Cancer Testing
COVID Testing
Pre-order
Is the Oncofocus test applicable to my cancer type?
Oncofocus is applicable to all tumour types except leukaemia.
If I have cancer, why have a genetic cancer test?
For individuals diagnosed with cancer, genetic testing can help your doctors determine the best type of targeted therapies and avoid more toxic chemotherapy. Genetic cancer testing can give your relatives information about their cancer risk.
Are Oncologica’s genetic cancer tests the same as the ones offered by the NHS?
Yes, our genetic cancer tests use the same technology as those offered through the NHS. However the NHS is under significant strain due to the pandemic and its effect on cancer services. Cancer survival rates in the UK are set to reach their lowest in 15 years, with 3 million people missing routine cancer screening appointments during the pandemic – a service which normally diagnoses around 400 cancers a week. The disruption to cancer services has resulted in a backlog in cancer screening of 3-6 months of delays to treatment.
Concerns over delays means Oncologica’s cancer tumour genetic profiling can help provide a genetic tumour blueprint for you and your doctors to aid medicine treatment choices.
How do I order the Oncofocus test?
Ordering can be requested by patients via our website or by completing our test request form and patient consent forms which are submitted to our Oncofocus Clinical Admin Team after a preliminary initial discussion appointment request with them.
Can my Clinician request the test on my behalf?
Yes
How much is the Oncofocus test?
The cost of the Oncofocus and Immunofocus Test is £1,500
What does the Oncofocus test include?
Oncofocus and Immunofocus tests include the courier costs, to ensure the samples are delivered safely and quickly, a telephone consultation with our Doctor once you have your results, and ongoing supplementary reports as requested by patients.
Do I need a biopsy?
Yes, however Oncofocus® uses the routine pathology biopsy block that has already been used to make the initial diagnosis which is held at the hospital where the biopsy was taken.
How do you get access to my records and biopsy?
We ask you to complete a patient consent form which enables us to approach the hospital on your behalf to request your reports and your samples for testing.
Do I need to come to the Oncologica Cambridge UK laboratory?
No, we use the patient’s biopsies for testing which we request from the hospital.
Do you provide the cancer treatments?
We don’t provide the cancer treatments – only identify them. Your Clinician will help you source the treatments.
Does the cost of the test include my cancer treatments?
In many cases we are able to link the targeted therapies to clinical trials which are not placebo. These are free on the NHS. Other therapies identified would need to be paid for privately.
Do I need to approach the hospital?
No, we will do all of that for you using the patient consent form.
What happens following the tests completion?
The patient receives their report via email which is password protected. Once received, the patient is required to contact the Oncofocus Admin Team to arrange a telephone consultation with our Doctor at a time which is convenient for them to discuss the results.
Do you have any reviews/testimonials?
Please look at our testimonials on our website https://oncologica.com/customer-feedback/
Can I book the test if I live outside the UK?
Yes you can, the process remains the same.
Post-order
Can I add consented contacts once I have ordered the test?
Yes, this must be requested via email from the address used to order the test. The patient’s database will then be updated with this information.
How am I kept updated during the testing process?
We maintain contact with the patient and their consented contacts throughout the process to provide regular updates on the progress.
What happens with my biopsies once the test is complete?
We will arrange for these to be couriered back to the hospital once the test is complete.
What happens if my Clinician does not action the treatments identified?
Please do let us know if your consultant is not willing to action your report as we can recommend specialists who will be able to help you. This would have to be privately funded.
Can I cancel my test once ordered and if so will I be eligible for a refund?
You can cancel the test anytime however the refund amount due to you would depend on what stage the test is currently at. This must be in writing and the refund would be paid to the account that the payment was made from.
Shipments
Do I pay for samples to be couriered to Oncologica?
No, this is inclusive of the cost of the Oncofocus test however, on occasions some hospitals charge an admin fee for retrieving the samples. If this is the case, the patient is liable for this cost.
How do my samples reach you?
Via DHL.
Results and Certificates
How do I access my results?
The results will be emailed to the patient and their consented contacts. The Oncofocus test report containing the results will be sent password protected.
