San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
GETTING TESTED BEFORE TRAVEL MAY HELP EASE CONCERNS
Several states require proof of negative test to avoid quarantine
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, some destinations, like 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.
It’s important to note that not all tests are the same.
There are two categories of coronavirus tests: virus tests, 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 test. PCR tests are considered the gold standard because of their accuracy and reliability. PCR tests require a swab in the nose or the back of the throat. Some tests use saliva. The test is highly sensitive and looks for the virus’ genetic material.
An antigen test detects the presence of a specific viral antigen or bits of coronavirus proteins, implying current viral infection. 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-19.
Many companies have released rapid tests. They are mostly antigen tests, and they take minutes to return results. These tests tend to be less accurate, and false negatives could lead people to unwittingly spread the virus, but they are fast and affordable. You can check if your airline and destination accept results from rapid antigen tests.
Most airlines and destinations will accept PCR 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.
Many places are offering coronavirus tests, including some hospitals, urgent care clinics, pharmacies and doctor’s 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-thru 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 and you send back a sample; they promise to send you your results within 12 to 34 hours and 36 hours, respectively.
It’s a good idea to start by reaching out to your doctor’s office or city and state health department websites to see what the options for testing are and how long it will take to get results.