About us
ExpressTest provides fast, accurate and reliable COVID-19 testing solutions across the UK.
ExpressTest is the direct to consumer division of Cignpost Diagnostics
Cignpost Diagnostics Limited deliver world-class client solutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing COVID-19 testing to media and corporate clients, such as Netflix, the BBC, Amazon and the PGA European Tour.
Why Choose Us
Fast and Affordable
By leveraging our established network of regional laboratories, we can get your results back to you quicker. We will aim to provide you with results the following day by 10pm – for a highly competitive price.
PPE and Safety
At our testing facilities, your swab will be taken by one of our clinically trained swabbing practitioners. Our swabbing practitioners are all fully trained in both administering and storing swab samples, and wear full PPE when on site.
Trusted Testing
We use PCR testing machines, the gold standard for COVID-19 screening. All our devices are CE-IVD approved, so conform to the highest regulatory standards.
Reliable Results
Our PCR machines are highly sensitive so can detect even the lowest levels of virus. This means that a negative test result provides the most reliable indication you can continue to work and travel safely.
Our Testing Experience
ExpressTest is a programme run by the direct to consumer division of Cignpost Diagnostics Limited who are providing COVID-19 testing facilities for some of the world’s leading companies and organisations, such as Netflix, the BBC, the Scottish Premiership and the PGA European Tour.
Meet Our Founders
Meet our founders below and learn more about their roles and previous experiences.
Denis Kinane
Founding ScientistDenis has been in academia for 35 years serving in various capacities ranging from Professor to Dean in universities across Europe and the USA, including the Perelman School of Medicine (Penn), University of Penn (Ivy League), University of Louisville, Glasgow University and the University of Bern, Switzerland. Denis is Director of two large US and Chinese Health Companies and Scientific Director, CMO and Founder of several smaller international companies.
Steve Whatley
FounderSteve is one of the founders of Cignpost Diagnostics and Cignpost Health. As CEO of Inchora, a UK based investment company, he has overseen the investment into companies in the UK such as Tenant Shop and Albany Park. He is also a Director of Neo Technologies and Metageni, which are both innovative data technology companies. Steve holds Fellowships with both the Royal Institute of Management and the RSA and Chairs the All Party Political Group Business in a Pandemic (Covid) world.
Nick Markham
FounderNick has extensive experience across the public, private and voluntary sectors. He is the Lead NED for the Department of Work & Pensions and chairs London & Continental Railways, owned by the Department for Transport. Previously he was the Lead Non-Executive Director for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, and the Deputy Leader of Westminster Council. Nick is also founder of social enterprise charity, Safe Haven. He has also held senior strategy and finance roles with ITV and Laura Ashley.
Frequently asked questions
Should you have any questions regarding our testing centre tests and our home testing kits, check out a selection of the most popular questions asked below or view our dedicated FAQs page for more detailed questions and answers.
Book online directly from our Home page. You can choose your preferred testing centre, time and also pay online. Make sure you can access the Testing Centre you have chosen by vehicle, on foot or an airport location. Airport Testing Centres are all landside - meaning you need to be able to clear immigration and customs to access them. Please make sure you give us your name as written in your PASSPORT, so that it matches your travel documents.
We will confirm your test in an 'Order Confirmation' email. You will then be sent a 'Booking Confirmation' email containing your Booking Reference (a number beginning CPT or SCPT) and a QR code attached for your test. This could take up to 30 minutes to receive after you’ve made your booking. We suggest you also check your spam/junk folder for the email, as some email providers may place it there.
You must bring the QR code with you when you arrive for your test. Please also bring your valid Passport, National ID or Home Office Travel Document if you have booked any travel test including an arrivals test.
Can I book over the phone?
Bookings can only be made via our website and not by phone. Our website currently shows all our available slots and you will not gain access to additional slots by calling our customer care centre.
Note: not all products are available at every site due to different laboratory processes.
Maximum Group Size
You can book for up to 5 people in one booking. If your group is larger than this you will need to make 2 or more bookings (and arrive in 2 or more vehicles at a Drive through centre).
Don't forget to bring all of your QR codes and IDs to the appointments.
4 Hour RT-PCR Tests
4 Hour PCR test results will be delivered within 4 hours of your sample being taken. (Available at selected locations by appointment: please make a booking.)
Same Day RT-PCR Tests
We aim to deliver your Same Day PCR Test results by midnight on the day of your test. (Available at selected locations by appointment: please make a booking.)
RT-PCR Tests
Please note that we aim to deliver your standard PCR test results by 10pm the day AFTER your test.
LAMP Tests
LAMP test results will be delivered 2 hours after testing. But please check that LAMP is accepted by your destination country.
Antigen Lateral Flow Tests - in person tests
We aim to deliver your Lateral Flow results in 40mins from your sample being taken, but please allow sufficient time especially if the test is required to check-in for your flight.
Antigen Lateral Flow Fit to Fly Home Tests - self swabbed
Test results are delivered in 30 minutes providing that all the information is uploaded correctly and in a readable format.
We currently have testing centres at Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh airports, as well as regional testing centres across the country - please see our 'Directions' page to find the test centre nearest to you. (Not all tests are available at all locations.)
Walk throughs and Drive throughs
Please note that some centres are 'Drive through', some are 'Walk through' and some are both of these. Please check the test centre accommodates the method of transport you intend to use.
Park to Test
Our Park to Test facilities are at our Heathrow Drive through and Birmingham Drive through sites. Both sites offer a range of tests for arrivals and departures.
They allow you to park outside the door while you go in and get your test done. It is very suitable for families and groups from the same bubble who are all getting tests at the same time.
There are dedicated parking areas for coaches, minibuses and taxis at our Park to Test centres.
