Diagnostics & Screening

Covid-19 PCR Testing

Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of reliable, accessible testing to screen for the Coronavirus disease has become increasingly apparent and that is why we at Rose Pharmacy are offering COVID-19 PCR tests in Greenwich.

Wondering what a COVID-19 PCR test is?

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. This is a test designed and used to directly detect the presence of the genetic material/antigens of the COVID-19 virus rather than the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies. This is only possible if the virus is present and someone is actively infected. The tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus very early on by detecting viral RNA (ribonucleic acid), which will be present in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present. PCR tests give us a good indication of who is infected and who is not.

Who needs to have a PCR test?

The COVID PCR tests are for people of all ages that are planning a holiday or need to travel abroad for various reasons. Most travellers are now required to have a certificate and document to prove to airlines and countries they are visiting that they do not have an active COVID-19 infection. The test is not suitable for anyone that has COVID-19-like symptoms or for those who have had symptoms up to 28 days prior to the test – these people should follow all government guidance regarding self-isolation and testing.
As regulations might differ, depending on the destination or airline, please make sure that you check for the most up-to-date travel information. You can do this by speaking to your airline directly or by simply visiting the Foreign Office website where more details and guidance can be found.

Get your COVID-19 Fit To Fly certificate tests in Greenwich with Rose Pharmacy.

Blood Pressure Check

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of premature death in the United Kingdom. It affects 7 million people and accounts for 1.6 million disability-adjusted life years. One of the biggest risk factors for Cardiovascular disease is Hypertension and it is estimated that over 5.5 million people are living with undiagnosed Hypertension in England alone. Early detection of hypertension is vital in reducing the risk of developing further complications including cardiovascular disease.

Unfortunately, Hypertension does not portray any noticeable symptoms and the only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked, therefore it is important to get regular check ups from your GP or your nearest community pharmacy. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

We are offering free NHS blood pressure checks to eligible people aged 40 and over with no appointment necessary.

This involves a consultation with our pharmacist. Following this, you may be invited to take home a monitor that measures your blood pressure as you go about your daily life. Depending on our readings, you may be referred to your GP. Ask us for more information about eligibility for this service.

Diabetes

At Rose Pharmacy, our diabetes risk awareness service in Greenwich is here to help you!

There are up to half a million people in the UK who have diabetes but remain undiagnosed. At Rose Pharmacy in Greenwich, via a quick and simple finger-prick blood test, our Diabetes Risk Awareness Service provides you with an assessment to better understand your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This is worked out by measuring your average blood sugar level over the previous 3 months.

Following this test-out team of pharmacists can advise you on what actions you can take to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or refer you to your GP if necessary.

Cholesterol