Frequently Asked Questions
You Have a Question?
Blood Testing
How long will the test take?
Once your blood sample is collected it will be sent off to our partner labs and results should arrive back within 1 and 5 working days. On average our results come back in 1-2 working days, but we cannot guarantee this as it will depend on how busy the labs are at that time. For some less routine tests, the turnaround time may be longer, but this can be discussed prior to testing or during the initial consultation.
Do I need to fast before my blood test?
For some blood tests, it is necessary to fast overnight before the blood samples are collected in the morning. Fasting means you cannot eat anything and can only drink water. Tea, coffee, and cola can affect some blood results, so even black coffee and sugar-free drinks must be avoided. Chewing gum or smoking must also be avoided on the morning of the test.
Fasting Guidelines:
Please follow the fasting guidelines for the following blood tests:
- Fasting glucose: fast for at least 8 hours.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: fast for at least 8 hours. Note that this test takes a minimum of 2 hours, during which you must sit quietly and not eat or smoke.
- Lipids/triglycerides/fasting cholesterol: fast for at least 10-12 hours.
- Cholesterol: Fasting is not essential when the test is requested for screening or monitoring, but it may be recommended for diagnosis.
If you are diabetic:
Fasting lipid results are rarely needed in diabetic patients. If you are diabetic, DO NOT fast before this test and do not stop taking or change your existing medication.
If you are on any medication:
Do not alter your medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor. If your medicine needs to be taken with food and this will interfere with the timing of your fasting blood test, please discuss this with your doctor.
Ambulance Services
What is the cost of private ambulance hire?
Each quotation is bespoke depending on location of collection, the destination and time required. Contact us by clicking here or call us on 0333 40 41 999 now for a quotation.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover the whole of Northern Ireland and provide event cover and repatriation across the island.
Do I need to escort my family member?
You are more than welcome to have someone if you would like to. You will have dedicated ambulance personnel on board throughout the journey to assist you with anything you require during the journey.
Do you stop off on long journeys for toileting and lunch/dinner?
Yes we do if the patient requires food or to use the toilet.
Do I need to escort my family member?
You are more than welcome to have someone if you would like to. You will have dedicated ambulance personnel on board throughout the journey to assist you with anything you require during the journey.
Can you arrange with the hospitals the pickup times and discharge date?
Yes we can liaise with hospitals and care homes to make the process as easy as possible for you.
What other information do you need?
We need information on the patient’s details including some medical information. In addition we need the pick-up address along with an understanding of the access and an understanding of the patients needs.
Can I take personal belongings?
You will be able to take a personal bag and suitcase if required. If you need additional items please advise us when making your booking.
Do you provide refreshments for long transfers?
How quickly can I arrange an ambulance?
We can offer same day transfers for private and ambulance hire and for hospitals.
Will my private ambulance have air conditioning and heating?
Yes, we keep our ambulances at a comfortable temperature during the transfer.
What if the patient requires collection from an upstairs area or somewhere which isn’t easy to access?
We aim to facilitate your transfer in a safe and comfortable manner for you. Advise us of any requirements when you book and we can supply additional staff or equipment to aid the process.
Covid-19 Testing
Where can I get tested?
We offer a private covid test Derry for travel, corporate, sporting events and mass testing. Our travel testing is suitable for arrivals and departures from Ireland and the UK.
For PCR and Lateral Flow Antigen tests if your result is negative you will receive a “Fit to Fly” certificate. This certificate will enable you to travel outside of the UK and Ireland.
Tests are CE, HPRA and FDA approved and has successfully passed required validation checks.
Our COVID-19 tests are highly accurate and we offer results fast.
Booking is required for all tests at our clinics in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
A PCR is the most accurate test. The sample is sent to a laboratory to be analysed and as such takes 24 hours from the time it arrives at the lab to receive your results.
We also no offer a rapid PCR with a three hour turn around if you are in need of a PCR result fast.
Antigen tests require a nasal sample and you can take the test at one of our clinics or at home. You will receive your results and travel certification minutes after taking your test.
Antibody tests can tell whether or not you have antibodies for COVID-19. They require a blood sample and results will be delivered in minutes.
JACE Medical are a UKAS registered provider listed on the governments website.
Where is JACE Medical based?
We have several testing locations including at The Vale Centre between Derry and Limavady for those looking for a covid test in Derry~Londonderry and offer a mobile testing option and home testing kits.
What are your opening hours?
