Our Review Of The HALO Day 2 PCR Heathrow Terminal 5

Most PCR testing for COVID involves an uncomfortable sample taken from the back of your throat and nose but HALO offers a less invasive option for travellers. The HALO Day 2 PCR Heathrow Terminal 5, instead of the traditional throat/nose swab, is a ‘spit’ test where you simply fill a tube with saliva but is it any good? And how quickly do you get results back? Read on to find out!

Booking the HALO Day 2 PCR Heathrow Terminal 5

You can book your day 2 PCR with HALO at Heathrow Terminal 5 on their website here – https://www.haloverify.com/heathrow-t5/ – simply fill in the required details regarding your flight and select PCR test (currently £59.) You will straight away receive an email with the appropriate booking reference for your passenger locator form. The testing centre is open 8am – 8pm but don’t worry if you arrive outside these hours Sofitel reception have test packs which you can use then you can drop your tests off in the HALO dropbox.

HALO Day 2 PCR Heathrow Terminal 5 Location

As you exit baggage reclaim/customs follow the signs towards the London Underground. As you get closer to the Underground you will see signs for the Sofitel Heathrow Terminal 5. Keep following the signs for this/HALO testing until you reach the HALO reception desk.

The Test

Before arriving at the airport for testing HALO ask that you download their iOS app or visit https://app.haloverify.com/ to create your account and register your details.

Upon arrival, you are asked to show your booking confirmation and then you are handed a kit. You are then directed around the corner into a room partitioned into small testing booths. Here you take your test by following the guidance on your phone or on the information sheets provided.

You start the test by scanning the barcode on your test kit pack and then the barcode on your test tube. Once you’ve done this, attach the funnel onto the test tube and proceed to fill it with spit until the liquid (not including bubbles) reaches the 4ml line (this takes longer than you think!) You then remove the funnel and screw the lid back on the test tube. Give it a good shake and then pack it inside the transportation bag you then put it inside the return envelope and seal it. Click submit test on the app/website and then simply put your test in the box at the end of the room. Easy!

Results

With travellers now required to quarantine until they get their results from their Day 2 PCR having a speedy turnaround time is a key selling point! HALO promises you will receive your results by 8am the day AFTER your test. We submitted our tests at 20:11 on Saturday (11th December 2021) and received our Negative results at 23:05 on the same night! A quick turnaround (3 hours) means you can get on with the rest of your life!

Conclusion

We are big fans of the HALO Day 2 PCR Heathrow Terminal 5! Although it was harder than we thought to fill a tube with salvia it is FAR more comfortable than being swabbed. The quick turnaround time is the icing on the cake with the test price being very reasonable at £59. If you need to book yourself a day 2 PCR Heathrow Terminal 5 you can do so here – https://www.haloverify.com/heathrow-t5/

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