Cold, flu, sore throat or chest infection?

Feeling unwell and want to know what's behind it? Book a same-day test at one of our London clinics, with results from our on-site labs. Book a test on its own if you know what you need, or see a GP who can examine you, go through your results and advise on treatment.

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strep a throat test

We test for common winter infections, including Strep A, flu, RSV and chest infections, in our London lab clinics. A GP is on hand if you'd like your results explained and a treatment plan made in the same visit.

What symptoms do you have?

Colds, flu, sore throats and chest infections often feel alike at first. Pick the one closest to how you feel to see which appointments may help. Not sure? A GP can examine you and decide what's needed.

Cold or flu symptoms

Fever, aches, cough, a runny nose or feeling suddenly wiped out. One nasal swab checks for flu A, flu B and RSV, a common winter virus, so you know what you're dealing with.

Appointments that can help:

  • Respiratory panel (flu A, flu B and RSV)
See prices and book

Sore throat or swollen tonsils

Painful swallowing, swollen tonsils or glands, fever or white patches. A rapid swab checks for Strep A, a common bacterial cause. Add a GP if you'd like your throat examined and to know whether you need antibiotics.

Appointments that can help:

  • Strep A test
  • Strep A test + GP appointment
See prices and book

Chesty cough or possible chest infection

A chesty cough, mucus, fever, wheeze or a tight chest. A rapid CRP blood test measures inflammation, helping a doctor judge whether antibiotics are needed. Add a GP if you'd like them to examine your chest and decide on treatment in the same visit.

Appointments that can help:

  • Chest infection test (CRP)
  • Chest infection test + GP appointment
See prices and book

Generally unwell or exhausted

Mixed symptoms, or still exhausted after an illness. A GP can examine you and advise on the next step. If you've felt run down for a few weeks, a focused blood panel gives you results in about 15 minutes, with a GP to go through them in the same visit.

Appointments that can help:

  • GP consultation
  • Rapid blood panel + GP review
See prices and book

How it works

Test on its own, or with a GP

Every test is run in our own on-site labs, so you're not waiting days for results. You choose whether you just want the result, or want a GP to go through it with you and treat you in the same visit.

  • 1
    Choose test only or test with a GP
    Test only gives you your results and a written report. Test with a GP means a doctor examines you, explains your results and agrees a plan before you leave.
  • 2
    Come to the clinic
    We'll take a throat swab, nasal swab or small blood sample. If you've booked a GP, they'll examine you too.
  • 3
    We run your tests on site
    Strep A and CRP results are usually ready within minutes. Flu and RSV take about an hour.
  • 4
    Get your results and next steps
    With a test-only appointment, you'll receive your results and a written report, and you can book a GP later if you'd like them explained. If you've booked with a GP, they'll go through your results with you and agree what happens next, whether that's treatment or self-care at home.
Choose your appointment

Tests and GP appointments

Choose your appointment

If you know which test you need, book it on its own and we'll send you your results and a written report. If you'd like a doctor to examine you and explain your results, choose a test with a GP and leave with a treatment plan. And if you're not sure where to start, a GP consultation is the best first step.

Respiratory panel

Test only

One nasal swab to check for flu A, flu B and RSV.

Member price†
from £106.20
Standard price from £118
  • Flu A and B
  • RSV
  • Appointment, test, handling & report
Optional extras Member Standard
  • CRP
    +£34.20 +£38
  • Strep A
    +£29.70 +£33
  • Full Blood Count
    +£34.20 +£38
Book

Strep A test

Test only

A rapid throat swab for Strep A, a common bacterial cause of sore throats and tonsillitis.

Member price†
from £56.70
Standard price from £63
  • Strep A test
  • Appointment, test, handling & report
Book

Strep A test + GP appointment

Test with a GP

A rapid Strep A swab, then a GP examines your throat and tells you whether you need antibiotics.

Member price†
from £110.70
Standard price from £123
  • Strep A test
  • 15-minute GP appointment
Book

Chest infection test

Test only

A rapid CRP blood test that helps show whether antibiotics are likely to be needed.

Member price†
from £61.20
Standard price from £68
  • CRP test
  • Appointment, test, handling & report
Optional extras Member Standard
  • Full Blood Count
    +£34.20 +£38
  • Strep A
    +£29.70 +£33
  • Flu A/B
    +£39.60 +£44
  • RSV
    +£39.60 +£44
Book

Chest infection test + GP appointment

Test with a GP

A rapid CRP test, then a GP examines your chest and tells you whether you need antibiotics.

Member price†
from £115.20
Standard price from £128
  • Chest infection test
  • 15-minute GP appointment
Optional extras Member Standard
  • Strep A
    +£29.70 +£33
  • Full Blood Count
    +£34.20 +£38
  • Flu A/B
    +£39.60 +£44
  • RSV
    +£39.60 +£44
Book

GP consultation

GP only

For symptoms that are severe, unclear or not getting better. A GP examines you and advises on the best next step.

Member price†
from £67.50
Standard price from £75
  • 15-minute GP consultation
  • If your GP recommends tests, they cost extra and your results will follow after your visit.
Book

Rapid blood panel + GP review

Test with a GP

For when you've felt unwell for a few weeks and it isn't clearing up. Your blood is tested on site in about 15 minutes, then a GP goes through the results with you in the same visit.