How long does it take to get Oncofocus test results?
Once a patients sample has been booked inside our lab, the test process takes up to 15 working days. This excludes weekends and bank holidays.
What happens following the tests completion?
The patient receives their report via email which is password protected. Once received, the patient is required to contact the Oncofocus Admin Team to arrange a telephone consultation with our Doctor at a time which is convenient for them to discuss the results.
Billing and Payments
Do I have to pay privately for the Oncofocus test?
Yes.
Will my Insurance company cover the cost of the Oncofocus test and treatments?
This will depend on your policy. Most major health insurance companies cover the cost of our test.
Does the NHS cover the cost of the Oncofocus test?
No.
Will I receive a payment receipt?
Yes, once payment has been made a receipt will be emailed.
When is payment for the test due?
We require payment once your samples have been requested.
COVID PCR Tests
What does the Coronafocus Covid-19 PCR Travel Test Package include?
- The kit includes a packaged self-sample swab, liquid tube, sealable bag and a set of instructions of how to complete the self-swab test correctly and prepaid envelope labels.
- Your PCR positive/negative results are published within 24 hours of us booking your sample into the lab and are viewable in the online customer dashboard.
- Gov.uk recommend registering with the NHS app for your COVID Pass before booking international travel or access the NHS COVID Pass via the NHS website to view, download or print.
UK Travel Testing after 4am, 18th March 2022
- do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
- do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
- do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
How soon can I buy a Coronafocus PCR test before travelling?
You can buy your Coronafocus PCR tests up to 6 months before travelling. If ordered before 12pm (GMT) we will arrange dispatch of your test for next day delivery (excluding bank holidays). Once a self-sampling Coronafocus swab has been taken, it must be returned by Royal Mail 24 using the prepaid envelope in any Royal Mail priority post box located in every town or hand delivered to our Lab 24/7.
When should I order my Fit to Fly PCR?
If your flight asks for a test to be done 72 hours in advance, ensure you allow time for your test to be delivered. Please note that delivery to Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands/Islands may take 2-4 days.
Example: if flying on a Saturday, then we recommend ordering your test latest on the Tuesday before noon GMT prior to date of travel. So in order to receive and take the self-sample swab for testing on the Wednesday prior to flying, this requires return dispatch to our lab using the prepaid envelope, so that our lab receives it on the Thursday prior to flight. Results would then be available for viewing on the online dashboard, details in confirmation email on the Friday before flight. We cannot guarantee that the swab will arrive the day after postage, as this depends on the Royal Mail service which can sometimes take longer than 24 hours. This is why we recommend travellers endeavour to purchase well in advance of travel.
How does the Coronafocus self-sampling PCR test work?
Activating PCR test kits bought on the Oncologica website.
- The date and time the swab is taken must be entered in the online customer dashboard to enable lab processing.
- You can search for “User registration” or “Oncologica”, in your inbox or junk mail.
- Customers who have booked through a different provider will have been given a pin code by that provider, they should enter this to activate their kit.
- Activating your PCR test kit via mobile phone is not recommended. Customers should be are advised to use google chrome on a laptop or desktop.
The five boxes on the dashboard should be filled with the date (day/month/year), and time (hour/minutes). This should be done in 24hr format.
How long does it take to get and access my PCR results?
To access your results in our customer dashboard you must register and activate your test kit in the online customer dashboard. We will not process your returned self-swab test until this is done. You must then enter the date and time swab taken in the 5 boxes in the online customer dashboard otherwise your sample will be placed on hold. Your results are published within 24 hours of Oncologica receipt of your activated and swab date stamped self-sample swab at the lab, for viewing or certificate download. If the test kit is sourced through a third-party then login using the details provided by the company you booked through. Very infrequently, your swab result may be returned as inconclusive. This can be caused by poor sample taking technique. As a result, you may not have the time to purchase another kit for delivery before your flight.
Why can’t I find my Coronafocus PCR test result is the NHS App?
