HALO COVID-19 test kit for saliva-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, containing an instruction booklet, a test tube, a funnel which attaches to the tube to spit into, an alcohol wipe and a 95 kPa specimen transport bag, United Kingdom, 2020 – 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, testing has not just been offered by the NHS, but also by commercial providers. HALO is one of the many companies that started up or pivoted to offer COVID-19 testing. Unlike many other companies, HALO use saliva-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing which is less invasive than a swab test.

One of the main uses of commercial COVID-19 testing has been for travel. In December 2020, the first testing for travellers returning to the UK was introduced. The test to release scheme allowed travellers to use tests like HALO’s on day 5 to end the 10 day quarantine early if they tested negative. It then became mandatory in February 2021 for people to test on day 2 and day 8 of quarantine. For both day 5 and day 2 and 8 testing, these test kits would have been delivered to customers and then returned by courier or drop-off. The government rules specified that travellers should pay for private tests rather than use those available on the NHS. The UK ended the requirement for any travel testing for returning passengers on 18th March 2022.