UK’s first private visiting doctor service launches at-home rapid flu/COVID-19 combo testing

Doctorcall now offers rapid flu and COVID-19 combo test kits as part of its visiting doctor service, providing an almost immediate accurate diagnosis for patients. A result identifying an active infection for either influenza A/B viruses (Flu A/B) or COVID-19 is ready in fifteen minutes, administered in the same way as a COVID-19 lateral flow test.

With the short incubation period of the three viruses, rapid detection is essential to both improve treatment and reduce the possibility of further spread. If deemed necessary by the medical professional on the ground, a test can be administered and a result almost immediately provided.

For flu, we can provide oseltamivir (Tamiflu) medication; this can reduce the complications of flu such as pneumonia by 44% and the risk of hospitalisation by 63% when taken within 48 hours.

These tests will both identify the issue whilst also help to monitor for outbreaks in the community and protect any vulnerable people who may otherwise have come into contact with the patient.

Dr Charles Levinson, Doctorcall Medical Director commented:

“Early diagnosis for any medical condition is vital and these kits will allow our doctors to obtain the sufficient knowledge to deliver efficient and timely treatment for our patients.”

“A difficult season for flu was expected and sadly those predictions are coming to pass. Pressure is being felt and that has reflected in our experience with far more flu call-outs than recent years, even before the pandemic.”

“Symptoms of COVID and flu can often be confused, so to have reasonably definitive results within minutes is a valuable tool which could ultimately save lives. Influenza is a debilitating illness which kills thousands and thousands even in a ‘good year’. Much of the scientific progress made throughout the pandemic can positively impact our response to flu pandemics and these kits are just one example of that. I’m delighted that we are able to provide them for our patients.”

“This latest development will help to cement Doctorcall’s position as a leading innovator in private medicine.”

Notes to the Editor:

About Doctorcall:

Doctorcall is an innovative medical group providing high-quality medical services for both individuals and companies.

Doctorcall was founded by Dr Charles Levinson in 1989 to provide a visiting doctor service within London. This was the first such service in the UK.

The group expanded over a number of years and now provides a range of medical services for both individuals and corporate clients. Doctorcall has been a leading innovator within the independent sector.

In addition to providing the first visiting doctor service, Doctorcall has been the first to:

• Provide a large-scale flu vaccination programme outside the NHS
• Offer health screening by questionnaire for companies
• Pioneer the use of protocols in healthcare delivery