The watchdog will probe Dante Labs over concerns it may not be delivering PCR tests on time or at all, and failing to respond to complaints and “provide proper customer service”.

Dante Labs will also face scrutiny over allegedly using terms and conditions that “may unfairly limit consumers’ rights”. 

The CMA said the provider had generated complaints from consumers via Citizens Advice and to itself directly over recent months.

The investigation is the latest stage of the CMA’s ongoing probe into concerns about customer treatment within the PCR testing market, with a previous investigation launched into private provider Expert Medicals earlier this month.

A further 19 test providers have also been told by the CMA to improve their pricing information or risk further action, while the regulator has requested “enhanced powers”, including fines, to tackle bad practices. 

The government is said to be currently consulting on the proposals.

CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli said: “People are paying significant amounts of money for these crucial PCR tests, and there is no excuse for poor or non-existent service.

“While the rules in England around PCR testing for travel are due to change in the coming weeks, the CMA will continue to investigate whether companies are breaking the law.

“Firms should be aware that if we find evidence of the law being broken, we will not hesitate to take action."