Pre-departure test for Malta

lizziebee23

Hi, just checked the requirements for Malta and my children need to have a RT-PCR test to travel. I can’t find any details on whether the Randox pre-departure test is RT-PCR, it only describes it as a PCR test. I’ve emailed Randox but I’m getting impatient waiting for a reply. 

Does anyone know if there is a difference between tests described as PCR and RT-PCR? Or has anyone previously used Randox and can confirm it was ok for travel to Malta? 

Many thanks in advance 
Liz 

Sandtree

Never seen anyone using a different version of PCR other than reverse transcription for Covid but think we've fallen foul of the typical UK love of abbreviation so dropped the RT prefix

CKhalvashi

There is no difference. I've only seen the RT part on official documents, never in real life.

lizziebee23

Thanks for the responses. I’ve phoned Randox in the end and they’ve assured me the test will be appropriate for Malta, although at first she said the RT stood for “real time” rather than reverse transcription - which is worrying. Anyway, she said it’ll say RT PCR on the certificate so that’s all I need. The other providers I was going to use have now sold out of the test, and a third option involves trekking across Birmingham at rush hour on a Friday night so I don’t fancy my chances of getting that delivered in time.  Fingers crossed Randox works.