Our clinic at The Vale Centre is open 9-5pm Monday to Friday and Saturday appointments are available on request.
How long will the test take?
Our expert medical professionals take your sample with a swab and may required your passport and some additional details. The process take around five minutes.
How long will it take to get my results?
PCR Tests
Our tests are delivered to the lab around 8pm each night. Your result will be received within 24 hours of this time.
3 Hour Rapid PCR Tests
The 3 Hour PCR test results will be delivered within 3 hours of your sample being taken.
Antigen Lateral Flow Tests
If you visit the clinic you will receive your results minutes after taking your test.
Home Tests
Home test results will be delivered 24 hours after the sample arrives at our laboratory.
Remote Lateral Flow Antigen Tests
The Remote Lateral Flow Antigen test results are delivered 1 hour after we receive a photo of your test cassette on your passport.
Will I get my results back by email?
Yes, you will receive your results to the email address you supply.
Allow 24 hours after the results are received at the lab for your PCR results and you’ll get results for your Lateral Flow (Antigen) test within minutes.
Please make sure your email address is correct and check your junk and/or promotions folder if you don’t see in your inbox.
I have not received my results
We aim to deliver your results within 24 hours of your sample being recieved at our lab (we had deliver at 8pm each evening). Please wait until this time has passed before contacting us.
Rapid PCR tests deliver results in 3 hours from the time of your test.
Lateral Flow Antigen tests at our clinics at Belfast International Airport, Bridgend, Letterkenny and Limerick will be recieved minutes after you take your test.
For Lateral Flow Antigen tests taken at home you will recieve results within an hour of us recieving your photo of your passport or ID with your test cassette.
If this time has elapsed you can get in touch by contacting us here.
Are your Antigen tests CE, HPRA and FDA approved?
Our antigen tests are the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test (Flowflex) from a nasopharyngeal swab. The test is CE, HPRA and FDA approved and has successfully passed required validation checks. It has Relative Sensitivity of 97.1%, Relative Specificity of 99.5% and Accuracy of 98.8%. With specific scope for COVID-19 testing, it is recognised by UK, European and US governments.
Can you explain the difference between the tests?
JACE Medical offers three different types of Covid tests: PCR, Lateral Flow (Antigen) and Antibody. The PCR and Antigen tests indicate if someone is currently infected with Covid, while the antibody test can be used to detect if someone has previously had the virus.
I have already had covid. Will I still test positive if I have a PCR test now?
It is possible that remnants of the virus causing COVID-19 infection can still be detected by PCR tests for up to 90 days after infection so you should consider that you may still get a positive result with a PCR test.
Is a test required for my destination?
Regulations differ across juristictions and while JACE Medical can provide testing, you must ensure you are clear on your testing obligations so travel to your destination is smooth.
You can find the government guidance on travel to your destination below:
Can I change or cancel my booking?
Change of appointment
You can change your appointment 48 hours before your test. Please email testing@jacemedical.co.uk and we can change to another time that suits based on availabilty.
Cancellations
We offer a NO QUESTIONS ASKED cancellation policy for all our test appointments if cancelled at least 48 hours before your appointment time.
That enables us to offer the appointment to someone else, but this is not possible when cancelling within 24 hours, hence the need to enforce this policy.
If cancelling outside of the 24 hour window before your test we will refund your registration fee in full.
Refunds
In order to obtain a refund if cancelling in advance of 24 hours before your test please contact us at testing@jacemedical.co.uk and allow us a day to identify and refund your payment. Once your refund has be processed, a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days (dictated by your credit card account).
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at testing@jacemedical.co.uk.
What documentation do I need to bring with for a test?
In addition to an email for your group we require the following for each person travelling; name, date of birth, address and passport number.
It is important to make sure all the information you provide is 100% accurate to avoid any issues with entry to your destination.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please take your passport with you when you attend the clinic for your test.
Is JACE Medical a UKAS accredited private provider?
JACE Medical is a UKAS accredited private provider listed on the government’s website.
What are my responsibilities as a traveller?
While our customer service team are here to help, it is ultimately your responsibility as the person travelling to ensure you have the correct tests before, during and after travel.
Our liability is limited and so any costs you incur are your responsibility if your travel plans are disrupted.
What documentation do I need to bring with for a test?
In addition to an email for your group we require the following for each person travelling; name, date of birth, address and passport number.
It is important to make sure all the information you provide is 100% accurate to avoid any issues with entry to your destination.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please take your passport with you when you attend the clinic for your test.