PCR Sample Rejected and Replacement
PCR sample Inconclusive/Unclear
If a PCR test has returned a result that is Inconclusive/Unclear it is on the cusp of detectability. It is possible that you had the virus when the test was done, so you must take another test. We ship a replacement kit for Unclear tests and advise you to re-swab.
How do I order multiple PCR kits for my employees or group?
COVID Lateral Flow Tests
What is a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) COVID Antigen test?
Lateral Flow Device (LFD) antigen tests, commonly known as Lateral Flow Test (LFT), look for proteins produced by the COVID virus called antigens. As providers of lateral flow tests, we meet the gov.uk published standards.
What does the Coronafocus COVID Lateral Flow Antigen Test Package include?
- Packaged self-sample swab
- Packaged SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Cassette
- Extraction liquid buffer tube and dropper tip
- Waste bag
- Kit box which includes a pop out section which converts into a tube holder
- How to complete the self-swab test correctly instructions
- How to upload result photo, for verification and certification instructions
- A simple, easy to use Coronafocus web app (and mobile app coming shortly) to submit results, securely and stress free.
- Clinical team verification and medical signed certificates within 2 hours
- Government accredited testing provider
- CE marked rapid antigen (lateral flow kits) approved by the UK MHRA, DHSC
How does the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Antigen test work?
The Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Antigen Test manufactured by ACON uses a gentle nasal swab to take a sample from both nostrils. The swab is inserted into the extraction tube with the extraction fluid and then rotated and pressed to make sure that the sample from the swab is released into the extraction fluid (the swab is then discarded). You take the extraction tube with the nozzle cap and place 4 drops of extraction fluid into the sample well of the LFD testing cassette and check your results after 15 mins and before 30 minutes have passed on the test cassette. Do not read after 30 minutes. Two lines appearing on the cassette indicate a positive test result. One line on the cassette indicates negative or invalid tests (see instructions in kits for more details).
When should I order my Fit to Fly Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Antigen Test Service?
If your destination country rules ask for a Pre-departure LFD test to be done 72 hours in advance of cross border travel, ensure you allow time for your LFD test to be delivered. Do NOT take your LFD test outside of your pre-flight test window specified by your destination country. Please note that delivery to Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands/Islands may take 2-4 days.
Example: if flying on a Saturday, then we recommend ordering your test latest on the Thursday prior to date of travel. The kit will be delivered the next day for all Monday-Friday orders received before midday GMT and for all orders before 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday for you to take the self-sample swab for testing on the Friday prior to flying, this allows time to upload your result and receive verification from our Healthcare team. Verification of your result will then be confirmed within 2 hours of upload, with your travel certificate emailed on the Friday before flight. We cannot guarantee the Royal Mail delivery service which can sometimes take longer than 24 hours. Hence, we recommend travellers purchase test kits well in advance of travel. If you have not received your Lateral Flow Device (LFD) antigen test certificate after 2 hours of result upload, please check your spam/junk folders. For all Lateral Flow tests, please direct enquiries to coronafocus.formstack.com/forms/b2csupport.
Next steps of the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Service after receiving the LFD test kit?
- Follow the link https://coronafocus.app/login to log into an existing Coronafocus account or use the username and password sent via email when ordering the LFD kit. Once logged into the app you will be able to view your test kit orders, assign them to a person and then access the lateral flow test result image upload section.
- Read and follow the Flowflex instructions for swabbing and processing results in your kit very carefully as if not done correctly, your result may be invalid.
- Take your LFD test within the pre-flight timeframe specified by your destination country (note within 3 days if entering the UK).
- Follow the test result image upload and verification instructions in your kit to take a photo of your test results at the correct time. Your test must be completed and submitted within 30 minutes, or the result will become invalid.
- Place your completed test cassette on the instruction leaflet area marked to frame images for taking the upload picture.
- Ensure prior to uploading and submitting the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Antigen test result image for verification, that you have sufficient charge, a stable internet connection and a high-quality camera.
- To perform the test verification, we require you to upload a photo of completed test and may also request proof of identification documentation. You are responsible to ensure that the submitted photo is in focus and of sufficient quality, contains the information required and are delivered in the time frame specified in our instructions and the timeframe stipulated by your destination travel rules. We reserve the right to reject any images not meeting the above requirements and we take no responsibility for failure to complete the image verification and produce results certification due to these factors.
