You’ll get an email as soon as we’ve received it, and another email 24-36 hours later to let you know your result is available in your secure online dashboard.

For standard Covid-19 tests, we suggest you allow a minimum of four working days from the moment you place your order to get a result. This is because it takes 24 hours to receive your test, 24 hours to return it to us, and 24-36 hours for our labs to process your sample and notify you of your result. It can take longer if this process crosses a weekend, when most postal services are not operating.

Test To Release is quicker because your testing kit can be scheduled for delivery to you on Day 5 of your self-isolation period.

And remember - if you’re ordering a Fit To Fly test, you should do this at least four days before you are due to start your journey. This is because you need to show proof of a negative test within 72 hours of the date of your travel.

Yes. The Chronomics saliva-based Covid-19 test targets genomic regions of the virus that are present across all common SARS-CoV-2 variants we know of, anywhere in the world, including the mutated strains detected in South Africa and South America. We regularly check this in line with MHRA requirements to ensure any new strains aren’t missed.

The main differences are the levels of accuracy between a lateral flow test and our PCR test, and that the government-supplied free tests don’t provide you with the certification you need for travel.

The Chronomics PCR test is clinically proven as the gold standard of testing with the highest sensitivity and accuracy of all Covid-19 tests. Our saliva PCR test is also non-intrusive and simple to use, so people of all ages can get an accurate test result without needing to visit a healthcare professional.

In fact, the UK Government recommends using a PCR lab test like ours to confirm the results of a lateral flow test (otherwise known as an antigen test), if you get a positive result.