Pre-travel coronavirus test: when, where and how to do it

For those who travel, airlines and airports are increasingly being offered coronavirus testing before travel. Taking the test can convince you and others that you are not spreading the virus. New York Times.

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In recent weeks, some states, such as Hawaii, New York, Washington, DC, and some Caribbean countries, have begun allowing people who test negative for the virus (and are willing to show it) to skip the mandatory 14-day quarantine. True, some consider this process risky: people can take a test, get a negative result, and then get infected with the virus.

Are all coronavirus tests the same

No. There are two categories of coronavirus tests: virus tests, which help determine if you have a coronavirus, and antibody tests, which determine if you have an immune response due to past exposure to the virus.

If you want to know if you have a coronavirus, a test such as polymerase chain reaction or PCR should be done. These tests are considered the gold standard due to their accuracy and reliability. PCR tests can detect active infection and require a swab from the nose or back of the throat. Some tests use saliva. The test is very sensitive and looks for the genetic material of the virus.

Another type of diagnosis is an antigen test, which detects the presence of a specific viral antigen or pieces of coronavirus proteins that indicate an ongoing viral infection. For antigen tests, a sample is collected through a nasal swab.

You've probably heard of antibody tests, but they are not what you need for travel. The test checks for antibodies that can tell you whether you have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 in the past or not.

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Are Rapid Tests Reliable

Many companies have released rapid tests, mostly antigen tests, and it takes a few minutes to get results. They are generally less accurate, and false negatives can lead to a false sense of security and the inadvertent spread of the virus, but they are fast and affordable. You can check if your airline and destination accept rapid antigen test results.

How to know which test to take

Most airlines and destinations accept PCR tests, although others may also be permitted.

If you are taking a test specifically because you intend to travel, you should first check to see if your destination has a list of tests that are accepted there. If you take a test that is not approved, you may be forced to quarantine on arrival or the airline will refuse to take you on the flight.

Where to take the test

Coronavirus tests are offered in many places, including some hospitals, emergency clinics, pharmacies and doctors' offices, some churches and fire departments. Airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines offer testing at the airport or nearby destinations for passengers traveling to specific destinations. Some airports have clinics in the terminals. Companies like CareCube and Pixel by LabCorp will mail you the test and you send the sample back; they promise to send results within 12-34 hours and 36 hours respectively. JetBlue has partnered with Vault Health to deliver tests by mail.

It is recommended that you start by contacting your doctor to find out what testing options are and how long it will take to get results. If you do not have a primary healthcare provider, it is best to start with the city and state health department websites, which describe the different testing options and locations.

How long before the trip do you need to do the test?

Determining the exact time is not easy, but you cannot wait too long because you risk not getting the results in time before you travel.

For these reasons, many destinations, including France, Aruba, Bonaire, Puerto Rico and Hawaii, require a test to be taken 72 hours before departure. Abu Dhabi and Croatia require test results to be received within 48 hours of departure. Some airlines, such as Egypt Air, allow travelers to use test results taken 96 hours prior to travel, depending on where they fly. Better not to wait until the last minute to take the test.

How long does it take to get test results

Differently. If you are taking a test because you are traveling, you need to look for test providers who will return results to you within 36 hours so that you can make it before you travel. Different tests have different waiting times for results. Rapid tests usually give results in less than an hour, and PCR test results can take several days because samples must be sent to the laboratory.

There is always a risk of not getting results on time, so try to be flexible with your travel plans.

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Does insurance cover coronavirus tests?

Not all tests are covered by insurance, but following the passage of the Coronavirus Response Act in March, public and private insurance, including self-funded plans, must cover FDA-approved coronavirus tests and the costs of diagnostic testing.

Many insurance companies may not cover rapid tests such as those offered at the airport on the day of travel.

What to do if the test result is positive

Stay home and isolate yourself. Don't travel with the virus.

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