- You will receive a doctor-signed certificate within 2 hours of successful upload of a photo of your test result.
What is the shelf-life of the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Antigen test?
Travel Planning
Which test kit do I need?
Does my child need a test?
For children travelling abroad check entry requirements for your destination country. GOV.UK foreign travel advice.
Coronafocus kit dispatch, return and test lab opening times?
All orders placed before midday (GMT) directly with Oncologica are dispatched via DPD the same day for next Day delivery (excluding on bank holiday). Please note that delivery to Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands/Islands may take 2-4 days.
Return the self-swabbed sample using the pre-paid Royal Mail 24-hour tracked envelope provided. Post the envelope in a Royal Mail priority post box located in every town. These are normal Royal mail postal boxes on the streets with a priority label on them https://www.royalmail.com/services-near-you#/ or on the Royal Mail app. Or you can hand deliver swab samples to Oncologica, Suite 2, The Newnham Building, Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford CB10 1XL to avoid postal delays. You can arrange your own private courier to deliver the swab directly to our lab which is open 24 hours 7 days a week.
To avoid dispatch delays outside of our control please order at least 3 working days prior to required. Delays by Royal Mail return service are outside of our control. It is your responsibility to return the swab to us in sufficient time.
Test Results
What happens if I get a negative lateral flow test result?
For advice on when you might need to self-isolate and what to do, go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 and read ‘Self-isolation and treating symptoms’.
What happens if I get a positive lateral flow test result?
What happens if I get an unclear lateral flow test result?
What's included on my Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Antigen test result certificate?
Both sample time and result time are recorded in UK time.
Although our certificates provide the key details required for travel, we cannot be held responsible if a destination country chooses not to accept it as proof of testing.
COVID 19 Lateral Flow Test result reporting to Public Health England (PHE)
Oncologica is a private provider for testing, both COVID 19 PCR and lateral flow antigen tests. Being a private provider means that your COVID 19 test result will not be viable with the NHS app. The NHS app is for NHS COVID 19 tests only. We report all results for COVID 19 tests to Public Health England (PHE) and Track and Trace via a separate, private server, with the data that is completed on your UK arrival declaration submitted on test order. The COVID-19 test result certificate that is sent to you via email and which is also downloadable via our Coronafocus app is proof of your test result detailing the minimum information required by the DHSC including a confirmation, scannable, QR code.
When is NHS Test and Trace informed of the result?
At the point the confirmatory PCR test result is known, and this is a positive result. Test results will as normal be referred to Test and Trace.
Other
NHS COVID pass for Fully vaccinated travellers
Are the swabs sterilised?
What if I self-swab incorrectly or spill the solution?
Why chose the Coronafocus sequencing test?
Oncologica’s genomic sequencing lab can process 40,000 tests per day. We have been at the forefront of genomic coronavirus lab testing during the pandemic and have undertaken thousands of daily Covid-19 PCR tests to help safeguard human health.
I can't log onto the customer dashboard
What if I purchased lab testing through a Third Party?
For queries relating to kit supply, delivery tracking, activation and results reporting for PCR testing purchased through a third party, please contact the company from whom you purchased your service for support. We do not receive personal details for kits and testing services purchased through third parties.
Can I return or cancel the Coronafocus test?
We do not accept cancelled tests. Booking a correct test can be done at our website. A Coronafocus Test Kit is a product supplied by a health care professional and all orders are final when booked online. You have no statutory right to cancel your order or return your Coronafocus Test Kit. We reserve the right to cancel Coronafocus Test Kit orders and refund you the fee paid, should we have insufficient stock or be unable to deliver to the postal address provided in the online booking.
Customer Support
Our dedicated customer support team are ready to help you. Submit requests anytime via our Contact Us form - top right of screen, chat with the team via the tab bottom right or phone us on +44 (0) 1223 785327 9am - 5pm BST Mon - Fri.
Find what you need: