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Antigen detection. Quick test. PCR test. RT-PCR test. Antibody test. If you are tested for COVID-19 during a pandemic, you may be confused by the many options.
There are many names for COVID-19 tests, and the names of the tests needed to track your travel can seem daunting. But there are only two types of tests: diagnostic tests, which check if you have an active COVID-19 infection, and antibody tests, which check your immune system for antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19.
However, not all COVID-19 tests are created equally. Different types of tests have different accuracy and turnaround times.
Compared with the beginning of the pandemic, testing is easier to perform. Some countries have completely eliminated testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers (or no testing at all). However, depending on where you want to go, a negative COVID-19 test result may be required, especially if you are not vaccinated or traveling with unvaccinated children.
In addition, the United States still requires all passengers flying to the country from abroad (whether vaccinated or not) to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before departure.
So, what kind of test do you need? What is the difference between all the different tests? Here are the things you need to pay attention to before your next appointment to make sure you have the correct COVID-19 travel test.
Also known as: reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), real-time cycle-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), diagnostic test, virus test, molecular test, rapid test sample how Collection: nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs, saliva Turnover time: rapid antigen detection only takes 15 minutes, and rapid PCR detection only takes 1 hour. PCR test usually returns within 72 hours
The PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) detects active COVID-19 infection and is the most common NAAT test.
These are the most reliable tests to detect active COVID-19 infection and are considered the “gold standard” of current testing. Some countries/regions allow a negative rapid antigen test (see below for more information) to enter the country, but you usually need a PCR test when you travel.
PCR tests are usually easy to find because several major pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid offer PCR tests. If insurance is used, there is no additional cost. The turnaround time for results may vary by chain store and location, but is usually between 1 and 7 days.
However, some emergency care facilities have introduced “rapid PCR testing.” These are standard PCR tests with a short turnaround time, and you can receive results in as little as 30 minutes. In other words, if you are looking for a faster way to perform PCR testing, it will be expensive. The agency that provides the quick test will usually charge you the total amount, and it is usually not covered by the insurance.
Countries that require PCR testing upon entry include Anguilla (RT-PCR), Antigua and Barbuda (RT-PCR), St. Martin, Ireland (RT-PCR), Paraguay (RT-PCR or NAAT) and Bonnet Island (PCR or NAAT) test).
The rapid antigen test can check the protein on the surface of the virus. These tests are popular because of their fast turnaround time, but their accuracy may be lower than PCR tests.
More and more U.S. airports and airlines provide rapid COVID-19 testing for passengers or travelers who take specific flights or travel to specific destinations. Several hotels wishing to comply with the US testing requirements have also begun to provide on-site rapid testing.
Countries that allow passengers to enter the country with a rapid or negative antigen test include the United States, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Austria, and Croatia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded its testing program for international travel to the United States earlier this spring, allowing airlines to undergo immediate home testing, including remote surveillance.
This is good news for travelers to the United States, who may not have many testing options abroad. Passengers flying to the United States can use the self-test (if it is NAAT or an antigen test with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), it is sometimes called a home test). The test must also have telemedicine services that provide real-time supervision.
Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 home test has been approved by the CDC and can travel to the United States. Each test has two tests per box. The company said it will wipe itself twice within three days, with an interval of at least 36 hours. You can buy a second Abbott quick test at a pharmacy, but it is not proctored and cannot be used for travel. Another home test, Amazon’s COVID-19 test collection kit DTC, has received an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA.
Also known as: serological testing, serological testing, blood testing, serological testing Sample collection method: blood testing Turnaround time: can be on the same day or up to three days
The antibody test is a blood test that can determine whether a previous COVID-19 infection caused your immune system to produce COVID-19 antibodies. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that it should not be used to diagnose active infections.
Several countries, including Greece, Iceland, and French Polynesia, allow tourists to pass an antibody test to prove a previous infection.
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Editor’s note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author, have nothing to do with any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise recognized by any of these entities.
The credit card offers that appear on the website come from the credit card company, and ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation from it. This compensation may affect how and where the products are displayed on this website (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This website does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please see our advertising policy page for more information.
Editor’s note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author, have nothing to do with any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise recognized by any of these entities.
Post time: Jul-14-2021