Member price†
from £180
Standard price from £200
  • Full blood count, liver and kidney function, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and CRP
  • 15-minute GP consultation
Optional extras Member Standard
  • HbA1c
    +£19.80 +£22
  • Tiredness profile
    +£39.60 +£44
Book
† The member price is available with DocTap Pass — a £15 membership that gives 10% off appointments and tests for 12 months (scans and medications excluded). You can add DocTap Pass to your basket when you book your appointment, or during your consultation when adding tests.

Common infections

Learn more about symptoms and treatment options

Find out how common winter infections usually feel, how they're treated, when a test can help, and when you should see a GP or get urgent care.

Cold and fluHow to tell a cold from flu, why antibiotics won't help either, and what eases symptoms. Plus when a GP should check you over.
Sore throat and tonsillitisMost sore throats are viral, but some are caused by Strep A. What to look out for, how each is treated, and when a GP may prescribe antibiotics.
SinusitisWhy sinusitis often follows a cold, how long it usually lasts, and what helps clear it. Plus when lingering symptoms need a GP.
Glandular feverWhat causes glandular fever, why the tiredness can last for weeks, and how a blood test can confirm it. Plus how a GP can help you recover.
Respiratory and throat infectionsAn overview of chest and throat infections, how viral and bacterial infections differ, and the warning signs that mean you need help quickly.

Why DocTap

Fast answers, not guesswork

Our on-site labs give you fast results, and our GPs are here if you'd like them explained and treated in the same visit.

On-site labs, rapid results

Your tests are run in our own lab clinics, not posted away, so most results are ready within minutes to an hour.

Test only, or with a GP

Book just the test if you know what you need, or add a GP who can examine you, explain your results and treat you. No bundles, no pressure to add extras.

The right treatment, not more treatment

If you see a GP, they'll only prescribe antibiotics or antivirals when they'll genuinely help. Often, rest and symptom relief, with clear advice on what to watch for, is the safer option.

London clinics, joined-up care

Clinics across London, plus video appointments with a GP. Your results are available in your DocTap patient portal. If you want your NHS GP to have a copy, download the relevant records from the Records tab and send them directly to your NHS GP practice.

Find a clinic

Choose from five London clinics with on-site labs

Book a same-day respiratory test or GP appointment at one of our five clinics with an on-site lab. Rapid tests are processed on site, so many results are ready during your visit.

Canary Wharf clinic (related page)
Onsite Laboratory

Canary Wharf

Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.

Next time: Check today's availability
Canary Wharf clinic
Hammersmith clinic (related page)
Onsite Laboratory

Hammersmith

Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.

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Hammersmith clinic
Kings Cross clinic (related page)
Onsite Laboratory

Kings Cross & Euston

Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.

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Kings Cross & Euston clinic
Liverpool Street clinic (related page)
Onsite Laboratory

Liverpool Street & Bank

Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.

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Liverpool Street & Bank clinic
London Bridge clinic (related page)
Onsite Laboratory

London Bridge

Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.

Next time: Check today's availability
London Bridge clinic

Cold, flu, sore throat and chest infection testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful answers about choosing a test, GP review, antibiotics, result times and when to seek urgent care.

Can a Strep A test tell me if I need antibiotics for a sore throat?

A Strep A swab checks for a common bacterial cause of sore throat and tonsillitis. A positive result can support a GP’s decision about antibiotics, but symptoms, examination findings and risk factors still matter. If you want treatment advice in the same visit, choose Strep A test + GP appointment.

Can I get same-day cold, flu, Strep A or chest infection testing in London?

Yes. DocTap offers same-day appointments at London clinics for respiratory panel testing, Strep A testing, CRP chest infection testing and selected test-with-GP options. Availability depends on clinic capacity and the appointment type you choose.

Which test should I book for flu-like symptoms?

If you have sudden fever, aches, cough, a runny nose or feel wiped out, the respiratory panel is usually the most relevant test because one nasal swab checks for flu A, flu B and RSV. If symptoms are severe, you have a higher-risk medical condition, or you are not sure what you need, book a GP consultation instead.

What is a CRP chest infection test used for?

A CRP test is a rapid blood test that measures inflammation. It can help a doctor judge whether a chest infection looks more likely to be viral or bacterial and whether antibiotics may be needed. It is most useful when combined with a GP chest examination.

How quickly will I get results?

Strep A and CRP results are usually available within minutes. Flu and RSV testing usually takes about an hour. Exact timing can depend on clinic flow and whether you have booked a test-only or GP-reviewed appointment.

Will antibiotics help a cold, flu, sore throat or chest infection?

Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as colds or flu. They may help some bacterial infections, such as certain cases of Strep A tonsillitis or bacterial chest infection. A GP can assess whether antibiotics are likely to help or whether self-care is safer.

When should I seek urgent medical help instead of booking a test?

Seek urgent help if you have severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, collapse, difficulty swallowing saliva, swelling in the mouth or throat, or you feel seriously unwell. A private test is not a replacement for emergency care.

Can I book a test without seeing a GP?

Yes. Test-only appointments are useful if you know which test you need and mainly want results and a written report. Choose a GP option if symptoms are unclear, not improving, severe, or you want a doctor to examine you, explain the results and advise on treatment.

Ready to get checked?

Choose the appointment that fits your symptoms, from flu and RSV testing to Strep A, CRP chest infection testing and GP review options.

Next slot: Check today's availability
See tests and prices