Reprinted with the courtesy of the New York Times. All rights reserved.
By Tariro Mzezewa
Antigen? Antibody? P.C.R. ? Understand Coronavirus Tests.
For travelers, here’s what you need to know to assure yourself and others that you aren’t spreading the virus.
For those who must travel, or those who are itching to do so, airlines and airports are increasingly offering ways to get tested for the coronavirus ahead of a trip. Taking a test can assure you and others that you aren’t spreading the virus from one place to another. In recent weeks, destinations including Hawaii, New York, Washington, D.C., and some Caribbean countries began allowing people who have tested negative for the virus and can show test results to skip mandatory 14-day quarantines, a process that some view as risky because it is possible that people can take a test, receive a negative result and then contract the virus later.
Are all coronavirus tests the same?
No. There are two categories of coronavirus test: virus test, which help determine if you have the coronavirus, and antibody tests, which detect if you have an immune response because of past exposure to the virus. If you want to find out if you currently have the coronavirus, you should plan on taking a virus test like a polymerase chain reaction or P.C.R., test. P.C.R. tests are currently considered the gold standard for tests because of their accuracy and reliability. These tests can detect an active infection and require a swab in the nose or back of the throat. Some tests use saliva. The test is highly sensitive and looks for the virus’s genetic material.
Another type of diagnostic test is an antigen test, which detects the presence of a specific viral antigen or bits of coronavirus proteins, implying current viral infection. For antigen tests, a sample is collected by nasal swabbing with hopes that there are some virus proteins in the sample. You’ve probably heard of antibody tests, too, but those aren’t what you need in order to travel. An antibody test checks for antibodies, which may tell you if you had a past infection with the virus that causes Covid-10.
Are rapid tests reliable?
Many companies have released rapid tests, which are mostly antigen tests and take minutes to return results. These tests tend to be less accurate, and false negatives could lead people to be reckless and unwittingly spread the virus, but they are fast and affordable. You can check if your airline and destination accept results from rapid antigen tests.
How do I know which test to take?
Most airlines and destinations will accept P.C.R. tests, although others might also be allowed. If you’re taking a test specifically because you are about to travel, you should first see if your destination has a list of tests that it will accept. Many places including Hawaii, Washington, D.C., New York, and a number of Caribbean countries specify which tests they will accept. If you get a test that isn’t approved, you could be forced to quarantine upon arrival, or the airline could prevent you from boarding the flight.
Where do I get a test?
Many places are offering coronavirus tests, including some hospitals, urgent care clinics, pharmacies, and doctors’ offices. Some churches and fire stations are offering testing, too. Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines are offering testing at the airport or at nearby drive-through sites for passengers heading to certain destinations. Some airports have clinics in terminals. Companies including CareCube and Pixel by LabCorp will mail a test to you; after you send back a sample, they promise to send your results within 12 to 34 hours and 36 hours, respectively. JetBlue has a partnership with Vault Health for mail-in tests. It’s a good idea to start by reaching out to your doctor’s office to see what all the available options for testing are and how long it will take to get results. If you don’t have a primary care provider, a good place to start is on city and state health department websites, which outline the various testing options and locations.
I have a trip coming up. When should I take my test?
You should get a coronavirus test before you travel. Figuring out the exact time can be tricky, but you can’t wait too long to take the test because you might not get the results back in time to go on your trip. For those reason, many destinations, including France, Aruba, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii require that the test be taken within 72 hours of departure. Abu Dhabi and Croatia require test results within 48 hours of departure. Some airlines, like Egypt Air, allow travelers to use results from a test taken up to 96 hours before travelling, depending on where they are travelling from and to. You can walt into a testing site, but it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment and to not wait until the last minute to get the test.
How long does it take to get test results back?
It depends. If you’re taking a test because you’re getting ready to go on a trip, you should look for test providers who will get results back to you with 36 hours so that you have your results by the time you leave for your trip. Keep in mind that different tests will come with different wait times for results. Rapid tests typically return results in less than an hour, and results from P.C.R. tests tend to take a few days because samples have to be sent to a lab. There’s always a chance that your results won’t arrive in time, so try to be flexible with your travel plans.
Does insurance cover coronavirus tests?
Not all tests are covered by insurance, but since the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March, many people should have coverage for coronavirus testing. Under the act, public and private insurance, including self-funded plans, have to cover F.D.A. -approved coronavirus tests and costs associated with diagnostic testing. Rapid tests like the ones offered at the airport on the day of travel might not be covered by many insurance companies.
What should I do if I test positive for the virus?
Stay home and isolate. Don’t travel with the virus.
DISCLAIMER
The statements and opinions expressed in this article are those of the New York Times. The information contained in this article is distributed for informational purposes only. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. TriLinc cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any statements or data. The information contained in this article is accurate as of the date submitted but is subject to change.
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Gerard Tellis, director of the USC Center for Global Innovation, agreed that, while low-quality health care infrastructure is an undeniable disadvantage, many developing countries have factors that have helped slow or stop Covid-19’s spread and limited near-term economic damage.