Rapid flu, RSV, strep A and CRP tests
Same-day results from our on-site lab mean your GP can prescribe treatment when you need it – and not when you don’t.
Know what you’re treating
On-site respiratory tests
Strep A
Rapid throat test for Strep A, a common bacterial cause of tonsilitis.
- Strep A
- Appointment, test, handling & report
Chest infection test
CRP test to help tell whether a chest infection is likely viral or a bacteria.
- CRP
- Appointment, test, handling & report
- Strep A +£30 Checks for Strep A bacterial infection if you also have a sore throat alongside chest symptoms.
- Full Blood Count +£35 Assesses your immune system and checks for anaemia. Suitable if you have been unwell for 7+ days.
- Flu A/B +£40 Suitable if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or fatigue.
- RSV +£40 Suitable if you have cold-like symptoms with wheezing or breathing difficulties.
Respiratory panel
Nasal swab to check for flu A/B and RSV, with the option to add Strep A or CRP.
- Flu A & B by PCR
- RSV by PCR
- Appointment, test, handling & report
- CRP +£35 Recommended if you have a chesty cough, breathlessness or symptoms for over 3 days. Also advisable if you are at higher risk (COPD, frailty or diabetes).
- Strep A +£30 An additional throat swab to check for Strep A bacterial infection, a common cause of sore throats.
- Full Blood Count +£35 Recommended if you have been unwell for 7+ days.
Strep A + GP
+ GP AppointmentStrep A throat test with results within 15 minutes to review with the GP. Recommended if you are unsure if you need antibiotics.
- Strep A
- 15 minute GP appointment to review results and treat as necessary
Chest infection + GP
+ GP AppointmentCRP test with results within 15 minutes to review with the GP. Recommended if you are unsure if you need antibiotics.
- CRP
- 15 minute GP appointment to review results and treat as necessary
- Strep A +£30 Checks for Strep A bacterial infection if you also have a sore throat alongside chest symptoms.
- Full Blood Count +£35 Assesses your immune system and checks for anaemia. Suitable if you have been unwell for 7+ days.
- Flu A/B +£40 Suitable if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or fatigue. Results take approximately 1 hour and will be reported on separately by your doctor.
- RSV +£40 Suitable if you have cold-like symptoms with wheezing or breathing difficulties. Results take approximately 1 hour and will be reported on separately by your doctor.
How it works
Fast results for the right treatment
We run your respiratory tests on-site so your GP has the answers they need to make safe, confident treatment decisions as soon as the results are back.
- 1Select an appointmentChoose tests only, a rapid test-and-GP visit for Strep A / CRP, or see a GP first so they can decide and take any necessary tests there and then.
- 2Attend your visitCome to your chosen clinic. We’ll take your throat swab, nasal swab and/or small blood test, and if you’ve booked a GP they’ll assess you and arrange any tests straight away.
- 3On-site lab runs your testsYour samples go straight to our on-site lab. Results come back quickly – from within minutes for Strep A and CRP to a couple of hours for flu and RSV – so your GP has what they need to make a clear treatment plan there and then, instead of waiting days for results.
- 4Results and a clear GP planOnce your results are back, you get a clear medical plan – whether that’s antibiotics, other treatment, or reassurance that it’s safe to continue self-care at home. If anything needs action, a DocTap GP will explain exactly what to do next.
Why DocTap
Fast answers, not guesswork
On-site labs and experienced GPs turn your respiratory tests into clear treatment decisions – not just an emailed result.
- On-site lab, rapid results
Your respiratory tests are run in our own lab-clinics, not posted away. Results come back fast – so your GP isn’t making decisions in the dark.
- GP-led, not test-sales
Our GPs start with your symptoms and examination, then order only the tests that are likely to change your care. No random bundles, no pressure to add extras.
- The right treatment, not more treatment
Results are interpreted by a GP who can decide if antibiotics, antivirals or other treatment are genuinely needed – or if rest, symptom relief and safety-netting are the safer option.
- London clinics, joined-up care
Multiple London locations and video GP appointments make it easy to be seen fast. With your consent, we can share key results with your NHS GP so your care stays joined up, not duplicated.
When should I book a respiratory test?
Most people come to us because they feel awful and want to know one thing:
Is this just a virus, or do I actually need antibiotics?
Respiratory tests don’t make that decision on their own, but they give your GP much better information to work with.
If you’re trying to work out whether you need antibiotics
A respiratory test is particularly useful if:
- You’ve had a cough, fever and feel wiped out for several days, and you’re not sure if it’s “just viral” or a chest infection that might need antibiotics.
- You’re more chesty or short of breath than usual, especially if you have asthma, COPD or a heart / lung condition, and you don’t want to miss a bacterial infection.
- You have a very sore throat, possibly with white spots on the tonsils and swollen glands, and you’re wondering if it could be Strep A rather than a standard viral sore throat.
- You started with a cold or flu-type illness, seemed to pick up, then dipped again, and you’re worried something bacterial has now taken hold.
- You’re higher risk (older, frail, pregnant, or have long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease) and want clear, fast information so you can act quickly if antibiotics are needed – but also avoid them if they’re not.
In these situations, our clinicians may use:
- A CRP blood test (“chest infection test”) – to help judge whether your pattern of inflammation looks more like a viral or bacterial chest infection.
- A Strep A throat swab – to check for Strep A when tonsillitis is suspected.
- A flu / RSV respiratory panel – to confirm if a clear viral cause such as flu or RSV is present, where antibiotics usually won’t help.
Your GP then uses these results together with your symptoms and examination, not in isolation, to decide on treatment.
If antibiotics are needed, your GP will choose the most appropriate antibiotic for you based on your symptoms, examination, test results, allergy history and current guidance – not just a one-size-fits-all option.
When a simple throat (Strep A) test may be enough
Sometimes you don’t need a full respiratory panel – just a targeted throat test:
- Your main problem is a very sore throat with painful swallowing.
- You can see white spots or pus on your tonsils, or have very swollen, tender glands in your neck.
- You have a high temperature, but your chest feels otherwise normal and you’re not especially short of breath.
In those cases, a dedicated Strep A test may be the most appropriate starting point.
When you should not book a private respiratory test
Do not book a private test. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if:
- You are struggling to breathe, breathing very fast or can’t speak in full sentences.
- You have severe chest pain, especially if it’s sudden, heavy or crushing.
- Your lips, face or tongue look blue, grey or very pale.
- You feel confused, very drowsy, or like you might collapse.
- A child is too breathless to talk, drink or stay awake normally, or looks seriously unwell.
For everything else – when you’re stuck between “ride it out” and “do I need antibiotics or more active treatment?” – a respiratory test at DocTap can help bring clarity and guide the next step.