With new virus variants emerging and the COVID-19 pandemic still looming large, new travel guidelines are being issued with many mandates like negative RT-PCR test results. Affordable Rapid Testing is here to assist you with COVID-19 Same-Day Travel Testing.
Several travel destinations and airlines require a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test report before assigning you the boarding pass. If you are about to travel, ensure that you’re well-informed about the updated guidelines to be on the safer side.
What is a Same-Day RT-PCR test?
The Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test for COVID-19 is a molecular test performed to analyze the sample from your upper respiratory tract. It is conducted to look for RNA or ribonucleic acid of SARS-COV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Scientists use PCR technology to convert small amounts of RNA from samples into DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. The DNA is then amplified in cycles until SARS-CoV-2 is detected. The PCR test has been the benchmark test in the diagnosis of COVID-19 since it was authenticated in February 2020. It offers high reliability and accuracy.
What can RT-PCR tests detect?
A same-day RT-PCR test can detect any active coronavirus infection in an individual. It can also show if you contracted the COVID-19 infection in the past. It delivers accurate results and is considered the most reliable COVID-19 detection test.
When do you need the Same-Day RT-PCR test for travel?
You will need an RT-PCR COVID-19 test report if you are planning an international trip, including to the United States. Individuals not fully vaccinated must take this test not more than a day before their travel date to the US. The test has to be done not more than three days before the travel date for fully vaccinated individuals. You need to show your negative RT-PCR test result to the airline before boarding the flight.
If you’ve recently recovered from COVID-19 and are traveling to the US, you may show your COVID-19 recovery documentation before departure of the flight from another country. You will also need a letter from an authorized healthcare source or public health offer stating that you can travel.
How can you keep yourself safe from COVID-19 infection while traveling?
If you’ve undergone an RT-PCR test for travel and the result is negative, you must stick to the following covid-19 travel guidelines to keep yourself safe from the COVID-19 infection:
- Wear a mask covering your nose and mouth while traveling on trains, buses, planes, or other public transportation.
- Keep sanitizing your hands as frequently as possible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Maintain social distancing and avoid gatherings.
- Once the travel is complete, isolate yourself and monitor COVID-19 symptoms. If you find any symptoms, get tested through RT-PCR or rapid COVID-19 testing.
How accurate is the Rapid COVID-19 test?
Rapid COVID-19 tests usually provide the result within a few minutes and don’t need any laboratory analysis. Usually, rapid COVID testing is done by performing antigen tests. Rapid tests can be conducted anywhere, including pharmacies, a doctor’s clinic, airports, and school clinics. A medical practitioner inserts a cotton swab into your throat or nose to collect mucus samples for the test. The sample is then placed on a strip that shows a color change in case the sample is COVID-19 positive. It is usually more accurate for people showing clear symptoms of COVID-19. However, chances of false negatives are high, and hence this test may not be accepted by travel destinations or airline authorities.
Follow CDC for the latest COVID-19 travel guidelines
The CDC lays down pandemic-specific domestic and international travel guidelines. You can stay updated on the latest COVID-19 news from the CDC website. For more information on COVID-19 cases in the US, you can check out the COVID data tracker on https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailycases.
Where can you get same-day travel testing in Arizona?
Our labs at Affordable Rapid Testing are well-equipped to provide both same-day PCR test and rapid COVID-19 test with reliable results. Furthermore, you can get any COVID detection test done since all are priced reasonably. In addition, the location of our lab is very close to the airport, and if you’re heading towards the airport, you can get yourself tested on the way.
Reach out to us through email, call or online and book your appointment. Our locations::
